[rexelbion]

I am currently considering purchasing a CZ 550 in .458 Lott but have never fired one. Is this round the bear that everyone claims it is or does it kick similar to a .375 H&H.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated;)

[BigG]

The round i s not a "a bear," however it is no pussycat, either.

The 458 Win Mag - a shorter version of the 458 Lott - kicks about TWICE as hard as a 375 H&H, given equivalent factory loads 300 grain in 375 and 500 gr in 458. The Lott would just kick a little harder than the 458 Win.

YMMV

[HankB]

I've fired a .458 LOTT, but don't own one. Recoil was heavy but manageable, from a standing position. I wouldn't care to benchrest one the way I do my .375 H&H.

I just looked at a CZ550 in .458 Lott.

1) The stock didn't fit me - YMMV.
2) The stock didn't have reinforcing crossbolts. This is a problem, but readily fixed.
3) The rear sight "V" was too deep
4) The rear sight had several folding leaves - I consider these a nuisance.
5) The front sight bead was too small.
6) Haven't made up my mind about the single set trigger on a big bore rifle.
7) Overall workmanship looked good for a production rifle.
8) Mag carries at least one more round than most domestic factory rifles. Nice.
9) The barrel carried a ".458 Winchester Magnum" label, with "LOTT" apparently hand-stamped above it. Hmmm . . .

In summary, the CZ550 .458 LOTT looked like a basically sound rifle, and - assuming there are no problems with actual function - a good value for the dollar. It's just, IMHO, not fully "good to go" as it comes from the factory; a situation easily remedied.

[H&Hhunter]

Is this round the bear that everyone claims it is or does it kick similar to a .375 H&H.

I own several .458 lotts and have shot them extensivley. They are not a :"bear" to shot. If the stock fits you properly they are very mangable to shoot. They are not a plinker however and do take some getting used to.

I whole heartedly agree with everything Hank has said about the CZ. They are a good rifle for the money but to make one a functional DG rifle they'll take a little modification.

There are no two ways about it. The lott is the most functional and cheapest true heavy rifle to own and operate bar none...

I highly recomend the caliber.

The CZ 550 will hold 5 down and one up by the way..That's a good thing!

[smokemaker]

Stock fit is maybe the most important thing in recoil management. If the gun don't fit, it's gonna hurt ya. My .458 WinMag wore spurs with the factory interarms stock, but a new stock that fit well made it into a sweet shooter, almost pleasant! (Not quite, but close):evil:

[HankB]

H&HhunterI whole heartedly agree with everything Hank has said . . . I think I'll print this out and have it framed, since on occasion H&H and I haven't seen exactly eye to eye! :D

I'm curious . . . will the extractor claw on a CZ550 snap over the rim? I know that this is STRONGLY discouraged with CRF actions, but just in case TSHTF it would be nice to know that it COULD be made to work this way, and not royally jam things up if the operator makes a mistake.The CZ 550 will hold 5 down and one up by the way..That's a good thing! Indeed it is, and I always thought the CZ/BRNO rifles held five belted magnums, too. But the CZ website claims a magazine capacity of only 4 rounds in .458 Lott. http://www.czusa.com/product.detail.php?id=50

[BigG]

If I am not mistaken, my CZ550 will hold SIX in the magazine. :eek:

[mete]

I was just reading comments by a gunsmith who will not install any variable scope on a 458Lott, he will only install iron sights or fixed power scopes .The 458Lott is notorious for destroying scopes because of the recoil !

[only1asterisk]

I like my Lott. It is a versatile big bore. Loaded to it's full potential it has a good bit more kick than a equal rifle in 375 h&h.


David

[H&Hhunter]

I just played with my buddies CZ 550 it most definatley holds 5 down and one up...

I don't know if it's just his or what but it's a stock standard CZ 550.
Pretty cool guys..:cool:

[Wildalaska]

was just reading comments by a gunsmith who will not install any variable scope on a 458Lott, he will only install iron sights or fixed power scopes .The 458Lott is notorious for destroying scopes because of the recoil !

Well we have no problem with variable scopes on the Lott...well maybe a Bushnell wont work

Wildbutwhatthehellweonlybuild10-15ayearAlaska

[H&Hhunter]

This scope comment kinda begs the question....Why would you put a scope on a lott in the first place?

I've never had a scope on one so I've never had any problems that way. i have however had one demolish a stock, twice. After installing a forward recoil lug it started behaving itself. I've since started using full length aluminum bedded stocks. They hold together real well.

Also if you bed the lugs in right the first time real tight they shouldn't break out of the stock.

[WhiteKnight]

Well we have no problem with variable scopes on the Lott...well maybe a Bushnell wont work

Does this include the Elite 4200 line?

[BigG]

A Bushnell is a Bushnell, imho. Not a serious scope. jmtc