(.224 member)

06/05/11 04:49 AM

Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Friend of mine is looking for a solid DGR for less than $3500. The CZ 550 Safari grade rifles sell for a little over $3000 and come in a wide variety of calibers and lots of nice features. Is anyone familiar with CZ's recent production of these rifles?
Keith

(.450 member)

06/05/11 06:46 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

$3000, Jesus, it better be good for that price.

I hope they smooth out the actions before selling them,
one of my biggest bug bears with Brno's / CZ's.

(.400 member)

06/05/11 08:49 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

I have owned a CZ550 in .308 and also owned a previous model BRNO 601 in .308W. I currently own a .416 Rigby CZ Safari Classic (the base version, as sold here in OZ).

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=164945&an=0&page=3#Post164945

I have been very happy with my CZ 550's. My .416 was bedded perfectly from the factory and only needed the standard trigger adjusted (which took less than 5 minutes) and a larger front sight insert installed (easily done by the owner). IMO the CZ is an excellent start point for any DG rifle and they have most of the features found in high end custom DG rifles. They all need adjustment for individual use however. Any problems are easily and cheaply fixed or modified.

I would not pay $3K for a start rifle unless you need an exotic calibre. If you can afford the ammo and/or reloading gear for an 'exotic' calibre then you can afford a new barrel on an entry level CZ rifle or a bit of custom gunsmithing like a re-chamber.

As you are in the USA have a look at these guys who do a good job of modifying standard CZ's. They are familiar with the rifles and know what to look for and how to improve them.

http://www.hunting-rifles.com/CZ/CZowners.htm

Your friend may not wish to buy one of their whole packages which are overpriced, however a bit of bargaining may work and their web site may give some ideas.

There are a few posts here on CZ's. Do a search.

(.450 member)

06/05/11 09:16 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

$3000, Jesus, it better be good for that price.

I hope they smooth out the actions before selling them,
one of my biggest bug bears with Brno's / CZ's.

Besides that the 377 H+H we ran here for a few shots was a heavy as lead rifle,not a very luggable rifle for me.

(.450 member)

06/05/11 09:17 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Yes, they tend to be a bit heavy.

I have a couple, one of which was slimmed down
by someone and is a lot lighter.

(.375 member)

06/05/11 12:37 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

a little over $3000 and come in a wide variety of calibers and lots of nice features.

The added option this year of the pop up peep sight integral to the rear square bridge is nice. I agree that if you want it chambered in what is offered in the standard model, just get a standard model.

(.450 member)

06/05/11 12:43 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

Quote:

a little over $3000 and come in a wide variety of calibers and lots of nice features.

The added option this year of the pop up peep sight integral to the rear square bridge is nice. I agree that if you want it chambered in what is offered in the standard model, just get a standard model.

So that have gone back over 30 years to a feature that should never have been taken off the Brno's in the first place.

Good to see, they were great.

(.416 member)

06/05/11 08:28 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Hi Handloader52,

If you want a factory rifle for $3k then buy one but I would strongly suggest that you buy a good secondhand rifle or the basic model rifle and get a gunsmith to work it over.

You may have seen on this forum that this was the way I went recently with 2 CZ550's as they need to be 'slicked up' in the smoothness and feeding areas. Sometimes it is best to 'Start Again' and build one that suits YOU both in weight, barrel length etc but if your just buying one for the re introduced 'Peep' sight then Recknagel already makes one that slides onto the rear dove-tail.

I hope that this is of help to you in your decision making process but having one built to your specifications is a real 'Buzz'

Cheers form Australia,

Jeff Gray

.

(.275 member)

06/05/11 08:50 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

If you want a factory rifle for $3k

The $3000 guns are not factory, they are individually built in ST Louis with imported parts from CZ. The buyer can (if he is aware) specify the barrel length and select from a raft of custom features. I got one in 505 Gibbs with a 24" barrel and I consider it the bargin of my lifetime, for a Gibbs. Nice wood and that stock fits me like a glove.

I own and prefer the Winchester M70 in 375H&H and there both the Ruger and CZ are a bit over weight for my liking.

The CZ is just nice size for a Lott or Rigby. IMHO of course.

I have a 458Lott in a low cost CZ550, the $1000 check factory gun, and it have been a big headache for me. Be prepared with a plan in advance how to deal with one if these guns if you go that route. The feeding can be smoothed out and nice features added by American Hunting Rifles, about $500 will get you a great gun if you start out with a good barrel. AHR can also replace the stock if you need a smaller one and fancy grade wood, but the price starts to go up seriously at that point.

I wish I had the built in classic peep on my Gibbs, I use the NECG peep on my 505. If true, that would be a great built in re-introduction feature.

(.416 member)

06/05/11 09:42 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

Quote:

If you want a factory rifle for $3k

The $3000 guns are not factory, they are individually built in ST Louis with imported parts from CZ. The buyer can (if he is aware) specify the barrel length and select from a raft of custom features. I got one in 505 Gibbs with a 24" barrel and I consider it the bargin of my lifetime, for a Gibbs. Nice wood and that stock fits me like a glove.

The CZ is just nice size for a Lott or Rigby. IMHO of course.

I wish I had the built in classic peep on my Gibbs, I use the NECG peep on my 505. If true, that would be a great built in re-introduction feature.

Fourbore your first paragraph was my understanding of the CZ550's that cost $3000.

I agree 100% with the second and last paragraph.

(.375 member)

07/05/11 03:24 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

they are individually built in ST Louis with imported parts from CZ. The buyer can...select from a raft of custom features. I wish I had the built in classic peep on my Gibbs (it) would be a great built in re-introduction feature.

Have you phoned them to see if they can mill the bridge and install one now?

(.275 member)

07/05/11 09:09 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

No, I pretty much in a holding pattern for a while with my financial situation right now. Lucky, I have enough guns and ammo to hold me over for a while. That is a heck of a good idea - "asking".

I will remember.

(.224 member)

07/05/11 09:05 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Having a CZ 550 .375 H&H , I recommended a friend joining BGRC to buy a new CZ 550 Safari Classic Magnum in .375 H&H. Having only seen the belly of the firearm when rested in the shop rack, I was so impressed with the new style stock when I saw it up close, I rang and had a remaining .416 Rigby put aside.

At a price of around $1,300 for the .416 I could afford to have the ugly screw head cross bolts replaced and blanked with horn, a grip cap and escutchen, a nice red pachymer pad is soon to be fitted, will it make the rifle shoot any better, I don't know, but gee it looks nice dressed up.

To make matters worse a CZ 550 Safari Classic Magnum in .458 wm in a Bell and Carlson composite stock had been sitting unsold on the shelf for months, that being around the $1,800 mark was a steal with nothing to spend on the stock.

They are running in good, feed and extract well, and accurate to boot. Well under $3,000, reliable and rock solid as ever, the rrp on these big bores are a steal for what you get.

Yes, I could have bought a 500 Jeffrey is CZ 550 but having a ZKK 602 action begging for a custom build, well that's on it's way to keep the others company.

An honest rifle at an honest price.

(.275 member)

08/05/11 05:28 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

I know what they say about opinions, but FWIW, the CZ550 is a really big action and a classic design. I think its at its best with the big old classics like 416 Rigby and 505 Gibbs. Big long cigar shape rounds. Then 375H&H and 458Lott as my 2nd choices. Well, that 450 Rigby is interesting too. Heck, I am hooked!

In 45, there have been many of complaints about the feeding of the Win Mag which is partly been attributed to the hugh magazine. This can be a problem with any $1000 CZ so beware. Again FWIW, I would opt for the 458Lott over the WinMag unless it was some kind of give away bargin 1/2 price deal. I say that even though, I got a 458 Lott by CZ with a funky barrel that shoots low and has feeding problems too boot. Maybe blowing smoke on this one. Just my 2c.

In addition to my M70 375, I also have a CZ550 in 375 that someone else had restocked and upgraded by AHR. Its a real really fine gun. Smooth and a looker. So; I have to agree for $1000 low cost factory guns these are a heck of a starting off point for the guy who want to go custom. And among those, I really like the idea of the 416Rigby the best. Ironically, thats one I dont have.

For purely personal reasons, I dont care for the 500 Jeff. That was a round designed for a std length action with a very short neck and greatly rebated rim. I think its just butt ugly ctg. The original guns were single column feed. The staggered magazine with the rebated 500J is a bad idea. That is just what CZ custom shops offers. Consequently even at $3,000 custom prices, I heard a complaint about the 500J feeding. This is a brand new custom gun. Imagine after it gets old and tired? For now, it is more money in the bank for AHR. (American Hunting Rifles)

(.450 member)

08/05/11 06:16 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

fourbore

As I have often said, feeding issues with the 500J are because
people don't know how to build them and what you say above supports this.

If people studied original mausers in 500J (and good copies
of which there are quite a few around), then they would see how they were built and would follow.

The 505 is a good looking cartridge.

(.224 member)

08/05/11 09:13 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

The CZ in 9.3 X 62 is affordable as hell, no open sights but the price savings would allow for a nice set to be installed.

Lovely Group 1 BGRC starter.

(.275 member)

08/05/11 12:28 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

A while back I was seriously thinking about a 9.3 x 62 as a North American big gun in the kevlar carbine model. I like the heavy bullets offered in factory loaded 9.3 ammo with a light easy carry carbine. Not right now, but maybe someday.

In the $3.5k price range for an African DG rifle, the origional question asked, I whole hardheartedly endorse his choice of a custom shop CZ. This guy has 3500 budget let him live a little and enjoy life. I think a 416 Rigby custom shop CZ with hi grade wood and extra bells whistles would be a great gun. Or what ever caliber and bbl length desired. And in spirit of full disclosure, I know the guns work well, but I never hunted Africa or anything like that heavy dangerous game. I just like shooting big bores for fun. The 9.3, I could hunt with, but that seems a much lighter class gun to me.

For some reason that probably makes little practical sense, I like the idea of the 450 Rigby. I dont know much about it. A bottle neck case for reliable feeding and extra capacity for lower pressure loading at the same performance level of the Lott. I am sure you loose magazine capacity. And where to get factory ammo? I found I can squeeze 6 down in my 458Lott CZ, not saying that works very well, but there is room for more than enough Rigby size rounds. I know the Lott or one of the 416's would be far more practical, but as long as we are listing some of the options for CZ that is one I think about sometimes.

GK

(.300 member)

08/05/11 01:01 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

Quote:

a little over $3000 and come in a wide variety of calibers and lots of nice features.

The added option this year of the pop up peep sight integral to the rear square bridge is nice. I agree that if you want it chambered in what is offered in the standard model, just get a standard model.

I had a look at the website but I could not find any pics of the pop up peep sight. Do they have any images up yet? I have a ZKK missing its peep and would like to know if they are using the same design? Fortunately I have another with its pop up peep and can copy it if I never happen to find one.

I agree this is a feature that should never have been dropped and if they wanted to save money they should have just offered as a factory option.

George

(.375 member)

08/05/11 02:13 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

The CZ in 9.3 X 62 is affordable as hell, no open sights but the price savings would allow for a nice set to be installed.

The Kevlar Carbine and Full Stock have open sights.

(.375 member)

08/05/11 02:16 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

I had a look at the website but I could not find any pics of the pop up peep sight. Do they have any images up yet? I have a ZKK missing its peep and would like to know if they are using the same design? Fortunately I have another with its pop up peep and can copy it if I never happen to find one.

George

http://www.cz-usa.com/assets/files/CZ-USA_2011_Product_Catalog.pdf

Scroll down to pg 33. The photo looks to be a 602, but hopefully it will be the same on the 550.

GK

(.300 member)

09/05/11 10:34 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Adam,
Thanks, I have now found it and the pop up peep indeed looks like the original ZKK 600/1/2 style.
I wonder if they would consider selling these seperately? Anyone know who to contact specifically as an email to CZ-USA would not get very far.
George

(.450 member)

09/05/11 10:44 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

I'd try CZ Europe over the US.

Just my HO.

(.400 member)

09/05/11 01:30 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

Adam,
Thanks, I have now found it and the pop up peep indeed looks like the original ZKK 600/1/2 style.

I just had a look at that catalogue and the photo is of a 602 (small bolt shroud and reverse safety give it away). Maybe they hadn't done one on a CZ when the catalogue was published. Steep price though - $350. You can get a fully adjustable NECG rear peep for $85 that doesn't require any fitting and is readily detachable as required. Although some folks don't like the look of the ears on the NECG - could file them off I suppose.

GK

(.300 member)

09/05/11 03:32 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

I just had a look at that catalogue and the photo is of a 602 (small bolt shroud and reverse safety give it away). Maybe they hadn't done one on a CZ when the catalogue was published. Steep price though - $350. You can get a fully adjustable NECG rear peep for $85 that doesn't require any fitting and is readily detachable as required. Although some folks don't like the look of the ears on the NECG - could file them off I suppose.

I have a ZKK 601 that was originally fitted with the pop up peep, but is now missing (like the majority). I would think that at least half of the $350 would go towards milling the cut out in the reciever.

I have seen the NECG BRNO one and actually have the weaver rail versions. In my eyes, they are both uneccessarily large and 'get in the way'. Compared with the original, there is no similarity.

George

(.450 member)

09/05/11 03:33 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

GK

Re your first sentance, I would agree.

(.275 member)

09/05/11 07:49 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

I wonder if they would consider selling these seperately? Anyone know who to contact specifically as an email to CZ-USA would not get very far.

Here is contact info, with phone and directions, for the shop that does the custom CZ work.

<a href="ttp://tripleriver.net/contacts-directions/" target="_blank">ttp://tripleriver.net/contacts-directions/</a>

As for the price, sounds reasonable enough, or par for the course, for custom work. I am sure if it was done factory on every gun you could expect 1/3 the cost. Such is life. And the reality I suspect, is the typical CZ buyer is in it for the price point. I would not hold my breath to see that as a factory feature.

(.450 member)

09/05/11 08:00 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

fourbore.

"And the reality I suspect, is the typical CZ buyer is in it for the price point. I would not hold my breath to see that as a factory feature."

I agree, and because the market is so price sensitive, the makers don't put ice features like this on guns.

(.416 member)

09/05/11 10:07 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Quote:

Quote:

I have seen the NECG BRNO one and actually have the weaver rail versions. In my eyes, they are both uneccessarily large and 'get in the way'. Compared with the original, there is no similarity.

George

George I have a NECG peep on my CZ550. It is great but I agree with you. The inbuilt peep will regulate with the front sight from the factory where as the NECG need to have a Taller front sight fitted. If you bust a scope in the field you can take it off and pop up the fitted peep but would have to fit the NECG. Not good if you should be shooting.

(.400 member)

10/05/11 10:05 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

I got my NECG sight because my 458 shot way too high with the standard open sights. I didn't have to replace the front sight at the same time either - mind you it will still shoot high with projectiles lighter than 400gn but I could file a bit off the bottom of the underside of post to gain more height adjustment (the post base hits the top of the receiver before it runs out of screw adjustment).

400 and 500gns are my standard loads and unmodified NECG will accomodate the adjustments to suit both with the standard front sight (which is the right size and colour I reckon).

Initially I was going to try a taller front sight but the Recknagel units are about the same price as the NECG and the later is fully adjustable, and the AUD is very good at the moment so the NECG it was. I'm going to buy another for my 375.

(.450 member)

10/05/11 10:14 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Can ayoe post a pic of the NECG and Rec sights
actually installed o a CZ ?

Would be interested to see one.

(.400 member)

10/05/11 10:25 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

I've posted a photo earlier (not a good image, I had to reduce the quality the be able to upload the photobucket):

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....true#Post174173

I'll try and get some better photos after work - unless soemone else beats me to it.

(.400 member)

10/05/11 09:20 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Here's some better (not by much) photos - it does make it look pretty ugly close up though:

(.450 member)

10/05/11 10:26 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Thanks

I have seen lately some peep sights that literally just screw into one of the scope screw holes on the action. Very neat.

(.400 member)

11/05/11 08:51 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Unfortunately the CZs only have dovetails as standard. I suppose the action could be drilled but a custom sight base would need to be made to incorporate the recoil lug on the LHS of the sight base - unless someone makes this already (haven't seen one though).

I'm not all that upset about the look of the NECG - it's a bit Garand/M14-esque (which is out of place on the more classical style of rifle I admit). Functionality is excellent and good price to match. I have taken the hood off the front sight which helps the overall appearance and takes away the distraction when sighting. The NECG is at the perfect height for me - I can throw the rifle to my shoulder and there's the sight picture, nothing to line up really - just put the front bead just under where you want the projectile to hit.

(.224 member)

11/05/11 09:29 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Might have to order a Kevlar Carbine, thanks.

(.416 member)

11/05/11 09:32 PM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

Mauserand9mm mine is the same, in that bring rifle to shoulder and the peep is right there. The only difference is I put the bead where I want to hit or where it needs to be for drop. I don't use a 6 o'clock hold. Nothing wrong with it if that is how you shoot, but I mainly use scopes and the cross-hair goes where I want to hit so I try to keep things the same where ever possible.

(.333 member)

16/05/11 01:30 AM

Re: Anyone familiar with the CZ 550 Safari grade rifles?

If you're happy with a 375 H&H, or 416 Rem Mag, I would buy a new Model 70 for just over $1000. The CZ 550s including the more expensive Safari Classics tend to require some work. If you want one in 416 Rigby or 458 Lott, then I'd recommend a basic CZ 550 in those calibers, they are great deals and plan to spend a little money on gunsmithing (smoothing the action, etc, though your rifle might not need it). I have a "basic CZ 550 plus some options that was originally a 375 H&H and is now a 500 Jeffery. I have a little over $2000 in it and it's a great gun, but it's been to two gunsmiths to get it right (500 Jeffery's are notorious for feeding problems).

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