M70 Safari Express 416 Rem or cz 550 416 Rigby

[Warren Knudsen]

Hi all
I am new to this forum and am looking to purchase on of the above rifles, and would appreciate your thoughts on pros and cons for each.

I currently have a 9.3x62 so looking for something with a little more.
Thanks in advance for your input

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome to AH!

Tough call on which one to pick, both nice rifles. The M70's are sweet shooting and CZ's aren't too shabby.

 

[postoak]

Maybe some CZ owners can step in here. I've never owned either of these but I have read a number of times that the CZ needs some work before being ready to go. That seems a little odd to me since I know of no other production rifle that isn't ready to go out of the box.

 

[ChrisG]

I have the model 70 safari express as well as an older push feed Winchester made in the early 80's. Both in .375 h&h Mag. They are sweet shooting and reliable out of the box. Having said that, there's no substitute for romance and the rigby has it in spades... those massive shells have a life all their own.

 

[TOBY458]

I have a Safari Express in 416 Rem. It's a very nice rifle, and isn't too heavy for the caliber. I've looked at the CZ rifles, and they don't fit me very well, and are a bit on the heavy side for my tastes. Others might say the opposite, so it's more about personal taste I suppose. My M70 feeds and functions very smooth, and is very accurate. The trigger is also very good.

 

[Warren Knudsen]

I am leaning towards the M70 but there will be a wait as it will be a back order to get one here in New Zealand, the cz 550 is in stock.
The joys of being at the bottom of the world

 

[cagkt3]

Also have an M70 in 416 Rem, shoots like a dream

 

[Rick Cox]

Maybe some CZ owners can step in here. I've never owned either of these but I have read a number of times that the CZ needs some work before being ready to go. That seems a little odd to me since I know of no other production rifle that isn't ready to go out of the box.

I have heard some CZ550 need work to feed really smoothly, but my .375HH is fine. Maybe the older ones were less polished. I got lucky on the wood as well, quite figured. I understand they have a new 'retro' or classic model out which looks great. The CZ's are heavier (mine with a scope is 11 lbs.) but I don't think I have ever had a gun that feels steadier. Having said All that, if I had a M70 and a 550 side by side and money in hand, I would most likely go with the M70. No reason for it except I always wanted one...

 

[CAustin]

The 416 Rigby is a classic round. I wouldn’t worry about the CZ as everything I’ve heard is that a little polishing o father rails fixes feed issues.
They seem to be good value for the money.

 

[IdaRam]

You’re in luck! There is no wrong answer I think you will be well served with either one.

 

[matt85]

between the two, the Win M70 is a superior rifle in every possible way. the CZ can be a very good rifle if your willing to spend more money on it but it will never be quite as nice as the Winchester unless you rebuild it from the action up.

-matt

 

[PeteG]

Any comments here on are basically going to echo what others have said.
As a rifle the winchester is nicer out the box than most CZ's.
As a caliber i prefer the Rigby.

 

[fourfive8]

I'd pick the Winchester. And, unless you are going to load with cordite powder , the 416 Rem.

 

[Shootist43]

If there is a gunsmith that can help you with the CZ I'd go for it, primarily because of the availability of ammo and a long standing history of performance. Some CZs have had problems feeding, but not all of them. There is no question in my mind that the Winchester is the better rifle out of the box, but the story just doesn't end there.

 

[Ridgewalker]

https://www.africahunting.com/members/warren-knudsen.40859/, looks like you have plenty of suggestions!
Welcome to the forum! You live in a beautiful place! I hope to make another trip there some day.
Good luck in your decision!

 

[TOBY458]

 

[TOBY458]

View attachment 220248

Here's what my Winchester 70 416 Rem does with good handloads.

 

[Dr Ray]

View attachment 220248

Well you sure can’t complain about that group. Very, very good and will give you tremendous confidence in placing your shots.[emoji4]

 

[colorado]

We have a M70 Classic in 416 Rem and a CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery both are great rifles. If you were buying a 375 H&H I'd say go M70 no question. I'd go with a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby over the 416 Rem just because I like the round better. As far as build quality is concerned, I agree that the M70s seem to be better out of the box, but the CZ 550 action is machined from billet, is built like a tank and easily shoots sub MOA. Both good choices

 

[Don Colter]

I have a CZ 550 in 375 H & H. It has a great trigger and feeds well. I haven’t had any work done on it and all it needs is more shooting.