09-30-2021, 05:03 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-30-2021, 05:11 AM by Oso Polaris.)
I have owned a number of CZ527's and only 1 Howa Mini. There won't be a second Howa Mini... it is a good base rifle, but the lack of focus on improving critical design flaws (magazines and mag release), responding to customer issues, and general PITA factor really handicap the Howa Mini.
IMO - CZ 527 is a better field rifle. It is a slightly smaller rifle footprint than a Howa Mini, and it has a better balance. More importantly the CZ factory metal magazines work flawlessly (feed reliably) and the magazine locking/release latch is designed and located to firmly hold the magazines with not risk of the magazine falling out of the rifle during normal use.... Howa wishes they could make this claim about their rifle. Also, CZ has a responsive customer service and a well-established aftermarket parts market. If you weren't interest in the CZ 527, then I would suggest that you look hard at the Ruger American Ranch before selecting Howa Mini.
I had a friend last week shooting on both my CZ 527 and Howa Mini.... He decided the CZ527 was better feeling rifle to shoot, and now he plans to use it as the base for his build.
IMO - CZ 527 is a better field rifle. It is a slightly smaller rifle footprint than a Howa Mini, and it has a better balance. More importantly the CZ factory metal magazines work flawlessly (feed reliably) and the magazine locking/release latch is designed and located to firmly hold the magazines with not risk of the magazine falling out of the rifle during normal use.... Howa wishes they could make this claim about their rifle. Also, CZ has a responsive customer service and a well-established aftermarket parts market. If you weren't interest in the CZ 527, then I would suggest that you look hard at the Ruger American Ranch before selecting Howa Mini.
I had a friend last week shooting on both my CZ 527 and Howa Mini.... He decided the CZ527 was better feeling rifle to shoot, and now he plans to use it as the base for his build.