Help in Picking a CZ for coyote hunting in Missouri

[Unregistered(d)]

HELP!  I'm looking for a decent rifle for coyote hunting.  I'm always on a budget and it'll end up going to one of my 6 children some day.  So I can't affort top end and didn't want cheap cheap!  I really liked the value in a Savage 12FV but when I got to the store and looked at one, I couldn't believe how cheap the stock was!  I'm surprised they're able to sell them.  Then I noticed the CZ's.  They seem to be an excellent value with good accuracy and I love the set trigger.  But I can't decide which is the best choice.  I keep looking at varmint rigs, you know, the heavy barreled laminated ones that go 9 or 10 lbs?  I tried to heft a friends Rem 700 varmint and almost had to grunt!  So I thought to myself, although I love the way a laminated hvy barreled rifle with a bipod looks, it's probably not the right gun for a guy who'll hunt, then plink and once in a while shoot for fun at a conservation department range.  So, here's my thinking:  
1st:  A 527 American in .17rem.  It's light weight, good looking, and wouldn't damage fur.  2nd, a 527 American in .223; same light weight, good looks, accurate, a little more range; big advantage on ammo, cheap and lots of it out there!  Final choice is the 527 Varmint, Laminated, .223.  It's the heavy one of the three but has the 1:9 twist instead of 1:12 on the other two, it's beautiful! and doesn't seem as heavy as some of the Remingtons or laminated Savages.  

Sorry for the long winded post but I'd really appreciate hearing from some guys who shoot coyotes, don't get out as often as they'd like, and don't have the big bucks!

Thanks guys!
Gideon

[bunchok]

I have the 527 American in 223. For me it's the perfect coyote gun. It's the most accurate tapered barrel rifle I have shot. The light weight is a big deal for me because I do a lot of walking at the places I hunt. The balance is just right when shooting off-hand. I held three or four rifles with heavy barrels, all felt very front end heavy. It really comes down to the type of hunting you are doing. If you will be walking a lot, go with the American model. By the way, mine really likes the Winchester white box 45 gr jhp. They come in a 40 round value pack. Can't beat them for the price.
Good luck.

[Unregistered(d)]

Thanks for the advise.  I went coyote hunting today and thought about it while I was out there.  I definitely don't need heavy.  I just need light, quick, and real accurate for the first few shots!  I think the CZ 527 American in either .223 or .17 rem.  I like the .223 as an all-around cartridge but that .17rem seems like it would be ideal for coyotes under 200yds, with very little damage, super low recoil and noise.  It's definitely going to cost a little more to shoot, but I won't be shooting hundereds of rounds at the range all the time.  

I'll have to think some more.  Anyone else have some thoughts on .17rem versus .223 for a calling gun?

Thanks all!

[Tom-Purdom]

I own the CZ 527 Lux in .223. The darn thing will shoot half minute of angle at 100 yards with proper handloads. If you go the .223, you can handload cartridges that make a small hole going in a coyote, jello the insides and stay in there. Also, you'll get to shoot the .223 a lot more because the ammo costs so much less than .17 Remington if you buy across the counter ammo. Where do you live in Missouri. I used to live in Mexico north of I-70. Did a lot of deer hunting around there as well as a few turkey. Now I live in New Mexico and I use my CZ 527 for coyotes, bobcats and p-dogs. Tom Purdom

[Unregistered(d)]

Thanks for the input!  I think the .223 is probably the way to go!  I live in Perryville which is 30 miles or so north of Cape Girardeau.  Called in my first coyote Saturday evening and didn't even have a gun with me!  I'd received and new call in the mail (a tally-ho) and decided to drive to the edge of town by a creek where my children fish (wife doesn't appreciate my coyote calling practice sessions in the house), so I slipped into a field and called.  Noticed something a 1/4 mile away at the edge of a field and decided to call like I was on a stand.  10 Minutes later he flushed a covey of quail in a brushy draw in front of me.  A few minutes later he was standing broadside at 10ft! Exciting to say the least, even without a gun!

Anyway, thanks again for your input!  I appreciate it

[Unregistered(d)]

527 American in 222 Remington, 4-12 Compact Burris in Millett Angle Lock Rings

[Unregistered(d)]

I like that picture! I notice you have a bipod on your weapon, what length of a bipod do you like for hunting coyotes?  I like Harris bipods and noticed they come in different lenghts.  The short length is something like 9-13".  Which do you recommend?

thanks

[Unregistered(d)]

I believe the one I was using that day is a 24" version. I have a few different versions that I use for different situations. But most of the time I would rather use a simple pair of crossed sticks.

[DLS]

I left the 223 for coyote, fox, and bobcat hunting and went to the 17 Remington. The 17 Rem and a 25 gr bullet is the most fur friendly and pure death for coyotes I have seen.

I still have several 223's and they are fun and cheap to shoot. I use them mainly for target practice, and loaner rifles to newbies. But when I coyote hunt the old 17 goes with me. I really enjoy watching the impact of the bullet on the critter too.

If I didn't already have 2 custom 17's I would have bought the new one from CZ.

[Unregistered(d)]

I've heard a lot of folks saying how much they like the .17 remington for coyotes.  How much more is the ammo?  Is it getting more popular and therefore less expensive?  Is the trajectory that much flater than a .223?  I do like the sound of a flatter trajectory so I have a little less guess work when shooting distances...