Modern Rifles for Texas Hunters

THERE’S A LOT OF TRADITION surrounding hunting rifles.

For years, many, if not most hunters, used a rifle because it was passed down from their father or grandfather. Or maybe they stuck with that old lever action .30-.30 or bolt action .270 out of reverence for hunting’s past.

There is however a generation of hunters, intrigued by newer calibers, cutting-edge technology, and cool design. Nowadays you can get the best out of Dad’s favorite caliber, but with all kinds of highly functional bells and whistles.

Or you can choose rifles, Dad wouldn’t have even dreamed of growing up.

Let’s take a look at some modern hunting rifles designed for everything from deer and hogs to varmints and squirrels.

CZ 600 Alpha: The Alpha was designed as the rifle that can do it all and does it in sub-MOA style in calibers ranging from .224 Valkyrie to .300 Win Mag.

The lightweight aluminum receiver balances the semi-heavy barrel for a combination that won’t weigh you down while being very tolerant to a wide variety of loads.

The black, fiber-reinforced stock is optimized for more modern technical shooting styles with a parallel comb, symmetrical geometry, and a vertical grip.

Serrated soft-touch inserts are located in multiple grip zones throughout the stock and are much appreciated when conditions are less than ideal. The integral Picatinny rail allows the shooter to choose from seemingly endless optic mounting solutions.

CZ 600 Trail: This light, compact rifle is packed with a full set of features that make a difference to today’s marksman. The Trail features AR magazine compatibility in .223 Rem and uses CZ Bren 2 magazines in 7.62×39mm. In addition to a common magazine, the Trail delivers ambidextrous mag release and safety levers that will feel familiar to those used to the AR platform.

The PDW-style stock is quick to deploy and allows the Trail to collapse to a very compact OAL when space is at a premium. The .223 Rem model utilizes AR-style magazines and the 7.62×39mm model uses CZ Bren 2 mags.

CZ 600 LUX: The refined lines and traditional style of the Lux reflect adherence to tradition, but with a modern flare. The new comb geometry is optimized for use both with optics and the fiber-optic equipped iron sights while retaining the iconic look of the Bavarian-style comb. Fish-scale checkering and a decorative forend complete the look.

The steel receiver is drilled and tapped for Remington 700 pattern bases. The advantage of the Lux goes beyond mere aesthetics; it comes with a sub-MOA guarantee as well.

Precision Trainer: A constant in CZ’s rimfire line, the Precision Trainer was designed to provide the same look and feel as a full-size tactical rifle while allowing for more economical training. Though the golden days of cheap and plentiful .22 LR ammo may be behind us, the Precision Trainer has become more popular than we ever could have imagined. Based on the PRS1 stock, this special Manners carbon-fiber composite stock provides a rock-solid platform and is finished in a three-color camouflage pattern with a base of carbon fiber peeking through the background.

The stock itself has multiple layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass, hand-laid in high-temperature epoxy resins, then placed in a vacuum and heat-cured to create the perfect resin-to-fabric ratio. Combined with a 24-inch tapered varmint barrel threaded 1/2×28, the Precision Trainer is a paper-puncher with surgical precision.

Razor Dobbs of Razor Dobbs Alive outdoor television has worked with CZ for years. He said hunters should study both the game and the rifle to make the right decision.

“The key in picking a hunting rifle,” he said, “is to study the game you will pursue, match up the right cartridge, and then figure out which rifle can meet all of your other needs. Rifle selection in many ways is a very personal thing, and we all have our preferences.”

“Having the right rifle in your hand can not only help you down big game, but it might just save your life if you come across dangerous game. Make sure you think it out and make the right decision.”

Meeting your needs is what is really important.

It’s not about the guy in some gun forum who acts as an expert about everything. It’s not about what your friends at work use. It’s about the game you pursue, the style of rifle you are comfortable using, and choosing something you will use for years.

Choosing a hunting rifle can be fun, especially nowadays when there are so many choices.

 

 

—story by TFG STAFF

 

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