12th April : Zastava CZ99 Precision 17HMR

Name     :   Zastava CZ99 Precision .17HMR

Caliber   :  .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire


Capacity :  5 Rounds


Weight   :  6.2lbs or 2.8kg


Length   :   41in or 1040mm


Action    :  Bolt Action Repeater


Origin     :  Serbia


Zastava Arms has been in business for 1853, first producing cannon barrels, then latter moving into the production of rifles predominantly for the military. During the Second World War the Zastava factory was used for making ammunition and a small number of rifles and rifle parts until 1942 when the German occupiers shut the factory down and its production equipment were moved to equip other factories.  Upon the end of World War Two Zastava was rebuilt and started producing a version of the Mauser K98k known as the M1948.  Up to today Zastava has been producing their own versions of the AKM series of rifles and their own pistols based on popular designs.  Though through this time they have produced relatively small numbers of hunting arms, which is were the CZ99 Precision comes in.


The name CZ99 Precision, is a little confusing for some as another popular manufacturer predominately uses the prefix CZ in their firearm's name, however this is not Zastava trying to capitalize on others success necessarily, since 1946 the name of the Zastava factory is Crvena Zastava, thus CZ has been roll marked on several of their rifles since.


Using a version of the Mauser action, the CZ99 Precision is a solid and utterly reliable little rifle.  Designed with the varmit and sports shooter in mind this rifle is available in .22LR, .22 WMR and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, the latter caliber is what we will look at here. The barrel making process that Zastava uses when making the CZ99 is called Cold Forging a popular process of hammering lengths of cold steel around a rifling insert.  Furnished with a beautiful walnut stock and blued metal components the CZ99 is a nicely finished rifle on par with many other quality firearms of the type for a considerable discount.  The pricing on the Zastava is by no means "dirt cheap" but it does take a prospective purchaser who up until now has been looking at budget rifles to consider spending a little more and getting a rifle that is of superior quality over the 'entry level'.  In a simple sentence 'value for money'.


The CZ99 Precision is available in .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire cartridge a round that is steadily gaining popularity.  This round was created in 2002 and is effectively a .22 Winchester Magnum necked down to .17 (4.5mm) caliber with a 17 or 20 grain projectile.  The round boasts several advantages over its parent round such as higher muzzle velocity, flatter trajectory, longer range, with the potential for greater accuracy.  Though it is more more expensive and doesn't have as much kinetic energy due to the lighter projectile.  


The Zastava rifle has a smooth operating bolt and has an adjustable trigger for different weights.  Overall it's tight tolerances make its bolt a pleasure to use.


INTERESTING FACT :  Just to make things more confusing Zastava also produces a pistol with the name : CZ99.


PRO's   :   Quality, Reliability, Accuracy, handy size


CON's   :   .17HMR is more pricey, ejectors hold to tightly on some ammo


COOL FACTOR : 6/10