CZ-USA may have a tongue-twister of a name (Česká zbrojovka), but the rifles it turns out all speak the universal language of shooters everywhere: "PewPew." Long known for dependable, quality-made rifles, CZ-USA has a new update on its tried-and-true 557 line: the Eclipse. Available in the three most popular big-game hunting cartridges out there, the Eclipse was created for American hunters whose backs (and wallets) could use some relief.
Although the 557 Eclipse uses the same push-feed action as the well-loved existing 557 line, CZ's engineers put it on a diet. The wooden stock has been replaced with glass-reinforced polymer, cutting the rifle's weight to 8 lbs. This also cut the rifle's MSRP to $659, meaning that it's probably going to be available in gun stores for around $600—and that's a very big deal to CZ fans. After all, this puts the remarkable accuracy and ruggedness of a CZ rifle within the budget of your average American family.
CZ-USA's 557 Eclipse is all business. The push-feed action is mated to a 20.5" CZ barrel, cold hammer-forged and lapped in the CZ factory for incredible accuracy and a long shooting life. The stock boasts a strong pistol grip, high comb and slight palm swell with a Soft Touch surface finish that will shrug off rotten weather and rough treatment.
The 557 Eclipse is available in .308 Win., .30-06 Sprg and 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5 Creedmoor version includes a muzzle with 5/8x24 threads for a suppressor or brake. All models feed from a five-round, internal magazine with a hinged floorplate. What's particularly cool about the 557 Eclipse is that it's designed so your optic can mount directly to rings—you don't have to install a base. This eliminates a potential failure point between your rifle and your glass, another boon for rough-and-tumble outdoorswomen. MSRP: $659; cz-usa.com
CZ 557 Eclipse Specs:
- Chambering: 30-06 Sprg, 308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel Length: 20.5"
- Barrel Material: Cold Hammer Forged steel
- Twist Rate: 1:10" (.308 and .30-06) or 1:8" (6.5 CM)
- Overall Length: 41.65"
- Barrel, Receiver Finish: Black
- Magazine Type: Fixed
- Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Stock: Synthetic, black
- Sights: None, integrated 19 mm dovetails
- Length: 20.5"
- Trigger Mechanism: Fully Adjustable
- Safety: Two-position, push-to-fire
