CZ 600 Series

CZ’s centrefire rifles have never proven quite as popular as their fast-evolving rimfires, but I’m fairly confident that is about to change. I was invited to the Czech Republic in early October for the launch under strict secrecy and as always, went with cautious positivity, hoping they had done to the 557 what they did to the 457 rimfire range. Well, they thoroughly surprised me, reaching far beyond what I had even imagined. The CZ 600 shows no fading echoes of its ancestors other than the quality of manufacture. From the ground up, everything is new from the action of the title to the stock options, shapes and materials as well as key functional benefits.

Scaled to fit

Available in three lengths, the 6 (long/medium) and 3-lug (short) actions show a full diameter bolt with controlled feed of ammunition from the 5-round magazine to the chamber. The detachable mag is polymer, has twin columns and can be loaded in or out of the gun, it even features a locking underside release catch to avoid any accidental loss. With many patented features, the bolt face is immediately starring as there is a sprung plunger at its base to assure each case remains lodged under the surrounding upper rim and can’t slip-free. Bolt lift is 60º, cocking on opening and with three lengths, means your action is always scaled appropriately to the cartridge, rather than being too long and relying on a short-stroke bolt stop. Bolt heads are detachable, so within the realms of action length, you can swap cartridge family sizes and the barrel can also be swapped. It’s not quite as fast as a Blaser, but neither does it cost that much. Frankly, the system looks like a great option for a long life within an action guaranteed for 20,000 rounds.

Remove the bolt, drop the action out of the stock with twin T25 Torx screws spanning the mag well, and the exposed action reveals lateral clamping screws. They’re all Torx and beautifully presented. Slacken them off and barrel slides out, replace the barrel and tension them back up in the correct order, front to back to 5Nm as engraved on the action. CZ guarantee a return to zero after the first cold bore shot, which seems a fair allowance to settle the action headspace under full firing pressure.

Fit for purpose

Depending on which variant, the actions are available in aluminium or steel. The former shows Weaver scope mounting bases on the bridges. The latter shows Rem 700 dimensions for separate bases or a full-length Picatinny rail. The bolt lugs lock into the steel barrel as most switch barrel guns do, to safely retain firing pressures within the cold hammer-forged tube. 3-round, sub- MOA accuracy is guaranteed from the standard sporting variants (Alpha, and Ergo both with aluminium action/Lux with a steel action). The Range variant with medium steel action assures 5-round, 0.75 MOA groups. Accuracy longevity from various calibres was also mentioned in the press conference. If I remember correctly, 5000-2500 rounds depending on specified calibre.

This rifle is a radical new regeneration from CZ and I was immediately impressed, they seem to be gunmakers first and businessmen second, yet their international success shows the brand clearly succeeds with that approach.

The trigger is available in single and 2-stage variants. We just used the singles on the range but just in front of the blade, there is an Allen screw that offers four detented positions to control the breaking force (600 to 1300-grams). The trigger pulls were predictable as well as crisp and although I had no tools with me to verify the weight, the pull weight seemed easy to adjust and the specification felt honest.

The safety catch is positioned vertically, behind the trigger, so passes through the stock with the upper button at the rear of the action tang. Press down for FIRE and, up for SAFE. This is inherently clever as you can feel the safety catch with your second finger wrapped around the grip, and it also locks the bolt on SAFE. The bolt release catch is on the right side of the rear action bridge.

And now for something completely different

The Trail version shows a totally different build, with a telescopically extending stock and a rotation safety on the right side of the action, above the trigger, like an AR-15. Trigger weights are slightly higher on the trail as it is seen as a relevant benefit, it’s also a 2-stage pull. Finally, surfaces on metal components come with CZ’s new ‘BobOx’chemical heat treatment, which gives it a hard, durable finish that resists corrosion. Due to its modular design, users can easily switch to a different calibre from the range for a given receiver size, or switch to a different barrel profile (limited by the stock design).

CZ seem to have taken on a huge project here and so far, look to have made an extremely good job of it. You can expect to see more of these rifles and I will be doing a detailed review as soon as possible.

CZ 600 alpha

The fibre-reinforced polymer stock of the CZ 600 Alpha features a symmetrical design, with soft-touch plastic inserts on the pistol grip, forend and toe. Nine popular calibres are available from .223 Rem. to 300 Win Mag. Its interchangeable, semi-heavy barrel comes with a 15x1 threaded muzzle and thread protector. Barrel lengths are optimized for each specific calibre and there are integrated Picatinny mounts on the durable aluminium receiver. Accuracy is guaranteed sub-MOA at 100m (three-shot groups with matchgrade factory ammunition). Easy maintenance makes this model particularly well suited for those who use their rifle on a daily basis and deeply value durability and reliability, regardless of inclement weather. This typifies an entry point hunting rifle - a tough, tactile stock with inflexible forend and truly free-floating barrel suited to any stalker or fox controller.

Technical specification CZ 600 alpha .308 win

Model Length: 1020mm
Barrel Length: 508mm
Weight: 3.2kg
Twist Rate: 1:10“
Grooves: 4
Magazine Capacity: 5+1
Sights: No
Trigger: Single- Stage, Adjustable
Stock: Polymer
Stock Finish: Soft-Touch
Cheekpiece: No
Length of Pull: 355mm
Barrel Thread: 15x1mm
Receiver Size: Medium
Available Calibres: 223 Rem, 7.62×39, .224 Valkyrie, .308 Win., 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 30-06 Sprg, 300 Win. Mag, 8x57IS
Early Price Estimate: £1127

CZ 600 lux

The LUX is a modernized, classic European centerfire hunting rifle with select grade walnut stock. It shows distinctive fish-scale chequering for grip and an ark brown laminated forend. Walnut is also used for the bolt knob and although the rifle looks like it has a Hog’s back, the comb design and other ergonomics suit a riflescope, even though adjustable, fibre optic front and rear sights are supplied. It’s available in five popular hunting calibres from .223 Rem. to .300 Win Mag. The interchangeable, cold hammer-forged barrel has a threaded muzzle (thread protector included) and the nitrided steel receiver has Remington 700 scope mount dimensions. It’s a beautiful rifle with utterly modern capability.

Technical specification CZ 600 lux .308 win

Model Length: 1040mm
Barrel Length: 508mm
Weight: 3.7 kg
Twist Rate: 1:10“
Grooves: 4
Magazine Capacity: 5+1
Sights: Yes
Trigger: Single- Stage, Adjustable
Stock: Walnut
Stock Finish: Soft-Touch
Cheekpiece: No
Length of Pull: 370mm
Barrel Thread: 15x1mm
Receiver Size: Medium
Available Calibres: 223 Rem, .308 Win, 8×57 IS, 30-06 Sprg, .300 Win. Mag
Early Price
Estimate: £1217

CZ 600 range

The Range is a target and hunting precision rifle with a factory-tested, 5-shot, sub-0.75 MOA at 100m accuracy guaranteed, using match-grade factory ammunition. The heavy barrel fully floats in a laminated stock and is threaded 18x1mm for a moderator or brake. The furniture shows excellent ergonomics, with a tool-free adjustable cheekpiece and a buttstock underside that’s ideal for a supporting rear hand or soft bag, and is spacious enough to avoid the grip hitting your wrist under recoil. There is also an underside rail for a monopod. The pistol grip is right-handed and offers a thumbup or wrapped hold. The stock shows double-sided QD sockets for sling swivel installation. Again, the nitrided steel receiver accommodates Remington 700 bases and also an aluminium bolt knob colourmatched to the stock. CZ seem to understand this rifle concept well and the accuracy improvement is beneficial. Utterly superb to shoot prone.

Technical specification CZ 600 range .308 win

Model Length: 1140mm
Barrel Length: 610mm
Weight: 4.6kg
Twist rate: 1:10“
Grooves: 4
Magazine Capacity: 5+1
Sights: No
Trigger: Single- Stage, Adjustable
Stock: Laminate
Stock Finish: Clearcote Sealed
Cheekpiece: Yes, Adjustable
Length of Pull: 370mm
Barrel Thread: 18x1mm
Receiver Size: Medium
Available Calibres: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor
Early Price Estimate: £1442

CZ 600 trail

The Trail really stands out with a telescopic stock and short, mini action with a 3-lug bolt (still 60º lift). The safety catch is replaced with a locking button for extension control and the 2-stage trigger is accompanied by a lever safety on the right side of the action. Picatinny rails are integrated on the top of the aluminium receiver and free-floating tubular forend, which also includes additional M-LOK slots. The AR- 15 compatible pistol grip features interchangeable backstraps that are compatible with the CZ P-09. With four positions, the telescopic stock features a small cheekpiece on the left side, although too far rearward for me. The .223 Rem version is compatible with AR magazines and in 7.62×39, compatible with the original CZ BREN 2 / CZ BREN 2 Ms series, fibrereinforced polymer magazines. A very interesting concept that I can see will draw followers.

Technical specification CZ 600 Trail .223 Rem

Model Length: 690-890mm
Barrel Length: 412mm
Weight: 2.8kg
Twist rate: 1:7“
Grooves: 6
Magazine Capacity: 10+1
Sights: No
Trigger: 2-Stage, Adjustable
Stock: Polymer
Stock Finish: No
Cheekpiece: No
Length of Pull: 355mm
Barrel Thread: 15x1mm
Receiver Size: Trail Mini
Available Calibres: .223 Rem, 7.62×39
Early Price
Estimate: £1262

CZ 600 ergo

The Ergo is perhaps the most eye-catching and the one I got the most range time with from a stable prone position. This premium model with a light profile barrel is equipped with a fibre-reinforced polymer stock. A comb module is included to provide proper eye to optic alignment when using extra high mounts or a thermal scope. Stock length can be adjusted by replacing the rubber butt pad, which is available in three different sizes. Calibres range from 223 Rem to .300 Win Mag. The aluminium receiver features Picatinny bases and a de-cocker is currently being developed. The Ergo is factory-tested and guaranteed to print a sub-MOA, 3-round group at 100m with match-grade factory ammunition. This rifle impressed me as it was handed to me while still very hot, with lots of mirage coming off the barrel, yet it still shot to that standard from the first to last of the 20 rounds I continued to shoot through it, retaining the point of impact. A true testament to CZ barrel quality!

Technical specification CZ 600 ergo .308 win

Model Length: 1038mm
Barrel Length: 508mm
Weight: 2.9kg
Twist Rate: 1:10“
Grooves: 4
Magazine Capacity: 5+1
Sights: No
Trigger: Single- Stage, Adjustable
Stock: Polymer
Stock Finish: Soft-Touch
Cheekpiece: No
Length of Pull: 355mm
Barrel Thread: 15x1mm
Receiver Size: Medium
Available Calibres: .223 Rem, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 30-06 Sprg, .300 Win Mag, 8x57IS
Early Price Estimate: £1262