CZ 550

[Grumulkin]

I'm considering the purchase of a .458 Lott in either the CZ 550 Safari Magnum version or the bolt action rifle Ruger makes in this caliber. Opinions of durability, finish, accuracy, etc. of one versus the other would be appreciated.

 

[TABING]

I have a CCZ550 Safari in 416 Rigby. They are the best value for the money in the Safari class of rifles. Better quality than the competition at almost half the price. That being said, some people say that it's a good idea to either reinforce the stock or replace it with a synthetic or laminated one. That goes for wooden stocks of any manufacturer in these heavy calibers. I've not had any problems with mine, but haven't shot it a whole lot. Recoil is a bit much. If you're doing some serious dangerous game hunting with it, you'll probably put several hundred round through it to test reliability. That should either crack the stock or not. I haven't used mine on anything dangerous yet, but plan on a Cape Buffalo trip one of these days, (living in the middle east puts me very close to Africa). I'll probably do something about the stock before making this hunt, better safe than very sorry.

Finish and accuracy are superb on this rifle and a CZ550 in 243 Win. I have.

 

[thatguy]

The CZ is a true Mauser and looks more "old school."

Ruger uses lots of injection molding and plastic and that just turns me off, personally.

The CZ is not a deluxe gun in my experience (I have a 550 and the model that preceded it, the BRNO 602), so it's not real pretty. But it's sturdy, reliable and functional. The Ruger will have glossier bluing and will look nicer at first glance until you notice the plastic, the molded parts and the God-awful warning label stamped on it.

Either will do what you want but I preferred the CZ.

 

[steve4102]

I have a CZ 550 American in 9.3X62. I find it to a an excellent rifle for the money. I like the fit and feel and I love the way it shoots. The bolt is a little rough and you may need to slick it up a bit, but other than that it is a great rifle.

 

[Grumulkin]

Thanks for all the replies. The CZ 550 sounds like the gun I want.

 

[444]

I have been seriously thinking about buying the same rifle. I finally got a chance to see one in person for the first time this week at a Cabellas. I was impressed. It looked like a very handsome rifle to me.

 

[vanfunk]

When I was in Kruger National Park in South Africa, all the guides carried CZs or BRNOs in .375 H&H. They were very happy with them.

I just love the look of a CZ 550 .375 mounted on the dashboard of a Land Rover! Maybe I could try that mount on my VW Passat

 

[salty]

+1 on CZ vs Ruger. The Lott is a good way to go as you can use 458 WIN for your reduced load situations and back up however the recoil is substantial. CZ makes a model that is a higher level of fit and finish and has select walnut. Don't overlook Remington's Safari grade rifles .416 calibers - they can be good values and you often see them on dealers racks at lowered prices because they a. were a single Safari purchase or b. owner found they kicked the crap out of them - which they will do. 416 REM or Rigby will do the job for you similar to the Lott. With CZ you have a choice of stock styles AM vs European profiles.