CZ 550 American safari

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Action_Can_Do

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Well, after a year of thinking about it I'm in the market for a 458 winchester magnum. The leading contender of the guns I've looked at is the CZ. Can anybody share their knowledge of the good points and bad points of this rifle?
 
I wouldn't have a set trigger on DGR. 2 position safety is somewhat of a drawback for me also. I would look at Ruger's RSM in 458 Lott. There is a lot to know about DGRs that isn't immediately obvious. If you are not planning to use it on dangerous game then that is a different matter.
 
The one thing that I despise about that particular rifle is the sling swivel stud on the forearm, I much prefer it to be on a bbl band for DG rifles. Personally I found the Euro (hogsback) style stock to be more comfortable in CZ, but that is just a personal preference. The rifle also has a fairly rough action out of the box, but I am certain that it can be cleaned up. I nearly decided on a Ruger M-77 Mk. II (but the stock doesn't fit me well), but then found a nice Whitworth Express (in .375H&H) that fit my needs (or rather, wants) and was within my budget, it also had a polished blue finish to boot. If I wanted a new rifle, then I would take a real hard look at the return of the Winchester M-70 Safari Express (available in .458WM, .416Rem., and .375H&H IIRC).

What is the intended purpose of the rifle? If it is large, dangerous game in Africa I would lean towards a .416Rigby or .458Lott (I considered both before I made my purchase). If you plan to use it for large NA game (such as Kodiak/Polar bear) then I would look at the .375H&H (or perhaps a .416Rigby) for the better trajectory. The .375H&H can mimic the trajectory of the .30-06 (and performance with the right loading, adding a little versatility and less meat damage) and the .416Rigby isn't too far off either. The trajectory of the .458s is abysmal, but they are inexpensive to handload for (OTOH the .416 is not).

:)
 
the sling swivel stud on the forearm, I much prefer it to be on a bbl band for DG rifles.
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Maverick223, is there any science or tactical-advantage behind this, or just personal preference?

i'd imagine that a sling/bracket on a barrel would effect accuracy and harmonics much more than it being on the forearm.
 
Maverick223, is there any science or tactical-advantage behind this, or just personal preference?

i'd imagine that a sling/bracket on a barrel would effect accuracy and harmonics much more than it being on the forearm.
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Just preference, fire a heavy recoiling rifle with a stud in the forearm without a tight grip and you'll understand. ;) It can chew you up pretty bad. I am sure that it affects the harmonics and if you tighten up on it you can surely deflect the barrel slightly, but for the kind of targets and range that it is suited for (particularly the .40cal+ rifles), you probably wouldn't notice the difference. That said I wouldn't own a benchrest/target rifle with a bbl-band stud.

One last detail, if you plan to take this on a serious hunt (dangerous game), I would stick with CRF; you can argue with me all day, but I have had nice push feeds fail me, and that is not an option for a DG hunt. I like PF, but NOT for stuff that wants to claw, trample, or "play" chew-toy with me. :uhoh:

Here is what I decided on:
IMG_4596.jpg
 
That about sums up the DGR CRF school of thought about as well as it can be. :) Only thing I'd add is that CRF prevents short stroking, which (IMHO) is the biggest issue with push feeds.

Lovely rifle! :D

ACD, look at the Barnes 400 gr bullets. I was able to drive them to 2350 fps (IIRC) in my .458 with no problems. Getting an honest 2050 FPS with 500 grain bullets is tough.
 
.458 CZ?

I thought it was the .458 Winchester. These do deserve a look, if you can find one...

535116m.jpg

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535116
 
I wouldn't have a set trigger on DGR.
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Why not? It's not like you have to use the set feature. I haven't heard of any reliability issues with CZ triggers, related to the set feature or anything else. Is that just your personal preference or is there an objective reason? Not trying to flame, honestly curious.
 
Only thing I'd add is that CRF prevents short stroking, which (IMHO) is the biggest issue with push feeds.
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I hate it when that happens!:p

Nothing wrong with the CZ, except that we in the US can only get but a scant few of the models CZ actually produces! Other than that, I think you'll find a CZ Safari to your liking!

We have not sold any Winchester Safari magnums yet, so, no chance to fool with one yet, but they look to be just as well built as the rest of the Winchester line....
 
Lovely rifle!
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Thank you, Al.

Why not? It's not like you have to use the set feature.
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That's what I was thinking. I have adjusted my trigger down to a couple pounds, but am considering getting a set trigger for it, so I am all ears WRT problems with set triggers. Reliability is paramount, so if it in any way compromises the reliability it is out of the question.

:)
 
No compromise with regards to reliability, but when 'set', they tend to go off if jarred hard. Also, not a good practice to carry it in the set mode!
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Not worried about that, if I use the "set" feature it will be as time permits before the shot. I wouldn't carry any rifle "set" regardless of type.

:)
 
I don't own the 550 Safari, but I do won 4 CZ rifles. They make a fine product IMHO. As for the single set trigger I only use it from the bench and the 3 position safety is a nice feature. You can unload your chamber with the rifle on safe.
 
I've been dreaming of a CZ in 458 lott. CZ 550....super nice. I've only ever fired in 30-06 but still, I'd buy one based on my small amount of experance with them.
 
I'm surprised about the lack of enthusiasm regarding this rifle. I did look at other platforms and found most of them priced much, much higher. The price on the Ruger bolt action in particular made me raise my eyebrows. For those who asked, odds are this rifle will never see Africa but there's a good chance it will see some hunting in North America. The biggest reasons I want it are
1. It's a true full size action.
2. It has great sights. (I don't plan on scoping it)
3. I like the stock laminate choices.
4. It has a sweet price. (about a grand lower than most of it's competitors)
5. I want an elephant rifle.:evil:

I guess that pretty much sums it up.
 
I'm surprised about the lack of enthusiasm regarding this rifle.
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Honestly, I did't see anything to get enthusiastic about when I looked at them. Have you handled and worked the bolt on one? That said, there is nothing wrong with the rifle either. It is a good solid rifle that, with a little work and polishing, can make a great rifle that I wouldn't be ashamed to take to Africa. The biggest fault (for me) was the sling swivel stud on the furniture, and ho-hum finishing (not bad, but the bolts was a little rough, and furniture was bland). I handled several in both hogsback and American versions, and all had the same faults (as well as good features).

The price of the Ruger M-77 Mk. II is steep, but if you buy used you can save up to $1k on a rifle that has been scarcely shot (same with other makes/models). That is the beauty of buying a used "Elephant Rifle", people shoot them and then decide that they don't care for the recoil, it gets packed away in the back of the safe, then after a couple years sold in great condition. I think the CZ used to be the best buy for an inexpensive Express rifle, but that time has passed IMO. The CZ has went up in price and the new Winchester appears to a nicer rifle (at the same price)...but get what you like.

The one thing that you might want to reconsider is your choice of chambering (have you shot a .458 Mag.?), the .45s are great for Buff on up, but they are gross overkill for anything in NA. The recoil is significant, but not sharp, so with proper technique it can be managed (even fun, if you are a bit crazy like myself). The trajectory is the biggest fault, as shots on big Kodiak/Polar Bear (I assume that is what you would be using it for) or Am. Buffalo/Bison can be a decent distance (especially Polar Bear). This is why I would suggest a .375H&H or a .416Rigby (or their equivalent Ruger/Remington counterparts). I went through the same process as yourself, and being the sentimental fool that I am, decided that the .375H&H was the best combination of affordability (for reloading), power, and trajectory. The fact that it is 99yrs old and still well regarded for dangerous game didn't hurt my decision in the least. However I am getting ready to start a second project that will satisfy my desire for a really big .45cal boomer, so I understand the call of the .45+ caliber dangerous game rifle. :D
 
Hee hee, I know a guy who will use (my hand to god) ONLY a .458 winmag rifle for hunting our small whitetail deer, or at least so he says anyway. I suggested a pea shooter like 30-06 but he shooked his head and laughed - nope it's got to be a .458. :rolleyes:
 
Maverick, I'm gonna have to reveal my ignorance here. What is crf?
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What sumpnz said...but it doesn't necessarily have to have the big claw (though I prefer it for durability), however most do (typically based upon the Mauser); and don't get me wrong you are looking at the right ones. All that you mentioned and was suggested thus far have been CRF, which is typical for DG rifles, but there are some PF (push feed, like the Rem. 700) big bores on the market.

Hee hee, I know a guy who will use (my hand to god) ONLY a .458 winmag rifle for hunting our small whitetail deer, or at least so he says anyway. I suggested a pea shooter like 30-06...
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Well I suppose that it will get the job done, and actually doesn't typically destroy the meat like you might think...but I think your pea-shooter might have gotten the job done...with less weight, recoil, expense, and better trajectory...but who cares about that? :rolleyes:
 
As to why I wouldn't have a set trigger on a DGR... Instead of looking at it with the view of "what is the downside?" What is the upside? None that I can think of, and there are downsides. More complexity, more parts, and no advantage whatsoever. What possible reason does a set trigger serve? Is it more reliable? Saying I wouldn't use it under those circumstances is a naive approach that has a possibility of unnecessarily endangering life and limb, and not just yours but everyone on the ground with you. If you are contemplating DG hunting I highly recommend doing some research and making up your own mind. DG situations have a way of bringing any mechanical weakness or lack of preparation to the forefront. The 'danger' in DG hunting is very real and should not be taken lightly.
As far as the Ruger being expensive, I disagree. It is one of the best off the shelf bargains in a DGR. It is a cost vs value decision. Any production rifle will most certainly require some work to be suitable for the purpose and the Ruger will require less work and expense than the CZ in my opinion. I missed the forearm sling stud thing but I consider a barrel band attachment in this application a requirement also. If the stock doesn't fit you then that is definitely something that needs to be addressed and replacing/working stocks beyond changing length of pull is not an inexpensive proposition. If you are 50 yds away from an animal that has the ability and the inclination to 'kill you back' I guarantee you won't be considering the money spent.
 
If the stock doesn't fit you then that is definitely something that needs to be addressed and replacing/working stocks beyond changing length of pull is not an inexpensive proposition.
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For me, the Ruger stock seemed to be uncomfortable but workable, however I am still glad that I went with something else (that is comfortable).

:)
 
Maverick
I'm curious why you seem to prefer the 416 rigby to the 458 winchester? It's my understanding that for hunting dangerous game, one doesn't want to shoot past 100 yards or so due to energy loss, so the superior trajectory doesn't seem to mean much. I'm also curious about how you feel about the 458 lott.
 
I have a 550 Safari American in 375 H&H. One with the front swivel stud in the foreend. I would have prefered it to be on a barrel band, but even with my long arms it has never been a problem. As far as the set trigger, don't set it and it works like a conventional trigger, no problem. When I first picked up the rifle I wanted it, did not have a need but I liked the size and weight, it just felt like a man's rifle, plus it fit me perfectly. I threw it up and the sights lined up like they should.

My only complaint is the bolt knob. Then end is not rounded, looks like it was squared off, bolt drilled to reduce weight then that hole was reamed with what must have been a countersink type reamer leaving a fairly sharp edge around the end, that irritates the palm of my hand when I cycle the bolt. The bolt is presently at the gunsmiths, to have the handled filled, welded, contured round and re blued.
 
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