12-04-2020, 05:29 AM
I think the CZ is a more finished/refined action with better machining / finishing than the Howa. All of this translates to it being a slightly smaller action with a lighter bolt that is marginally larger than a rimfire. Due to the size difference of CZ527 as compared to a standard short action (REm700, Savage, etc) if you try to work the bolt with same force then you are likely to bind the CZ's bolt when cycling it forward. It only takes a finger to run it... if you like firmly grabbing the bolt knob then odds are you will inadvertently be applying force on an diagonal to the left, and not just straight forward. There are two easy solutions that I find to resolve this issue (1) thumb directly behind the bolt to push it forward &/or (2) replace the bolt knob with something slightly larger for better dexterity, such as Badger Ordnance Mini-tactical knob, which allows better control of the bolt motion.
One other difference between the CZ and Howa is the type of bolt feed design. The CZ is truly a mini-mauser featuring controlled cartridge feed from the magazine. There is a little more resistance with this style action as the cartridge is stripped off the magazine, it is fed/capture behind the Mauser-style extractor claw. Whereas, the Howa bolt feed is simply a push feed (no positive retention of the cartridge) so there is less effort/resistance stripping off the cartridge from the magazine and pushing it into the chamber. The lips on the CZ's magazines can be tight and rather sharp. To smooth out the feeding and also reduce risk of creases/grooves being cut into brass case by magazine lips, I disassemble the magazine and use a dowel wrapped with sandpaper to round-over the sharp edges of the feed lips on inside and outside of magazine.
Hopefully this helps.
One other difference between the CZ and Howa is the type of bolt feed design. The CZ is truly a mini-mauser featuring controlled cartridge feed from the magazine. There is a little more resistance with this style action as the cartridge is stripped off the magazine, it is fed/capture behind the Mauser-style extractor claw. Whereas, the Howa bolt feed is simply a push feed (no positive retention of the cartridge) so there is less effort/resistance stripping off the cartridge from the magazine and pushing it into the chamber. The lips on the CZ's magazines can be tight and rather sharp. To smooth out the feeding and also reduce risk of creases/grooves being cut into brass case by magazine lips, I disassemble the magazine and use a dowel wrapped with sandpaper to round-over the sharp edges of the feed lips on inside and outside of magazine.
Hopefully this helps.