i agree with you about the CZ's. I have 2 of the 527 Varmints in 204 ruger and also a 527 Varmint in 17 remington. They are great guns. The set trigger and detachable mag are a definate plus. CZ's may be imported but they are hands down one of the best rifles you can buy for under a thousand dollars. The only way you are going to get a better quality gun is going to a Cooper or a Kimber.
Cz should be less expensive.
You can't go wrong with either one-- features are almost identical other than the Ruger being stainless---I have a m77 in 30-06 and my first varmint rifle was/is a heavy barrel m77 in 22-250. I also have two CZ 527's---an American in 204 and a Varmint in 17 Rem.
The 17 is pretty much with me in the truck all the time during hunting season so I guess that speaks for what I prefer. The 527 is a really neat little action. I like the detachable magazine, it has a set trigger and I have handloads that will get this rifle in the .5's. I will shoot it out to about 250 yds.
the 204 American is a really light rifle and if I get into calling that is what it will be used for.
I guess if I was going to buy another varmint rifle it would be another 527 varmint in 204 or 223.
Steve