Recently, I began a process of modernizing some of my firearms and the role each plays in my battery. Among the most useful additions is the CZ Alpha bolt-action rifle. CZ rifles, shotguns, and pistols have been an important part of my shooting life for many years. I trust the brand and individual performance of each firearm has been excellent.
Among the finest introductions of recent years has been the CZ 600 Series. Accuracy, reliability, light weight, and rugged construction are hallmarks of this rifle. The Alpha is a bolt-action rifle with polymer stock and other innovations, making the rifle desirable to modern shooters. The Alpha is offered at an attractive price and offers a sterling accuracy guarantee. The rifle is well suited to many roles including truck gun and survival use. I use the broad term emergency rifle to cover this type of utility.
CZ 600 Alpha Features
The Alpha is offered in a wide range of popular calibers. These include the .223 Remington, .224 Valkyrie, 7.62x39mm, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum. That is a wide spread of calibers and action sizes. My example is the 18-inch barrel carbine in 7.62x39mm. A light handy rifle for easy carry when hunting in wooded areas or simply riding in the jeep to cover a wide range of chores this is a light rifle that packs out easily. At 6.6 pounds without optics, the 18-inch barrel Alpha carbine isn’t difficult to carry on the shoulder.
The engineering behind the rifle is impressive. Among the best features is a modified, controlled-feed action. A controlled-feed action is a rarity in a rifle costing less than $1,000. The receiver is well finished and seems a robust design. The bolt features a 60-degree throw. The stock features gripping surfaces in the right places for good control. The pistol grip is over large at first glance but offers real stability when firing the rifle. A detachable, five-round magazine may be top loaded with the bolt open.
CZ Alpha Specifications
Action: Bolt action
Barrel length: 18 inches
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Overall length: 43 inches
Weight: 6.6 pounds
A feature I cannot praise enough is the CZ Alpha’s adjustable trigger. A set screw allows adjustment of the rifle’s trigger compression from 1.3 to 3 pounds according to CZ. The trigger action has a slight audible click as it is adjusted. My rifle was issued from the factory with a smooth 2.5-pound trigger compression. After some dry fire and acclimation, I returned the trigger to its factory setting. It seems ideal for my use.
The safety is unique to my experience. This safety is a cross bolt type. However, it is vertical in operation. The cross bolt safety is located just behind the trigger guard. Press up and the safety is on. The safety protrudes just behind the receiver.
This safety is easily moved to the fire position with thumb pressure. This safety is fast and positive in operation. I liked the trigger action a great deal, and the safety location is ergonomic and solid in operation.
The chambering is a nice choice for all-around use. I might opt for the .308 as a pure hunting rifle. In this case, the CZ Alpha was replacing an older bolt-action rifle and a lever-action rifle as multi-purpose, go-anywhere, do-most-anything rifle. The .30 Soviet just seemed right.
The rifle is light. Rifles are carried more than they are fired, and light is good to have. The rifle is powerful enough for deer-sized game and more than powerful enough for feral dogs, coyote, and dangerous humans. The 18-inch barrel develops a little more velocity than the average AK 16-inch barrel. The 7.62x39mm is similar to the .30-30 with a lighter bullet but higher velocity than most .30-30 factory loads.
The bottom line with either caliber is shot placement. The typical AK with its 4.0 MOA accuracy and the lever-action rifle with elk horn sights isn’t very accurate. The CZ is a different rifle indeed. Shot placement and good penetration go a long way. Ammunition performance was very consistent in firing a wide range of loads with 123-grain loads running from 2,290 fps to 2,449 fps. Before the firing tests, I added a SIG Buckmaster 3x12x44mm rifle scope. This is an affordable rifle scope and easily among the bargains of the day.
Buckmaster Specifications
- Reticle: BDC
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Illumination Finish: Matte
- Color: Black
- Weight: 420 g
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Adjustment W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60 MOA
Range Performance
I mounted the optic easily enough and headed to the range with a motley assortment of burner-grade ammunition, as well as premium-grade loads from the best in the industry. Results were interesting. Before engaging in longer range shooting, I sighted the rifle for 25 yards, making certain elevation was dead on and the rifle fired about 2.0 inches high. Then, I progressed to 50 and finally 100 yards.
I ended up with a zero that put the Hornady 123-grain SST (Hornady Black) load 1.5 inches high at 100 yards. If sighted for 100 yards calculated drop would be about 4.5 inch at 150 yards and 10–11 inches at 200 yards. I did not actually fire at the 200-yard distance. So, confirming the drop would be by shooting… in the unlikely event you place your mid-range cartridge into a long range role!
The CZ Alpha 7.62x39mm rifle is a joy to fire and use with modest recoil and good accuracy. Here are my firing results. Groups are three-shot groups, average of two groups, fired from a solid shooting rest.
Load | Velocity (FPS) | 100-Yard Accuracy (Inches) |
| Hornady Black 123 grain | 2,366 | .8 |
| Hornady Steel Match 123 grain *Replaced by Hornady Black* | 2,349 | 1.15 |
| Federal 124-grain FMJ | 2,299 | 1.5 |
| Federal 123-grain JSP Power-Shok | 2,338 | 1.4 |
| Federal 123-grain Fusion | 2,401 | 1.15 |
| Winchester 123-grain FMJ | 2,367 | 2.2 |
| Winchester 120-grain PDX | 2,399 | 1.45 |
| Fiocchi 123-grain FMJ | 2,288 | .9 |
| Seller & Bellot 123-grain | 2,350 | 1.6 |
| Tula 123-grain | 2,301 | 2.5 |
| PMC 123-grain | 2,240 | 2 |
| Wolf 122-grain HP | 2,379 | 1.9 |
I was surprised by the relative accuracy of inexpensive burner loads. A very few AK rifles I have tested will put three shots into ‘around two inches’ at 100 yards with a good optic and a name like Arsenal. The majority of AK rifles are good for 3.0- to 4.5-inch groups at 100 yards. As it turns out the ammunition is capable of better accuracy in the right rifle. Federal, Fiocchi, and Hornady ammunition is severely accurate.
Final Thoughts
The CZ 600 Alpha makes for a good, solid, all-around truck gun with plenty of power for medium-size game, pests, predators and even for personal defense. You may certainly dot the I of a predator at 150 yards or so given familiarity with the rifle. This rifle and caliber combination is easily mastered by those who practice. It is a fun rifle and fun is often the name of the game. I recommend the CZ rifle to anyone needing a reliable working rifle. If you are one of the many taking advantage of suppressor-ready rifles, even better.
Are you a CZ fan? What’s your opinion of the 7.62×39 cartridge? How does the CZ 600 Alpha rate against your favorite all-around truck gun? Share your answers in the Comment section.
The CZ 600 Alpha is a rugged rifle with much to recommend. 
Gripping surfaces make for excellent adhesion even when wearing gloves. 
The CZ Alpha is lightweight, but accurate. For modern hunting conditions it is ideal. 
Mount a good scope and suppressor and you are ready for most any hunting conditions. 
In appropriate calibers, the Alpha is a fine long-range rifle. The Alpha is lightweight and may be carried all day! Available in a host of calibers, and featuring a sub MOA guarantee, the 600 Alpha will do almost anything you could ask of it. The CZ 600 Alpha trigger is easily adjusted without removing the stock. 
The author used an inexpensive scope with good results in testing the 7.62x39mm version. Firing for accuracy from a solid rest was never disappointing.
I have the older model with a wood stock and a set trigger I love it and this is a handy cartridge
I own a CZ in the 6mm Creedmore very nice rifle. I also own CZin the 527 model. Not taking away from the new 600 models but CZ should have never stopped making the 527. Just and all around great rifle.
Is there a left handed alpha 600
Enjoyed the article and have been looking for a 7.62×39 all around rifle.
I have a CZ 527 wood stock that will shoot Hornady SST 123 grainer well – 5 shots at around .8. It will also shoot Wolf 5 shots under an inch. My brother has the exact same model and it won’t shoot for beans. Guess some do and some don’t.
Bought the Alpha in .223 this spring. Put a decent Vortex scope on it.It is an awesome little rifle, Believe it or not but I can get quarter size groups with Federal 55 fmj all day
Great article. Your CZ shoots much better groups than my Howa M1500 Mini. (BTW the Howa has a 5 rd detachable. Don’t believe the catalog that says “10 rd.”) I think the 7.62×39 is plenty of deer cartridge, on par with the .30-30. It’s a fine cartridge for the younger/smaller shooter. I think one-shot drops are overrated. With a typical double-lung shot the deer will run 60 yards and drop dead. It will be well-bled and no meat loss. BTW I have never seen a deer drop with a heart shot. They will still run 10 to 20 yards before they drop. A shoulder or spine shot will drop ’em but with much meat ruined. Stay safe. j
@ DREDNICOLSON. I would say there are too many variables as to what will get you a one shot drop. I have gotten a number of one shot drops from head shots on several doe (My go to occasionally when I do not have a good chest shot and it is shoot now or lose that deer from my freezer.) Years ago, during one season, I shot a nice buck that ran about 150 yards before he dropped. I watched him run and saw the big red splotch appear on his side as he ran and I fist pumped a big YES before he dropped and slid under a mesquite tree; in his dying breath, he was gonna make me work for it. I was shooting a .270. After it was field dressed and put up, I saw what I thought was a doe about the same distance from me that the buck was when I shot it. I placed the crosshairs the same place on that deer, and it dropped in its tracks. On field dressing, it appeared that the shot was nearly identical to that of the buck I had shot a couple of hours before. Both of those were heart shots and the rib cages of both deer showed pretty much the same level on injury. One ran and the other was DRT (Dead Right There, for those who don’t know.) Some things cannot be explained easily.
As an aside, I have seen a number of people shot in the chest who were undeterred from what they were doing. I have also seen people who were DRT with close to the same shot placement. I served with a number of men who continued to fight after being severely shot up but survived. I also saw a number who did not fare so well. There are too many variables when animals and people get shot to make an absolute prediction if they will drop right there.
Bo,
I’d say 7-8 times out of 10, a drop-on-the-spot is the result of the shot hitting bone on the way through. A blunt-force knockdown (and at least one ruined cut of venison). Those people had it backwards. Your deer running is actually a result of good marksmanship. 🙂
One of my most vivid hunting memories was a .308 double-lung shot at ~60y on a big 9-point. I saw him run for a good 70 yards through the scope and thought I had somehow missed. Until he stopped and look back and I could see the gushing exit wound on the opposite side. When he tried to take another step, that’s when he tipped over from shock.
I don’t have a CZ but I have considerable experience with the 7.62 x 39 some of that was from 50 years or so ago, but more recently, about 20 years or so ago, I bought a Romanian SKS with the intent that my daughter might be able to use it for deer hunting with me. As it turned out, deer hunting was not for her so I was left with that little carbine. As it turned out, that round is more than adequate for Oklahoma whitetail. I put a red dot sight on it and it has taken quite a few deer, all with one shot drops. A few of them ran, but none very far. So far, it has never let me down.
Speaking of deer running, I have had more than a few people try to tell me that if a deer runs, it is the result of improper marksmanship. One went so far to say that I needed to go for heart shots only as that will be a guaranteed on shot drop in the spot. I cannot count the number of deer that I have shot in the heart that ran, some over 100 yards. I was surprised when I field dressed them and the heart was almost completely obliterated, by either the 7.62 or my .270. Running is just a matter of how long the deer’s brain has enough oxygen to tell it to run. Same with people who get shot in combat.
Only CZ weapon ive owned is the CZ83 although a little small in caliber I simply love the feel and accuracy of the weapon
For years living in Texas had two gun I wanted to buy. The first was a 38 Super pistol, and the other one was a CZ in 7.62×39. Even then, the accuracy of the CZ in 7.62×39, using steel case ammo, lead to an almost cult following. As a Hog gun, using cheap ammo, demand was so great that an used model, covered in Rust, sold for well over retail price of a brand-new model. That was the only CZ in 7.62×39 I ever saw in person. Note that RUGER Americans in 7.62×39 were selling at a discount from list and at that time were in numerous gun stores.
I have not owned a CZ (wife said I have too many lol) but have most calibers you mentioned and like all. Very interesting info provided
I wanted to buy a CZ in 7.62×39 but I cheaped out and bought a Stoner up in that caliber. I am able to get better accuracy with the S&B ammunition that you were using. I get sub 1” groups at 100 yards and I have shot a few deer with the rifle
The Alpha appears to me as a new CZ offering that’s a more “Americanized” and trigger improved version of the Cold War designed brush rifle CZ-527M I own in 7.62×39 that CZ abruptly discontinued a few years ago. No more Turkish walnut stock, I guess, to save weight and they sometimes split after a decade of neglected firing. Good accurate, simple 7.62×39 rifle where you can really study, embrace and understand the nuances of the ballistics of the multiple loads and bullet types of the ammunition much better than AKs and VZ58s. The barrel of the CZ527M has an old 1930s style front sight cover and really isn’t designed for suppressors, but it does protect it from getting banged up and out of zero in field conditions. I assume they have the same magazines too. Buy an extra firing pin or two if they decide to take your specific model out of production or if you are a prepper. They still sell the complete bolt assembly as a part on the CZ527M. I’ve used Russian rot gut Tulammo 140 grain ammo on it too just to make sure it can be used as a compact short range sniper rifle in an urban setting. A true versatile and beautiful subtle killer rifle in the hands of a skilled shooter. Makes cheap 7.62×39 military rot gut ammo look good, like the old Sig 556R.
The Alpha appears to me as a new CZ offering that’s a more “Americanized” and trigger improved version of the Cold War designed brush rifle CZ-527M I own in 7.62×39 that CZ abruptly discontinued a few years ago. No more Turkish walnut stock, I guess, to save weight and they sometimes split after a decade of neglected firing. Good accurate, simple 7.62×39 rifle where you can really study, embrace and understand the nuances of the ballistics of the multiple loads and bullet types of the ammunition much better than AKs and VZ58s. The barrel of the CZ527M has an old 1930s style front sight cover and really isn’t designed for suppressors, but it does protect it from getting banged up and out of zero in field conditions. I assume they have the same magazines too. Buy an extra firing pin or two if they decide to take your specific model out of production or if you are a prepper. They still sell the complete bolt assembly as a part on the CZ527M. I’ve used Russian rot gut Tulammo 140 grain ammo on it too just to make sure it can be used as a compact short range sniper rifle in an urban setting. A true versatile and beautiful subtle killer rifle in the hands of a skilled shooter. Makes cheap 7.62×39 military rot gut ammo look good, like the old Sig 556R.