CZ 550 vs Kimber Talkeetna

[Avery David Romann]

I am wanting a new rifle in 375 h&h for a rifle I just got a 338 378 weatherby accumark with a Nightforce ATACR 5-25 scope and the ammo is 160 a box and I want some cheaper shells I want to put a Nightforce NX8 on it any opinions appreciated

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Hello there! I see this is your first post, so welcome to the forums!

I cannot speak to the Kimber but I own a 375 H&H CZ and I really enjoy it. The recoil is mild enough (with no muzzle break, it's not even drilled for one) that I have no trouble going through a box of ammo. Now, lest you get the wrong impression, I seriously hate recoil but this thing has way less "felt" than the 300 WinMag that I traded in. I can also vouch for the accuracy of the rifle, I was able to pick off a monkey running down a tree 80 yards away! Just my two cents, and good luck to you either way!

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome to AH!

Where are you located?

I have the kimber Talkeetna and its a nice shooting rifle.

 

[Avery David Romann]

In Perham MN

 

[Bullthrower338]

Welcome to AH!
There is a wonderful Ruger RSM for sale by one of our members right now. Out of the two I’d personally buy the stainless kimber. If I was going blued I’d buy that RSM.

 

[Mlibizi 8182]

Personal experience the current CZs can be very rough out of the box. There is a excellent post describing the work that needs to take place. Out of the box I think the Kimber is a smoother action. Not sure on mag. Capacity on Kimber, but like the CZ 5 rd.

 

[Avery David Romann]

I was comparing energy between my 338 378 and the 375 h&h and the 338 378 will push a 300 grain faster so I thought maybe a 458 Lott in the CZ 550 American Safari Magnum for hunting under a hundred yards I have shot a 458 win mag in a CZ before and I did not think that it was that bad do you guys think that it would make an ok buffalo rifle because that would be my dream hunt and well one can always dream

 

[Ridgewalker]

JMO, but if you’re just going to hunt a dry climate and like traditional bluing and wood, the CZ or RSM are very nice. If you plan a hunt to humid areas such as Kodiak or southeastern coast of Alaska for brown bear, maybe even the lush wet jungles of Africa, then I’d suggest you look seriously at the stainless/synthetic stocked rifles. Some are made by Kimber, Sako, MRC, Winchester, Ruger and I believe Browning.
The only 458 Lott I Shot was last year while at PawPrints. The PH, Johan let me fire his which seemed very heavy and it wasn’t bad. But my recovery time for a second shot was substantially less than my 375 H&H. I’m 70 yo, 5’8” and 158lbs and it set me back pretty well.
Best of luck in your decision!

 

[Goose Cracker]

I own a CZ 550 American Safari (Aramid composite stock) in 375 H&H. It's a great shooter and the recoil isn't bad. However, as others have said you need to have it cleaned up so everything works smoothly. I also had a Timney trigger installed and had it cerakoted after some of the bluing rubbed off during my first safari. And I found I hated the safety on my safari so I had a three-position safety installed. At this point it's pretty close to perfect but it took time and cash to get it that way. I do really like the Aramid composite stock.

If I had to do it again I would take a serious look at the Kimber or the Sako Brown Bear - but I do hate that weird tapered dovetail on the Sakos.

 

[spike.t]

hi welcome aboard . i see your profile says you are 13 yrs old ...that weatherby is a big rifle for someone your age....you must like big cals

 

[MAdcox]

Haven’t shot either but my uncle and my cousin @Bill Bunn III both have Kimber Caprivis in 375 H&H. I shot them a lot last year prepping for our trip. They are wonderful rifles and very nice wood on both of them. Super smooth feeding and easy on the shoulder. Hard to go wrong with Kimber. No offense to the CZ- never handled one.

 

[leslie hetrick]

I used a cz-550 in .375 H&H mag on several hunts in Africa and it worked well, no failures on any animals. that said it is a heavy rifle compared to my Remington 700 in .375 H&H mag. if I needed more power I think I would get a .416 rem mag or if hunting small tanks a weatherby .416 mag.

 

[TOBY458]

I have a Talkeetna 375. It's one of the nicest rifles I have ever owned. Feeds flawlessly. Holds 4 in the magazine. Very accurate. Lightweight at 7lbs 8oz. Stock is bedded from the factory with pillars. Very nice open sights. Adjustable for windage and elevation. Drilled and tapped for 8/40 scope mount screws. Match grade barrel. Overall, it's a whole lot of gun for the money. I just wish it had a floorplate....

 

[CTDolan]

In Perham MN

Perham...not too far from where my father grew up and quite near my favorite hunting spot on the planet!

 

[CTDolan]

To answer your question, though, I’d go with the Kimber.

 

[Avery David Romann]

Where is your favorite hunting spot

 

[Avery David Romann]

So I think I will either go with the Kimber Talkeetna or maybe a CZ in a 458 Lott but after some reading it looks like some people are having feeding issues is it anything serious that has to be fixed or some minor tweaking

 

[meigsbucks]

Between those two I'd choose the Kimber. However my preference would be a Montana Rifle company rifle. If you choose a CZ, there is a comapny: American Hunting Rifles that has a good reputation working on CZ's.

 

[CTDolan]

Where is your favorite hunting spot

Inman (Wunderlich) WMA.

By the way, I remember Mr. Wunderlich (and his former farm, well). Interesting character.

 

[Odinsraven]

602 Brno ......inexpensive and usually all the flaws worked out ...... Can also mount three flag safety to it