527 .223 American or Varmint

[rclee]

I need some input. I'm thinking of getting a 527 in .223 for plinking and paper punching at the range. I don't plan on hunting with it as I have a 25-06 or an AR in 6.8 SPC for that. Going with .223 since I have a Mini-14 and already have .223.

I've done a search, read what I can find on both and even the carbine (which I would get in 7.62x39 for under 200 yards deer for my daughter if I can figure out how to justify it) but am looking for input of the American vs Varmint for my purposes.

Any reason to choose on vs the other?

I already have a 452 scout and trainer, a 455 American in .22 mag and a number of pistols in 9mm so am familiar with CZs.

Bob

[Dink]

Hi Bob, I own 2 of the 527 varminters. A 17 Hornet with a 24" barrel and a 204 with a 25.6" barrel. They are both very nice rifles and shoot real well. My advice would be the heavier barrel if your shooting targets/paper. These guns are not that heavy, especialy the 24", so you would not have a weight issue varmint hunting with them iether. Good luck

[david s]

If your rifles going to be riding shooting bags on a bench then heavier is generally better than lighter. There's just more mass to counteract any shakes or tremors you'll generate. The heavier barrel is a better heat sink and will heat up more slowly also. If you were going to carry or sling the rifle then weight might have been a consideration but for bench work the Varmint would be my choice.