Narrowed the decision down, finally, between a Steyr ProHunter/7mm-08, or CZ550 in 6.5x55.
Plus of the Steyr - I own an M40A1, I like their feel/quality/customer svc. Accurate, reliable, ultra-safe, fort-knox reciever (150,000PSI!?), Balance, ergos, detach mag WITH the disabling system (1/4" drop to get rounds away from bolt), Set trigger (must)
Minus - Price, availability. I can order one from SteyrArms, but I'm looking north of $1150, not counting scope. I need a scope. I'm not skimping. Also, I can "Deal" with a closed top/ejector/push-feed, but Ive always been fond of controlled-feed/manual ejection/open top, for round-loading. Thus:
CZ550 - SOLID rifle, Mauser action (and reciever, closest build to original, 'nuff said), open-top, accurate, available (local can order), cheaper than Steyr (American is only $720). Can scope with add'l funds, or get the FS model.
CZ drawback - I'm in new england. We have weather changes like a tween's moodswings. A poor Walnut stock, no matter how well made, could suffer. I may be shooting year-round. Also, hence why I'm disinclined to the FS, though the mannlicher stock is pretty. No detach mag/fast reload. Not known to be AS accurate as a Steyr, and there's been complaints of stock-breaks, and general quality drop in the past year, eg poor wood-choice. No offer in 7mm-08, but avail in 6.5x55. Kevlar is kinda...fugly, IMO.
Suggestions?
Plus of the Steyr - I own an M40A1, I like their feel/quality/customer svc. Accurate, reliable, ultra-safe, fort-knox reciever (150,000PSI!?), Balance, ergos, detach mag WITH the disabling system (1/4" drop to get rounds away from bolt), Set trigger (must)
Minus - Price, availability. I can order one from SteyrArms, but I'm looking north of $1150, not counting scope. I need a scope. I'm not skimping. Also, I can "Deal" with a closed top/ejector/push-feed, but Ive always been fond of controlled-feed/manual ejection/open top, for round-loading. Thus:
CZ550 - SOLID rifle, Mauser action (and reciever, closest build to original, 'nuff said), open-top, accurate, available (local can order), cheaper than Steyr (American is only $720). Can scope with add'l funds, or get the FS model.
CZ drawback - I'm in new england. We have weather changes like a tween's moodswings. A poor Walnut stock, no matter how well made, could suffer. I may be shooting year-round. Also, hence why I'm disinclined to the FS, though the mannlicher stock is pretty. No detach mag/fast reload. Not known to be AS accurate as a Steyr, and there's been complaints of stock-breaks, and general quality drop in the past year, eg poor wood-choice. No offer in 7mm-08, but avail in 6.5x55. Kevlar is kinda...fugly, IMO.
Suggestions?