I got my CZ550 505 Gibbs back. My problem was the A-Square ammo. I purchased a box of $250 per 10 Norma and send two rounds of that out to Kansas City. Later after the ammo arrived, I talked with the gunsmith. I was told the Norma functioned perfectly. And, I got another ear full about A Square.

The smith at CZ told me they had a lot of problems with oversize A Square ammo. Head spacing and head diameter. He told me been several guns returned due to that ammo problem. He (CZ gunsmith) has complained to A square. CZ has purchased and returned out of spec ammo from A Square. He told me they returned a large lot of 505 A Square and the stuff all ended up at Cabelas! By coincidence, Cabelas had a sale/special on A square 505 when I purchase my ammo.

I have still not shot the 505, but I did cycle a few magazines of Norma loads. Fine. Smooth, no problems. Control feed and chambers as you would expect. Seemed smoother than my lott.

The Classics are assembled or built in Kansas City. For 3x the cost, it does appear too be a better finished gun and a better grade wood. Based on a sample of two. FWIW

Another couple observations relating to CZ quality. I saw two more CZ550 today. First, was a USED CZ in 505 Gibbs. It was built without any cross bolts! Second was a NEW 458 WinMag. The 458 had daul cross bolts. My CZ in 505 Gibbs has two bolts, glass bedding and recoil reducers. It is clear from talk on the web, that CZ has had more than usual problems, including stocks splitting. And just as clear from inspection of these two guns that CZ has made improvements. Buyer beware on the old used stuff.

Now, can I get any satisfaction (ie refund) on the defective ammo. I talked to the Cabelas store manager. He said no ammo return for any reason and take it up with A square. I think I am going to be stuck on that one.