CZ 600 series – A Modern, all-purpose Centerfire Rifle

CZ bolt-action rifles have been popular all over the world for nearly six decades, due to their accuracy, reliability, high quality and innovative design. The all-new CZ 600 series, takes these traditional strengths to the next level and adds several more.

The CZ 600 series represents a completely new design that does not follow in the footsteps of the brand’s existing model series. It creatively reflects, and in some respects, sets the latest trends in hunting and sport shooting.

The bolt-action CZ 600 centerfire rifles were developed as a modular system. The heart of the series is a new receiver, which is currently available in three lengths – mini, medium and long – and comes in two types of material: steel or high-strength duralumin, which is just as durable as steel. The steel receivers have a Remington 700-type mounting interface, while the duralumin receivers have an integrated Weaver rail, or a Picatinny rail on the compact “tactical” CZ 600 TRAIL model.

The CZ 600 has a two-piece bolt, with both pieces being main components of the rifle, that locks directly into the barrel. Removal and replacement of the bolt is extremely easy and requires no tools.

The number of locking lugs on the bolt head relates to the power of the cartridges. Three lugs are sufficient for the “weaker” calibers (mini receiver). For more powerful calibers, another three lugs are added in a second row, which more than doubles the locking area. In both cases, the lugs are symmetrically arranged around the perimeter, so unlocking the bolt only requires 60° of rotation. This makes it possible to reload the rifle very quickly, without the risk of the user’s hand coming into contact with a mounted riflescope.

The CZ 600 series features a unique controlled feed system. The cartridge is held in place by a short, spring-loaded ejector at the rear of the bolt. After firing, it is up to the shooter whether to choose “automatic” ejection or remove the cartridge by hand. By moving the bolt to the rear position, the spring-loaded ejector in the back of the bolt is activated.

CZ 600 rifles are equipped with a completely new, patent-protected trigger mechanism. It features single- or double-stage operation, with users able to easily adjust its four levels of pull weight that range from approx. 6 – 13.5 N. An Allen key, which is included in the standard accessory kit, is used to turn the vertically positioned adjustment screw inside the trigger guard, and in front of the trigger, to make the pull weight adjustments. Each level of adjustment is marked by the appropriate number of dots next to the adjustment screw. (On the CZ 600 TRAIL, the Allen key can be used to adjust both first-stage travel length and trigger pull weight of the second-stage between 9.5. – 17 N.)

The manual safety, which passes diagonally through the neck of the stock, is also patented. The safety is released by pressing down on it and is completely silent. This feature does not apply to the CZ 600 TRAIL model, which has CZ BREN 2 style ambidextrous safeties. When the striker is cocked, a red warning tab protrudes from under the polymer bolt cap. The bolt can be removed from the rifle by pressing the spring-loaded button on the right side of the receiver, without having to manipulate the trigger, which significantly contributes to handling safety. This button also allows the bolt to be opened when the striker is cocked and safety engaged. This is because the bolt handle is otherwise locked after activation of the safety to prevent it from being opened unintentionally, for example, when the user is moving through challenging terrain.

The many advantages of this series include the possibility of easily converting each CZ 600 rifle to any other caliber from the available range for a given receiver size. This modification can be done by any authorized CZ service center. If a previously used barrel is exchanged, the manufacturer guarantees that the barrel will retain its accuracy after the first cold shot. Light, semi-heavy and heavy barrels can be used on the CZ 600 ALPHA, CZ 600 ERGO and CZ 600 RANGE models, due to the shape of their stocks. For the CZ 600 LUX model, only a light barrel can be fitted, and for the CZ 600 TRAIL model, a heavy barrel is not an option.

The highly accurate, cold forged barrels made for the CZ 600 series have different lengths, in different calibers, for utilizing the full potential of a given cartridge. Of course, the muzzle is threaded for mounting accessories and comes with a thread protector as standard equipment.

CZ 600 centerfire rifles feature detachable, “push ‘n’ click” style double-stack box magazines made of a durable polymer. Once inserted, the magazine can be easily and securely locked in place by sliding the magazine release button up, which converts it to a fixed magazine. Cartridges can then be loaded into the magazine from above, like on a conventional top loading bolt-action rifle. The CZ 600 TRAIL model is compatible with AR-15 type polymer magazines or, depending on the caliber, CZ BREN 2 Ms magazines.

Metal components on all CZ 600 rifles are treated with an in-house protective finish that guarantees exceptional resistance to the effects of adverse weather and sweat. In addition, some CZ 600 models come with stainless steel components.

The current range of CZ 600 models includes the CZ 600 LUX that features a wood stock with a traditional European design, CZ 600 ALPHA with a symmetrical polymer stock, CZ 600 ERGO with an ergonomic thumbhole polymer stock, CZ 600 RANGE with a laminated wood stock, and finally, the CZ 600 TRAIL, which features a chassis with a telescopic shoulder stock and a duralumin forend with M-LOK slots.

Using match-grade factory ammunition, the manufacturer guarantees the CZ 600 ALPHA, CZ 600 LUX and CZ 600 ERGO models shoot sub-MOA at 100 meters (three-shot groups), and sub-0.75 MOA (five-shot groups) for the sportier CZ 600 RANGE model. The compact CZ 600 TRAIL model is guaranteed to shoot 2 MOA at the same distance.

CZ has thus covered the main uses of centerfire rifles with this series, from hunting in all types of environments to sport and hobby shooting. In all roles, CZ 600 rifles have proven themselves to be extremely accurate, completely reliable, highly safe and very user-friendly firearms, with the possibility of making substantial, but easy to carry out, modifications according to each user’s needs and preferences.

Contact Formalito for more information.