CZ 550 Rifle Opinions?

Well, at the risk of getting flamed on the forum I will add my experience with the CZ and Winchester. I have owned 2 CZ rifles (602 and 550) and one Winchester mod 70 ( composite stock) in 375. Although I agree that both have very strong actions and all shot well, I was a little disapointed with quality. All of these rifles required gunsmithing to correct feeding issues and the CZ's needed work on the trigger to make them useable. Don't get me wrong both are good rifles and if you are willing to spend a few bucks on them to get any bugs out they will serve well for years to come.

I bought a CZ Safari Classic in 375 H&H and had the CZ Custom Shop do a few things (mercury recoil reducer, barrel band, Decelerator recoil pad). It was a lovely rifle. I then sent to AHR for their CZ #1 upgrade (3 pos M70 type safety, single stage trigger, straighten and fill bolt) which made it even nicer though none of these things was necessary (that cost me $500). Not being able to leave well enough alone, a year later I had Harlan at Triple River Gunsmithing (they do most of the work for the CZ Custom Shop) rechamber / rebarrel it to 500 Jeffery. A little more tweaking by my local gunsmith (cost next to nothing) on the magazine follower and it functions flawlessly, it has alway shot sub MOA. It's my favorite rifle to shoot offhand.

Hi richteb, I wonder if I have been lucky. I haven't had to do a thing to the Model 70s, they feed very smoothly with no issues at all. I dare not change anything on it as it is perfect as is my Weatherby MK V 300 Mag. Both have splendid triggers and feed. With my CZ550 I had to cycle the action a 1000 times to slick it up and I changed the recoil pad to a Limbsaver, that is all I needed to do. The trigger is very good on mine. I have no issues at all with these rifles. They are all keepers

I don't think you've been lucky. If I was planning to buy a 375 H&H or 416 Rem a new Winchester M70 would not only be my first choice, it would be my only choice. If they made one of their extreme weather M70s in 375 H&H for my Alaskan brown bear hunt, I would've bought it rather than the Rem XCR II I did buy which needed work right out of the box.

Hey colorado, I'm glad to hear that. I am really impressed with the new Model 70. I have the sporter in 30.06 and the super grade that is now a 9.3x64 Brenneke. This gives me a brand new spare 30.06 barrel. I have recently ordered a Winchester Model 70 Safari in 375 H&H. I also wish the Extreme Weather Model 70 was available in the Full Length Magnum Action. I'd have one in my gunsafe now.

Guys, I am glad you have found both the CZ and Winchester good working rifles. Don't get me wrong I am not ruling out buying one or the other in the future, however if I do it will be with ample time to sort out any bugs they may have before taking them on a hunting trip.

Beau 416,
How bout dropping us a photo of your Win 70 Safari Express 375 H&H?

fhm3006. I will be happy to do that when it comes in. I am really looking forward to seeing it.

Had a Cz550 in 416 Rigby, had it glass bedded and cross bolts installed. Used Federal safari ammo, pretty sure they were the TBBC 400 gr. and at 100yrds I had bullets touching, my business partner could verify. (sandbagged on the hood of a truck, would not dare shoot the Rigby sitting down). They are very good rifles and a great long term investment, feeding was flawless.

just ordered a CZ550 in .458Lott.
not real sure what i'm going to shoot with it for the next 18 months (not many buffs or ellies in tasmania), but can't wait nonetheless.

at least i can be reassured of rarely being under-gunned

My CZ in 500 Jeffery is a little overkill for Colorado too Benn. Plan to get my elk with it this year, I can confirm it's hell on feral hogs and jackrabbits. Hope to get to Africa some day soon.

yeah, but for the price of the 550, it'd be like loosing money if i did't buy it, or at least thats what i used to convince myself.

i've got a water buff hunt in the works for mid next year as a "warm up hunt" should be a good test run before africa.

I've also thought about doing some relodes using 300 grain hollow points, which sounds about right for sambar deer, as those buggers need to know when they're hit.

Originally Posted by Benn

yeah, but for the price of the 550, it'd be like loosing money if i did't buy it, or at least thats what i used to convince myself.

i've got a water buff hunt in the works for mid next year as a "warm up hunt" should be a good test run before africa.

I've also thought about doing some relodes using 300 grain hollow points, which sounds about right for sambar deer, as those buggers need to know when they're hit.

Hey Benn, I would stick some 400 gn Woodleigh softs in for Sambar thats what I use in my 416Ruger. Also should be plenty of gun for those Tassie tigers LOL.

I have 3 CZ 550 in 300 H&H, 375 H&H, and 458 Lott.
Took the two larger calibres to Africa. Took buffalo and croc and assorted plains game. They functioned superbly. Took the 300 to new Zealand and worked like a charm. Great rifle at a good price and they just work. Definitely get one.

The more I use my CZ550 American 9.3x62 the more I like it. I believe it is the easiest, most comfortable weapon to shoulder & fire quickly. It just feels perfect when shouldered & sighted. There is not one thing I would change about this rifle, it is perfect. I love my Win Model 70 sporters, but the CZ 550 stock is more comfortable for me. I also find my Weatherby Mark V 300 very comfortable to shoulder & sight. Bottom line is, CZ550, Winchester Model 70 & Weatherby Mark V are my weapons of choice, & I will never part with either of them. Same with my Zeiss scopes. Everything else I have sold. If I add to my arsenal & optics it will be one of these 3 with a Zeiss scope.

I can't agree more.....on the 9.3 that is......such an easy round to shoot...does not break the bank......loaded up on some Norma ammo at the Sp guide for less than $35/box...stated it was military when it was their Vulkan or Alaska round...don't recall...either way it is premium 235gr(?) ammo that shoots awesomely....don't know if they have anymore but I bought 6 boxes so I am set...along with the 6 boxes of Norma 286gr that I already have.....got a couple of boxes of PVRI for sigthing in purposes but I have heard horror stories on their bullet performance in that caliber....so I don't take any chances......Just got another FS 527 in 243....LOVE THESE GUNS....all I want now is for them to make a mannlicher in the new 17 Hornet.........I will stand in line for that one..........

So far my CZ550 in .375 H&H has only been used on targets, but it's been a great gun. I'm looking forward to taking it around the world someday.

I've currently got 2 CZ's and love them both. One is a 550 FS in 9,3 and the other is a 527 American in .223. I had some issues with the set trigger on the .223 but it was a easily corrected by my local dealer. That micro length Mauser action is pretty sweet if you're ever in need of a pea shooter.

Those are great guns to have in a CZ....have both of them ...my CZ shooots 45gr Winchester USA's with sub 1' groups at 200 yards.....that 1 on 12 twist really shines here............and my gun has almost a Kimber quality stock........Just added my 16th CZ!......added a 404 Feffery Safari Classic to the mix.........that completes my bore collection in CZ.......from 300 to 500....and 22lr to 30-06...still wished they made a 17 Hornet in a 527 carbine or FS...........need to bug em......... they make a 17 Rem but with a shorter barrell.....it needs a 26" barrell or whats the point?

I agree a 26 inch barrel or nothing.