Hey All,
I came across this info originally on RFC and reposted on it Saubier. I tried to join here but haven't bee able to post until today but it looks like the news hit here as well already. COOL! Definitely a long time Czech fan
(nearly 3 decades) and a recent convert to the 6.5 G.
Glad to see so much love for one of my favorite rifles (CZ 527) around here. I like them so much I have them in 17 Rem, 17 HH, 19 Badger, 22 Hornet, .204R, .221 FB, 22 TCM, 22 Hornet, .223 Rem and 7.62x39. I also have owned several more in various configurations and calibers. After having them all, I have settled on the Carbines, American & FS's and have sold all my Varmint HB's in favor of lighter walkabouts.
As noted, there are several new CZ offerings for 2017 but the main one of the ones that caught my eye personally is that the CZ 527 will be offered in the 6.5 Grendel in 2017. I also personally think this is a match made in smaller caliber & small action heaven
(As also noted there will be several changes to the 527's in general as well...which may get even more converts for those that normally have offended eyes by the magazine well & the 5 shot magazine hanging down etc. :p
)
As to pricing, I admit to being a bit prejudice but I can't see anything else out there that you can get more bang for the buck from. For me the Turkish Walnut stocks, the SST's (easily worth $100-$200 by itself IMHO), detachable 3 & 5 round magazines, the consistently accurate cold hammer forged barrels tied in to a miniature Mauser based action is tough to beat...in so many factor stock configurations.
(BTW, may of the stocks can be swapped around and there are [I]several AM stock offerings as well.)[/I]
To my understanding, several reasons this caliber was developed (minus the auto load aspects) is exactly why it is such a great fit for the little CZ 527. Many great factory and reloading options, low recoil, relatively inexpensive to practice and hunt with. Smaller light rifle platforms with a short throw & fits in the small 527 magazine well.
What I like, besides the obvious targeting capabilities, is it has the potential to be such a great walking around rifle for many hunting applications from varmints to deer....
legal in all 50 states. It is also going to be great for those smaller framed shooters & yield great results IMHO. Heck I am 240# and I like a nice light rifle for mountain hikes. (AND...we can also have a nice little auto-loader counterpart to go with it.
more on that shortly.) I will absolutely be in line for the first batch of these & plan on investing in this platform and replacing several other items I currently have including several .308/7.62 NATO's.
My only disappointment is that it is slated to only be offered in the little 527 in a 24" barreled American. What were they thinking? I think they are missing the boat on a huge opportunity & need to offer it in additional formats. Heck, I can't remember how many threads I have read on here and the rest of the Net about folks specifically buying a CZ 527 Carbine in 7.62x39 just to convert to 6.5 Grendel. For me...I am just wanting a, lighter, all-around rifle with integral metal sight system and hence a bit shorter barrel. As someone else said, most gunsmiths skills are a bit weak on the lengthening of barrels & better at shortening them though & I will take what they offer.

...even if I have to cut off about 4" from the barrel. That is until they come out with exactly what I want.
Which is...a 6.5 Grendel in a 527 Carbine or even a Full Stock with an 18"-20" barrel...
AND iron sights. I want a very capable all around walk-about rifle. My personal overall uses for me & mine will likely be <400 yards...likely much less most of the time. Yes, I get it is cable of consistent LONG ranges placement & additionally retained great velocities and energies. I like that too...but that is not all I want it for & paper or metal gongs will not be the chief application. For me, <400 yards is the max I currently feel good about hunting with it.
I think, that since they aren't really even produced yet, I may at least express my thoughts to those at CZ-USA this next week. While it may not affect anything this year...
it could...and it may eventually if there is enough confirmed demand for additional formats.
Lastly..I have never been a big AR guy. Nothing against them but settled on different platforms including DR-200's & AK's. However this caliber has me finally interested in one so I can keep a multi-gun platform & the AR seems to be the simplest most cost effective platform for a gas operated 6.5 G...especially since the caliber was designed around it.
Anyway...like the sight and the great info...seems like a god crew here. Sorry so long.
All the best!
TOU