No 1 vs CZ FS

[shadow9]

This has been stated before, but much of the time the discussion runs off on caliber instead of rifle.

In the 6.5x55 caliber - for those who own or would own, which would you prefer? The Ruger No. 1A or the CZ 550 FS?

The Ruger has MANY advantages, barrel length/OAL (22"/38.5), and the 1:8 twist that IMHO makes the Swede really work. Also, it's a bank vault with a barrel. I've found it's throat much long enough to take the 160gr RN with ease.

However, it's single shot, with a horribly engineered safety, poorly engineered quarter rib (meaning additions required to mounts for any scope use, or very small selection of scopes), and that hanger that makes one uneasy.

The CZ is VERY reliable and strong (Mauser action), also all-steel and built like a tank, and has a VERY nice hogsback stock with some very nice irons. From what I understand, scary accurate as well. Being bolt action with a 5 round mag, there's no issue of fast followup.

However, IMHO, it's a 20.5" rifle in a 41.5" package - I've seen 23" and 24" barrels in a well designed 41" rifle. I am really uneasy about the 1:9 twist, as part of my shooting will be with heavy-for-caliber rounds (140gr+, TSX, Bergers, etc.). Also, the bolt design of the CZ lends itself to open-sights FAR better than scoped - to clear the bolt handle, scopes that I've seen need at minimum "Medium" height mounts. Once they get lined up, the No 1 can use very low mounts.

 

[critter]

I know nothing of the CZ, but I do have a Ruger #1 in 45-70. I love the thing as it is quite a 'thumper'. It is short for its barrel length, handles quickly and shoots well. I have a small 4X glass on it (due to 'old eyes') and it works well, although I have shot it quite a bit with the irons.

I've taken both deer and hogs with it. A good hit is 'final'!

 

[stubbicatt]

I don't remember just now the ring height on my 550. I put Warne vertical split rings on there and have been happy with the performance. It is a 308, not a 6.5 Swede, so I cannot comment on the 160 grain bullet offerings, but the guys at the CZ forum might be able to tell you more about how it works out for them.

I have had a 527 (which was stolen) and a 452 FS which both of which had a hogback stock and both worked very well with a scope.

Probably medium height, as that will allow a little clearance between the scope bell and the barrel.

 

[viking499]

CZ is my pick. The 1:9 is fine for the 140's.

The Ruger does have a little advantage on the heavier bullet end, though.

 

[jaysouth]

Where have you located a Ruger no 1 in 6.5X55?

 

[shadow9]

Jay - Frankly, I got one off gunsamerica as they were filtering out a few weeks ago. But, as I got it, I recalled my long term crush on the 550 FS - and wondering if that would have been a better investment. Also, should I switch, my No 1 is pretty much NIB right now (barely fired - 10-15rnds).

 

[DPris]

I worked with the CZ in that caliber a while back, kinda wish I'd bought it.
I like the FS, it was quite accurate, and a light recoiling combination.

The only No. 1 I've had was a .45-70.

I'd vote for the CZ.
Denis

 

[SaxonPig]

My answer is always the same when someone asks which of two rifles in the same caliber is better. I say which fits you? Which appeals to you? If both were laying on the table before you right now and you were invited to choose one to keep, which one do you pick up?

I've never owned anything in 6.5 caliber, but I do have a 550FS and a #1 in 30-'06. Both work fine and either will do anything that I require a 30 caliber sporting rifle to do. My solution to which to choose? I have both.

 

[musicman10_1]

Those guns are beautiful but I am partial to the look of Ruger No. 1 rifles.

 

[SaxonPig]

"...I am partial to the look of Ruger No. 1 rifles. "

Then that's what you should get.

BTW- Me too...

 

[Coltdriver]

I owned a CZ 550 in 6.5X55. Outstanding rifle and the workmanship on the CZ's is a notch above anything in their price range. Just my NSHO.

But I sold my CZ because it did not have the twist for the heavier 160 grain bullets, although it did have the chamber!! No way you could get a 140 grain bullet even close to the lands with that rifle.

And the 1 in 10 twist my CZ had was even marginal for 140 grain bullets.

I have owned many Ruger #1's, but never one in 6.5X55. They are simply one of the strongest actions you can get. All the other nonsense you hear about them comes from people that don't own em. My .243 #1 will shoot dimes at 100 yards.

But they are different animals and you have to like single shots.

So I'd find a bolt action with a 1 in 8 twist if you want a 6.5.

 

[viking499]

And the 1 in 10 twist my CZ had was even marginal for 140 grain bullets.

The CZ 6.5x55 has a 1:9 twist, not 1:10.

 

[Coltdriver]

OK good catch Viking499. Its still marginal for 140 grain bullets. Do the math.

I even had JGS create a reamer and had my smith bring mine back to shorten up the throat. It would shoot 130 grainers at about 10% less on every measure than a .270. And it was very accurate with the 130's.

But no way to shoot the long 160 grainers with the outstanding, and I believe unmatched by any other bullet, sectional density.

My Steyr shoots the 156 grain Oryx very nicely with 1 in 8 twist. They have quite an arc but are very predictable. Makes a nice 200 yard rifle.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I have a Ruger No. 1A in 6.5x55 SE that is one terrific hunting rifle. I have it set up with a Leupy 2.5-8x36 VX-3 scope. Lightweight, compact shoots like a house afire.

Tis first target is my sight-in with factory 140gr Rem CoreLokts at 100 yards. It measures 0.75", fine for factory hunting ammo in a No. 1:



This second target from a recent load development test session. This group measured 0.504" with the load indicated, which is 2.0gr below max for modern rifles in the Vihtavuori loading manual:



I'm debating my next rifle and may go with a bolt action 6.5x55...great round!

FH

 

[viking499]

OK good catch Viking499. Its still marginal for 140 grain bullets. Do the math.

Yep, 140's would be the top of the spectrum to me for the CZ's. I think 120 is the sweet spot. I have read where some are using them as a varmint rifle and shooting 90-100 grain pills.

My Tikka, which is my favorite, is a 1:8. It loves 140's. Loves them so much that it tries to keep them all in contact and touching one another.........

My Howa is also 1:8. But, it does not have the love that the Tikka has.......

 

[beatledog7]

I like the idea of a Nr 1; beautiful rifles, sweet action. But in calibers below pachyderm puncher I'd prefer the extra flexibility of a bolt action, and in that world CZs rank right up there with Brownings for me.

 

[stubbicatt]

Glad I read the straight poop here on THR concerning twist rate and 160 grain bullets.

 

[shadow9]

viking499: Bar NONE (Sako, Steyr, Blaser, etc) my absolute one-gun, dream rifle, only-purchase, etc. is the Tikka T3 Hunter in 6.5x55.

Go figure, they are completely impossible to find, and Beretta is mildly useless in their importation selections. Euro Optic is importing a number of them, but in left-hand - useless to me.

In lieu of Tikka, I went with Ruger. This thread is/has actually reassured me of the purchase, especially Coltdriver and Flatbush's posts.

While many people enjoy 6.5x55 in the sub-130gr flavor, the draw to the 6.5x55 for me is the ability to "float" a 140gr+ "javelin" through both sides of a ruminant at decent range, with the kick of a sneezing puppy. From what I'm reading, 1:9 CZ's don't seem, as a whole, as apt at doing this as the 1:8 of the Tikka/Ruger/Steyr/Sako - which was my original concern.

Flatbush - what did you use for mounts on your No 1? Do you have any pics? How's the eye relief?

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Shadow9,

I used the medium rings that are supplied with the rifle to mount on the integral base and added the Leupold Vx-3 2.5-8x36 Duplex scope. The rings needed a bit of alignment and lapping but have worked perfectly. I have some 120gr Nosler BTs and some Hornady SSTs but have not tried them yet.

Cheers,

FH

 

[RPRNY]

6.5x55 fan (have a sporterized Swedish Mauser carbine) and mannlicher stock lover. The CZ is a better looking rifle and may be a better quality rifle, but the 1:9 twist put me off completely. The ability to throw those 160 gr RN when needed is important to me. I would be extremely pleased to own an RSI in 6.5x55 but the rifle I am holding out for is the Sako Bavarian carbine. 1:8, 20", hog back, full stock schnabel tip, 5+1 mag: