Schüler Jumbo
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Who traditionally had the higher build quality -- Winchester Model 70 or CZ?
- Thread starter Hornedfrogbbq
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dogcat1
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I have and have used both extensively.
On the Model 70 - for me, I avoid the pre-64 and use the new CRF rifle. Why? Feels better, shoots better and works everytime. I have had issues with the pre-64's that were not tuned by an experienced gunsmith.
On the CZ - I hate the safety and have it reversed. Further the trigger is tough. However, they are somewhat well made rifles. I prefer the BRNO version. They shoot and are well done. Just get them smoothed up a bit by the competent gunsmith.
Last - don't overthink this. If you are using this for DG, they both work fine. I have shot many species in Africa with both. No issues.
On the Model 70 - for me, I avoid the pre-64 and use the new CRF rifle. Why? Feels better, shoots better and works everytime. I have had issues with the pre-64's that were not tuned by an experienced gunsmith.
On the CZ - I hate the safety and have it reversed. Further the trigger is tough. However, they are somewhat well made rifles. I prefer the BRNO version. They shoot and are well done. Just get them smoothed up a bit by the competent gunsmith.
Last - don't overthink this. If you are using this for DG, they both work fine. I have shot many species in Africa with both. No issues.
My experience doesn’t come close to many of you. I do own both rifles chambered in .375. The CZ strikes me as over-built for the cartridge, but that’s ok. I have not experienced the roughness some describe. Mine works and feeds as slick as a greased pig. The Winchester seems to handle a bit better. Both will shoot 1.5-inch groups for me at 100 yards with Federal Premium ammunition, and undoubtedly better for a more skilled shooter. No problems with either. If I had to pick one over the other, I’d really have to think about that mighty hard.
Ontario Hunter
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The Winchester Model 70 Safari Express is built on a magnum action capable of handling cartridges at least 3.60" long. Actually, I think magnum length action is often overrated. I built a 404 on a standard length Mauser and others regularly build 375 H&H and 416 Rigby on them. Standard action gives a shorter bolt throw and lighter weight rifle. And 3+1 is plenty of ammo in a DGR. Must be some reason why so many guys hunting those animals prefer double rifles? I have never before heard anyone complain that a Model 70 safety was not ergonomic. That's a new one for me
Bonk
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Had both. Still have mostly CZ550. I place a higher priority on ruggedness and reliability than heritage and pretty blue steel. Nothing wrong with the M70’s I’ve owned but for a hunting rifle I much prefer a CZ550. I feel the same way about Ruger M77. IMO both the CZ and the Ruger are better suited for hard hunting than the M70. YMMV
mark-hunter
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My list of preferable CRF rifles was following:
Winchester m70
Zastava m70
ZKK 602
CZ 550
I was looking for 375 H&H
Winchester is medium length action, and holds 3 rounds in magazine, safety is winchester type on the bolt. Zastava is thumb safety blocking the trigger, medium action, 3 round mag, safety push fwd to fire.
ZKK 602 and CZ 550 are magnum lenght action. thumb safety, large magazine capacity. ZKK 602 takes 6 rounds in magazine, plus one in chamber. Safety is push back to fire ZKK. Barrel is not free floating.
CZ 550 as per specs should take 5 rounds in mag.
When I was looking for rifle, and 375 is hard to find at my place, I would take any of the 4 I mentioned, and then I would do de - bugging at gunsmith as necessary.
But I inclinded toward magnum lenght action
ZKK 602 is a bit heavier, and this tames recoil. Another advantage. (I tried Zastava 375 HH at the range, and recoil is stronger when compared to ZKK)
On the end I had a chance to buy ZKK 602, I took it, changed the trigger and safety (I installed Winchester type safety and back market trigger from Wayne of American hunting rifles).
Rifle is now 1.5 MOA average. For hunting purposes has shown OK. I am more then happy, took it to Africa already twice.
I have seen few winchesters m70 around of post - 1990 production, made in Portugal (not in 375) and overall impression is they are better in fit and finish then ZKK and CZ, and even more then Zastava.
Bad news: ZKK 602 and CZ 550 are phased out, available on 2nd hand market only, winchester and zastava are still produced, you can buy new ones.
I'd take a CZ 550 or Brno 21/zg47/zkk 600 any day over a winchester. I've had several winchester's that wouldn't shoot worth a darn. That includes a couple 325 wsm's with factory and reloads, which were fist sized groups. Bought a couple new production supergrade m70's in 30-06 and 7mm-08 in 2022/2023 and both barrel's were lemon's and again wouldn't shoot well. Turn's out winchester's quality went down during covid hence the lemon's. Lost confidence in them.
I had one alaskan m70 30-06 that did shoot well and I do regret selling that one.
My brno's and CZ's on the other hand all shoot well. 3/4"-1 is typical with most ammo I shoot through them. I've also never had feeding issues with the standard length actions.
I had one alaskan m70 30-06 that did shoot well and I do regret selling that one.
My brno's and CZ's on the other hand all shoot well. 3/4"-1 is typical with most ammo I shoot through them. I've also never had feeding issues with the standard length actions.
I love Winchester Model 70s I have a classic in 416 Rem Mag (stainless/synthetic) but I like my CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery a lot better. Action is so solid, like a bank vault.
M70375!
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I've had both, can't go wrong with either one. I like the m 70 better, smoother action , nicer stock, just a nicer rifle and you don't have to spend $2000 to make it as good as a m 70 like you might want to do with the CZ.
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