New rifle decision...(overposted, still hlp)

[shadow9]

Hello, new to the forum as a poster, long-time-lurker. Read ALOT about rifles, been going around in circles on them >.<. Narrowed down to a CZ 550 American in 6.5x55, or a Sako in 7mm-08, or Tikka Scout CTR.

Hunting CXP2-3, possible backup in SHTF (but would procure a more common weap in that case), easy to carry, and solid build. Also euro - I have euro heritage, and pride in it. I also dislike american weaps ATM (I know, I just threw a 'nade), but its a personal pref. If you love rem, I'm honestly happy for you, you love what you have.
Getting into Reloads, occasional hot-load possible, don't want to burn-up the barrel though. Solid hammer-forged barrel, but MOA guarantee not needed. Accurate, 1.5MOA/100yds preferred, but I'll also be handloading. Also, a screw-in barrel, as I may want to change this myself later. (learn/get the tools)

I like CRF (hence CZ), love the safety (Even if it's backwards), and want, or want to try, a set trigger. the more options in handling I have, the better. Also, I require mechanical ejection. I like being able to remove the round, and KNOW where it went.
Detach mags...eh, give or take, but disinclined given that you'd need a few of them, and they're anywhere between $80-160, for 5 rounders(Sako/Tikka). Plus, they can get lost, bent, damaged, not sit correctly, etc.
I like a palm-swell in the stock, but this isn't 100% necessary. At least a nice wholesome grip is, though, hence why I didn't like the T3 lite/winch 70/savages...they all tend to go for this thin light grip.
A smooth bolt is necessary, but anything needs breaking in. This is where I aim at the CZ - yes its got a nice bolt, but it sticking tells me that they intentionally made it tight so it had room to break in.

So, have I more or less described a CZ550, and would these have a good chance of 0.75-1.5 MOA accuracy out-of-the-box with a well-worked handload? If there are any CZ550 owners in S. NH or northeast MA who wouldn't mind a brief intro, it would be appreciated. Or know of a gunshop with one in it. I can get one ordered, but I don't wanna order something I've never handled.

Q's/C's/Id's appreciated!

 

[HOOfan_1]

I've got a CZ 550, and the safety is normal. Pull it back for safe and push it forward to fire. I know the 452 has a backwards safety and I believe the 527 does as well.

Mine is .3-.75 MOA accurate with cheap factory ammo, but mine is also a heavy barreled varmint model.

 

[shadow9]

Thanks for the info/response. I held/worked a 550 Varmint today in a gunshop, first hold/use of a 550 action, and fell in love. Tried the Sako's/Tikka's...they're SMOOTH, but almost TOO smooth with the bolts. Kind of like a Mercedes - its so nice you don't want to drive it, and like a Mercedes, I wasn't impressed by parts costs.
I understand the Varmint has a 2-pos safety, but does the American have a 3-position safety? or 2? I thought I saw somewhere that they sport a 3-pos, and all Americans have a set-trigger, yes?

The other thought I had was sporterizing my 1910 M96 Swede...but I understand the chambers are not tolerant of handloads, short of weak-moderate. If I was getting into reloads with the occasional hot-load, would it be worth it to go the 550 vs dropping $$ into barreling/custom-stocking the M96? Also, I'm 5'6-5'7 and not fond of the 52" length of the M96 for wandering...

 

[HOOfan_1]

All 550s have a single set trigger. According to CZs website some models have a 3 position safety, but the American does not

 

[NWCP]

The CZ 550 is a great rifle. Mine is a .308 with the full stock. It shoots better than I do and has iron sights as well as being scope ready. I have four different CZ rifles and have been more than pleased with them all.

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

I think you're on the right track, I've been nothing but very pleased with all my CZ rifles.

 

[BrocLuno]

The Euro preference starts to set some interesting limits. Have you looked at Italian and Spanish rifles? The French are pretty pricey and of course English rifles are not likely easy to come by. The Russians build some interesting weapons German and Austrian are just too expensive, but offer barrel changes.

I do suggest you consider Savage as the barrel nut does allow changes. And I suspect the new Marlin does too? I'm not trying to put you off CZ - I like them too

My point is to make a list of rifles with barrel change possibilities and then to find versions you can handle in the shops. See how they come to shoulder and where your eye will line up when scoped or equipped with after market peeps, etc. A rifle "system" that you are planning to own for a long time and tinker with as time goes by, is not a trivial purchase. This needs to be thought out and evaluated with care.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

Buy the CZ .Last fall I bought a CZ 550 FS in 6.5x55 and it is the most accurate deer rifle I have ever owned.Even the inexpensive Prvi Partizan ammo shoots under 1 inch at 100yds.Besides they are realy beautiful rifles.2months later I bought another.A 452 FS in 22 mag .It shoots just as good.

 

[shadow9]

Thanks for the advice! Likely is the CZ, 6.5x55...now it's between FS and American (yay USA, not carrying Scandinavian, Lux, or others...>.<...goes with Focus RS, Yammie R125, Audi S2/S3...ya know, the good schtuff )
Broc - most of my influence in choice is Euro, in fact Savage was a consideration, but I don't like their bolt feel/style, stock is too "Squarish", and American. Nothing against the USA, but I dislike the feel of most American produced products; Cars, Weapons, etc. Plus, the falling economy has resulted in increased apathy in the working class, which creates fluctuating quality. In Europe(some countries) if you don't do your job, you don't have one...
Thus, we're looking Euro. I want to go Modern, due to stronger actions for reloads/less guilt of beating it up a bit. Around 1400 is price range, counting scope, which is the next choice, but likely something in German #1 or German #4 .
Controlled Round Feed is important, as is accuracy. But, I want some room for glass... thus, Sako is out of the question. Also, CRF outs Steyr/Tikka/Sako (older). If I can do w/o CRF, I'd do Steyr, but good luck finding Mags for a Steyr, and I've also heard of horror stories with changing Steyr barrels. This is something I'd like to accomplish without a quest for a "keymaker Steyr gunsmith". CZ uses a Mauser screw-on.
CZ also has an open-top, something Tikkas and Steyrs don't. Granted, it's a bit less "Stealthy", but if I ever had a blown case or needed at the reciever, good effin' luck with a closed-top. Plus, single round loading is hard with an ejection port. Also, Mechanical-ejection. I like being able to take the rounds out by hand, keep them out of sight if needed...

Last question - does anyone who owns a CZ have a picture of their muzzle? so I could see bore/barrel ratio? Preferably a 6.5x55 barrel, either FS or American. Seen all kinds of pictures, none front-on.

Thanks!