Is the CZ 550 Gone or Not?

[Rule 303]

If Bob gets hold of this post he will be encouraging you to build a .35 Whelen on that combination.

He knows I have a Whelen and he knows My M17 is a Whelen on steroids', a 358/38RUM

 

[Louis Toadvine]

I got mine for an industry price that was just ridiculous. My dad got its twin and I think it was 1200 delivered to the FFL, 416 Rigby with Aramind stock.

Great rifles and actions to build off of, but 2500+ for a base used 550 is getting steep. However, if there are buyers there will be a market at those prices. Not too shabby for those doubling their money selling them.

I think the $2,500+ sales we're seeing out there are for NIB/NOS 550s in fancy grade wood, etc--not used base models. And according to colorado's data, that's not grossly inflated since the base model 416 Rigby was $1,100 and the fancy wood/upgraded model was another $1,100 on top of that.

At this point I feel like if I can get the NIB fancy grade wood 416 Rigby for <$2,500, that will be a decent price.

 

[TTundra]

At this point I feel like if I can get the NIB fancy grade wood 416 Rigby for <$2,500, that will be a decent price.

Depends on your timing, but if you're patient and watch them, you may and should be able to scoop one up for $1700 or less and it be a fair price, one sold on 10/25 for that on GB. Then again, if you simply want one and price doesn't matter as much, go for it. I over pay on certain guns (amoung other collectibles) to just have it because I want it. I don't often consider resale value a factor if I have my heart set on it and will truly use it.

 

[MD Driver]

Spoke with a CZ rep at the NRA convention in Indy, concerning the CZ 600 and Africa chamberings. First, he explained that the 550 was made entirely on old machinery that they wanted get rid of, and modernize to the now CZ 600 production machines. As for the big bores, he said “they’re coming, and probably the .375 H&H will be first.” Sounded like they’re first seeing how well the 600 sales will do generally, before launching off into the big chamberings, as they’re somewhat boutique in popularity compared to the smaller cartridges. No timeline given.

 

[DrBob]

Spoke with a CZ rep at the NRA convention in Indy, concerning the CZ 600 and Africa chamberings. First, he explained that the 550 was made entirely on old machinery that they wanted get rid of, and modernize to the now CZ 600 production machines. As for the big bores, he said “they’re coming, and probably the .375 H&H will be first.” Sounded like they’re first seeing how well the 600 sales will do generally, before launching off into the big chamberings, as they’re somewhat boutique in popularity compared to the smaller cartridges. No timeline given.

I am confused. The CZ website shows a major recall for the 600. Secondly, the action doesn't look to be controlled feed. The "old" machinery explanation is hard to understand since it was time tested controlled feed. Sounds like $$$ issue that would plague 1964-on Winchesters.

 

[DrBob]

I am confused. The CZ website shows a major recall for the 600. Secondly, the action doesn't look to be controlled feed. The "old" machinery explanation is hard to understand since it was time tested controlled feed. Sounds like $$$ issue that would plague 1964-on Winchesters.

Their site describes the feed as coltrolled... but a new design. I guess in a Sako kind of way?

 

[Hunter4752001]

My understanding, and its only that - no direct info, is that the 550s were produced on the same equipment as the the Brno ZKK line. The equipment was essential worn out and outdated. The newer models were designed from the outset for CNC manufacturing and a lesser requirement for skilled machinists and manual fitting. They're not the first company driven by bean counters. I suspect that while safari calibres were never huge volume sellers, they promoted the brand (much like motor racing promotes auto brands) I suspect by discontinuing the big bore rifles, CZ is now seen as just another manufacturer in a saturated market.

 

[DrBob]

My understanding, and its only that - no direct info, is that the 550s were produced on the same equipment as the the Brno ZKK line. The equipment was essential worn out and outdated. The newer models were designed from the outset for CNC manufacturing and a lesser requirement for skilled machinists and manual fitting. They're not the first company driven by bean counters. I suspect that while safari calibres were never huge volume sellers, they promoted the brand (much like motor racing promotes auto brands) I suspect by discontinuing the big bore rifles, CZ is now seen as just another manufacturer in a saturated market.

The Brno nickname was the"crowbar of Africa". As for controlled feed... it may be mundane, but the Mauser design just works and is robust. With CNC, CZ can do anything it wants and could make a better 550 if they wanted. Oh well.

 

[mark-hunter]

With their rifle production policy and output, they basically moved to pistol market.

Their top product now is pistol shadow 2, orange. (read: IPSC!)

Rim fire line, holds so far. Model cz 457 HMR is really nice.
(we are yet to see what will come out after 457 line, and they are changing model every few years)

Hunters? F%^k O$%
(read: hunting market? We are not interesting)

You dont need CRF.
You dont need short action rifle like sweet little 527 in 223.
You dont need magnum action for Africa.
You don't need too much calibers to choose from. 308 and 3006, will suffice, and 2, or 3 others in medium size

Straight pull action is nice but too complicated to make now.
We dont want to be too modern, too fast dont we? SO we will not make straight pull. Forget it, for our present modernization production plans

And if you are really overly concerned with safety, and really need to read small print, you may read our latest rifle recall.

So we can offer you new model 600?

 

[colorado]

A 416 Remington is just about equal though can't be pushed quite as far as the Rigby, but available in a M70.

I do like my cz550, but can't see paying over $2k for it now, let alone $2500+. You're getting into custom build territory and more than a 550 + AHR#1 costed 12 months ago

That said, if you want to build a 505, 500 Jeff, 500 A2, etc, it's a good choice to build off of.

I think the CZ 550 really shines with the larger rounds (450 Rigby, 500 Jeffery, 505 Gibbs). The additional weight over a Model 70 is not a downside with them and the Magnum Mauser action really shows it stuff!

 

[MD Driver]

Totally agree….the big bores gave CZ a lot of positive notoriety. At the show, it seemed like everyone had a 6.5, 7, or 300 super duper chambering of some kind in their product lines. The pistol gripped metal frames have made that jump from the bench to hunting, many in that $1100-2000 range. CZ will have their buttstocks handed to them if they remain cavalier about this. <sigh>

 

[spike.t]

This has been gone over and over...the simple fact is the machinery wore out...and as I said I chatted to cz people on the stand at sci back then...and others have said the same....and they said the sales of handguns and semi-auto rifles and associated sales had sky rocketed , and for the small amount of sales and money to be made there was no case at all for investing in new machinery to make the 550 again...

 

[leslie hetrick]

as i used a cz 550 in .375 H&H mag on six hunting trips to africa after comming home from one of my trips i hunted up this cz 550 in ./375H&H mag andbought it for a very good price as no one wanted it here./ i have never fired it. its the top rifle and the lower is a cz 550 in 6.5x55 i do shoot it.

 

[mark-hunter]

In the same dilemma (worn out machinery, to invest or not), Winchester switched to post 64 m70, but after some years they came to senses and restarted with new m70 CRF.

One of the CZ quality symbols was dove tail as a basis for scope mounts, on the models up to CZ 557.
On new CZ 600? Drilled and tapped.
I dont think it is only about old machinery being phased out an not renewed.
It is production costs cutting policy.

CZ also bought Dan Wesson, and by now, there is no more revolvers in production, only pistols.
Revolves were Dan Wesson company symbol.

 

[revturbo9967]

This has been gone over and over...the simple fact is the machinery wore out...and as I said I chatted to cz people on the stand at sci back then...and others have said the same....and they said the sales of handguns and semi-auto rifles and associated sales had sky rocketed , and for the small amount of sales and money to be made there was no case at all for investing in new machinery to make the 550 again...

And seeing cz now owns colt, they won’t be looking back

 

[MD Driver]

This has been gone over and over...the simple fact is the machinery wore out...and as I said I chatted to cz people on the stand at sci back then...and others have said the same....and they said the sales of handguns and semi-auto rifles and associated sales had sky rocketed , and for the small amount of sales and money to be made there was no case at all for investing in new machinery to make the 550 again...

I think the gist of the discussion now is whether or not they’ll get interested in making big bores for the 600.

 

[mark-hunter]

And if they do, will this community accept new model in big bores?

 

[RR 314]

as i used a cz 550 in .375 H&H mag on six hunting trips to africa after comming home from one of my trips i hunted up this cz 550 in ./375H&H mag andbought it for a very good price as no one wanted it here./ i have never fired it. its the top rifle and the lower is a cz 550 in 6.5x55 i do shoot it.

I will buy it for what you paid. +10% of course.

 

[RR 314]

Dang. My smiley faces disappeared.

 

[CoElkHunter]

And if they do, will this community accept new model in big bores?

Good question. I pulled up CZ's website and looked at their 600 model after reading this thread. Unless I missed something, their website had NO description and/or photos of the 600 action, bolt, etc. Is it a push feed or CRF action? I would think from the standpoint of a future chambering of .375 and up, most hunters would desire a true CRF action?