Awww, c’mon man!
CZ just went and offered up a variant on my CZ 600 Lux that I could not possibly justify — and still want. A carbine version designed to fill the CZ527-shaped hole in the hearts of aficionados of the great Czech arms manufacturer. Seriously, I’m perfectly happy with my Lux, which I picked up at an absolute bargain price, and the features on this ’un ain’t enough to really give me a pang. But if you’re in a market for a handy woods-walker, well here you go….
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Natty Bumppo of Last of the Mohicans fame was known as La Longue Carabine (The Long Rifle). The standard of the day back in the 18th Century was long-of-barrel (although Rogers Rangers were known to cut down their Brown Bess muskets). Nowadays, the emphasis has shifted to short, light, handy carbines. With modern powders and bullets, you can get a lot of performance out of a shorter barrel. Anyways… the modern “ranger” is apt to carry a carbine rather than a Long Rifle.
And a side note: In the Lord of the Rings movies, Aragorn (Strider) was armed with a very short bow — the antithesis of the English Long Bow. More suited to a Comanche or an African Bushman than to an English Forester, TBH. I always kinda dug that…
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Henry Repeating Arms Co. also just added to their storied line — a collaboration with Big Woods Bucks.
As the name implies, the Henry H14 Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine is designed for hunting in dense timber. It sports an 18.5-inch barrel and comes in at 39 inches overall.
Developed in collaboration with Big Woods Bucks (BWB), a team of expert woodsmen and trackers from the Northeast, this is a purpose-built deer rifle for hunters who spend their time in the kind of country where shots come fast and close, the rifle in your hands needs to balance right, and be ready to finish the job immediately.
Chambered in .308, this is a hard-hitter in short, quick, handy package. If you range the woods in, say, Maine (*cough*) this might be a carbine for you…
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Joaquin Jackson knew a thing or two about the field applications of a carbine. His short Winchester 94 was featured in the most iconic photo of the modern Texas Ranger:
Our friends at Rock Island Auction Co. are selling that rifle, and a couple of Jackson’s sidearms.
Quixotic Mainer says
I love the Long Ranger series, they are indeed just right for scouring downeast Mirkwood for venison. Great news for CZ to revive their carbine too. I’m wont to say the 527 is better at being a scout rifle than a scout rifle is. I treasure mine even moreso now that it’s a discontinued piece.
JimC says
Downeast Mirkwood. Love it.
Russ Lucas says
I always wanted a 527 and found one new in the box so I went to the range today and the bullets hit the target sideways .Nothings ever easy with me
JimC says
Hmmm. .223? What weight bullet?
Russell Lucas says
Yes 223, I think it is just a bullet weight problem tried 65 grains I will drop back to 55 and see what happens
JimC says
If it’s one of the 1:12 twist models, it’s definitely a bullet weight problem. 1:12 can only handle 55 or 62 grain bullets. Actually, 62 is pushing it. I’m betting that’s the issue. You may have to stick to 55 grain.
Russ Lucas says
I thought only the vermit model came in 1:12 but looks like i was wrong again
Joe says
That CZ looks great, and so does the Henry. Can’t beat a good carbine.
I’ve had fun learning about Joaquin Jackson and how much notoriety that 94 he carried truly has. I also didn’t know about his foray into Hollywood. A true legend!
JimC says
That was very cool stuff Joe.