Got my back up gun for Africa!

Well, stopped by a local shop today which I usually don't frequent due to high prices and found a wonderful little gem on consignment for a GREAT price and in GREAT condition. Walked out with a CZ 550 African Safari Magnum in .375 H&H mag, with rings, for $650. According to the original owner, whom I contacted before purchasing, the weapon had less than 50 rounds down the tube and the rifling attested to it. Very bright bore. Stock is a dinged in a few places (suspect banging around in safe against other bolt handles), but nothing which would hamper its integrity. Can't wait to shoot it once this "wintry mix" slows up and I have a day off. Pictures to follow tomorrow when I get home from work.

That is a heck of a good deal.

I recently got a CZ 550 African in 458 Lott for $750 w/ 1/2 of the original box of bullets with it. I suspect it was too much gun. Just like you described yours, mine has the nicks and dings from inside the safe, not the field. I think the good deals out there for the CZ stem from the fact that an average guy (or girl!) can afford to buy a Big Bore in a CZ without having a real need for it. When they get them, they find out that Big Bore shooting is generally not that much fun, unless the intended species is standing in front of the sight . Shooting paper is necessary but not what I would call fun. That is just my opinion of course.

Until I became active on this site I never really considered a CZ - like a lot of poeple, I did not consider them high quality guns, even though I did not have any experience with them. They sometimes do need some work to make them DG ready, but I think its a great gun, with decent looking wood, the right weight and balance and a great trigger. The sights are horrible and mine need to be changed - I suspect you have the same 3-leaf folding rear sights. They look like something that belongs on a kids first .22 IMO.

You got a great deal on what I think are very under-rated guns - at least in the States. Globally they seem to have a better reputation.

Good find!

I think the CZ is a awesome value in the gun world. A very under-rated value. Not everyone makes a lot of money. I got my 375 H&H for less than $750. I think a lot of the Big Bores that are on the used gun market, because like every gun nut knows, most people will buy it and get beat up and sell it. Some will go on one cape buffalo hunt and call it quits. The real hunting nuts, learn how to shoot a big gun properly, and hardly ever sell a gun!

Originally Posted by enysse

I think the CZ is a awesome value in the gun world. A very under-rated value. Not everyone makes a lot of money. I got my 375 H&H for less than $750. I think a lot of the Big Bores that are on the used gun market, because like every gun nut knows, most people will buy it and get beat up and sell it. Some will go on one cape buffalo hunt and call it quits. The real hunting nuts, learn how to shoot a big gun properly, and hardly ever sell a gun!

I think cz are way under rated I have 3 cz all shoot super good 17hmr-22-250 375hh I think all magnums need to be glass bedded after that practice practice. rember this if you shoot and miss you just as well shot the other way the 375 worked fine on buffalo 3 shoots to keep him down Iused 375 on all animals taken in zim.trying to save money to do it again.

I guess, I'm old school, I like a gun with a nice wood stock, controlled feed action and a cheap price. I like the way CZ rifles are built, I didn't have a huge gun collection already. CZ would be on my list pretty high. I need no more guns but I still like to look and fondle the new guns.

I still am a Ruger, Remington, and Browning fan. I have 2 Browning A-Bolts and they are a terrific guns for under $500, in the last 10 years I got them. My Rugers are over 10 years old...they are not pretty but they shoot small holes all day long and always cycle shells!! I have had problems with Remington 700 BDL it sometimes has cycling problems...made me think no more push feed rifles!!! I still own and shoot it. It's accurate but it feeds poorly, it's a 270 Win and wouldn't get nothing if I sold it. Have a 7mm mag in Model 70 Win. Super Grade...my most expensive gun...almost afraid to take it out it's so pretty.

The one thing I would tell a young guy or gal is buy a good 300 Win Mag and practice. It will hande 90% of what you hunt. Long range, great power, and wind doesn't knock it everywhere. Shoot heavy bullets. Own less guns and hunt more....confessions of a hunting fool.

Originally Posted by enysse

The one thing I would tell a young guy or gal is buy a good 300 Win Mag and practice. It will hande 90% of what you hunt. Long range, great power, and wind doesn't knock it everywhere. Shoot heavy bullets. Own less guns and hunt more....confessions of a hunting fool.

Funny you mention that. The same day I bought my .458 I bought a Weatherby in .300 win mag to use for plains game and pretty much EVERYTHING on the North American continent. Great shooting gun and really feels like a cap gun after shooting a handfull of .458's!

Still haven't gotten out to shoot the .375 yet, working too much overtime to help pay for more animals on my upcoming safari!

Not the best picture, but it'll have to do for now until I get my D40 charged up. I think I might look into a Leupold VXIII 1.5-5x for this one and I'll definitely leave the .458 with iron sights only.

.375 above the .458