CZ Craig Boddington Signature Rifle

[Josh333333333]

I’m seriously looking into getting my first big bore and starting out with a preference for the classic CZ 550. The customizations on the Boddington suit me quite well. I’m curious how those match up with other options, like buying a cz 550 and having American Hunting rifles making those same customizations for me. The Boddington has nice wood, shortend and recrowned barrel, barrel band, and action work. $3200 might be reasonable considering all those extras. Lemme know what you think based on your experiences. Thanks!

 

[Red Leg]

It would bother me being a walking advertisement for Craig Boddington, or I suppose, any other outdoor writer CZ cares to pay.

 

[Josh333333333]

It would bother me being a walking advertisement for Craig Boddington, or I suppose, any other outdoor writer CZ cares to pay.

Yes, I’m not sure about that either. Would you say that rifle is a good one to get into semi-custom big game rifles with, otherwise?

 

[Red Leg]

I know nothing about this particular version of their rifle. However, the CZ 550 has a strong following on this site. I have a lovely .404 built on that action. However, were it me, and I was willing to pay 3K + for a new rifle, I would save a very little more and purchase a Blaser R8 - no contest.

 

[Hank2211]

It would bother me being a walking advertisement for Craig Boddington, or I suppose, any other outdoor writer CZ cares to pay.

I get that (not a big logo guy myself) but Kilimanjaro Rifles seems to have done well with their Kevin Robertson .505 Gibbs.

 

[spike.t]

Keep checking the AHR website as they get some hardly used rifles they have worked on for sale...and they very nice ....got my 404 like that....

 

[Red Leg]

Sure. And I have a lot more respect for Kevin than Craig, but I don’t believe I want a Robertson stamped and approved rifle either - though a Kilimanjaro is a bit different than a CZ. But back my original response, I do believe strongly that a Blaser R8 is a better choice to a 550 in an expensive livery.

 

[Albert GRANT]

Nothing is worth more just for someone's name. The additions to the rifle are not worth the increase in price. If you are going to spend $3200 on a rifle you might as well go all the way and buy an AHR or Montana rifle where that extra money has gone into real improvements. Just my opinion

 

[wesheltonj]

Not a CZ fan myself, but if I was going to spend what you are looking at doing, then the AHR would be the way to go. Personally, I would not own anything with the Boddington name on it. Nor will I hunt at any place that has the Boddington approved seal. But that’s just me.

I am a SAKO fan myself, and every once in a while think about buying a Blaser, but so far no purchase for me.

 

[Lance Hopper]

If you have access to a competent gunsmith, you can build a rifle to your requirement for that ,or very little more. AND avoid the distasteful boddington signature! Otherwise, go the AHR route.

 

[JPbowhunter]

If you're after a large bore I'm not sure the boddington version offers one anyway?

+1 though on not wanting someone else's name on my bang stick, wouldn't accept another man's name on my wife either!

 

[Timbo]

Got to hand it to old CB though, as he always gets his +40" buffalo on every trip - whereas the majority of us hunt hard for a 37-38". Never seen him take a scrum cap, or a broken horned trophy either!! And some years ago, when I emailled him for advice regarding a serious situation - I got bugger-all reply. Yep! They can shove his signature! Just my 2-cents.

 

[JPbowhunter]

Got to hand it to old CB though, as he always gets his +40" buffalo on every trip - whereas the majority of us hunt hard for a 37-38". Never seen him take a scrum cap, or a broken horned trophy either!! And some years ago, when I emailled him for advice regarding a serious situation - I got bugger-all reply. Yep! They can shove his signature! Just my 2-cents.

I've never understood why people get so wrapped up in "famous hunters". They adore them as if the menagerie of game in their trophy room is some reflection of their ability. In my mind there's a big difference between a good hunter and a rich bloke.

For what it's worth every example of well known aussie hunter/writer I've spoken to has been an egotistical flog. But they're all great people as long as you're just telling them how great they are!

 

[PaulT]

Wow, not a lot of love for poor old CB here !

Not sure why, he's just another one of us.

I met him at a DSC once, several years back.
Struck me as terribly genuine and humble, down to Earth kind of guy.
No graces or airs and was happy to talk to anyone and everyone no matter who they were.

I certainly don't "worship" him, nor "hate" him, despite his disparaging remarks of the Australian hunting industry guides that he made a few years back when I was actually one of them.

He is entitled to his opinion as is everyone else and he is entitled to promote whatever product the sponsors pay him to do so.
It is up to me as an informed individual as to whether I succumb to the marketing hype or I make an informed purchase decision

He is little different than you and I.
A tradjic hunting addict that would sell his soul to hunt some more (also his job to do so, remember) hunting.

Tell me you would do different.

The CB is a marketing tool that you need to recognise, just like Toyota, Coke etc

No need to hate on the guy because of that.

He is, after all an incredibly accomplished hunter.

 

[BenKK]

Definitely uncomfortable with excessive marketing of personalities in the hunting world. Especially those who do the product “influencer” gig on social media, “hashtag-this-product” for $X per mention.

Having said that I do like Craig’s writing, I just take any product placement with a grain of salt.

 

[bruce moulds]

just get a montana or Winchester and use it how it is.
everyone is blaming boddington here, but surely the issue is that cz give him the royalty.
only an idiot would refuse such an offer.
if ford offered to put your name on a car and paid you for every one sold, would you refuse?
cz gives Boddington money, then adds that onto the price and the customer pays.
boddington wins, the customer loses, and cz laughs all the way to the bank.
that and their apparent lack of a quality assurance programme make you think.
bruce.

 

[JPbowhunter]

.
only an idiot would refuse such an offer.

Or someone that values other things more than money.

I do agree though, those Montana rifles seem really nice value for money. One day when I have too much money I could see myself picking up one of their 404J.

 

[Accidental Villain]

I was curious about this thread and checked out this CB CZ online thinking that this rifle maybe had special qualities built in. Maybe something like special selected superdense and straight Ruglans Regia walnut because that is exactly what you want in a heavy recoiling rifle made for hard African hunting. And then the price tag easily could be defended.
Needless to say, but my jaw fell down to my third button when I saw the word ; Claro.. Really..!!

 

[Bullthrower338]

if ford offered to put your name on a car and paid you for every one sold, would you refuse?

The Ford Bullthrower338? Hell no I wouldn’t refuse! It would be a 72’ Bronco with a built 302, three on the tree and the interior would smell like burnt 4831 and bad decisions!

 

[spike.t]

The Ford Bullthrower338? Hell no I wouldn’t refuse! It would be a 72’ Bronco with a built 302, three on the tree and the interior would smell like burnt 4831 and bad decisions!

What's three on the tree?......but Ford Bulletthrower338 .....does have a certain ring to it...