Forums.NitroExpress.com

OK, I've had this thing for a while, have carried it for a bit over 60 miles, put a couple hundred rounds thru it and shot a couple little critters. Most recent was yesterday:

The rifle reminds me A LOT of a sporterized 1917 Enfield. Action is truly massive and seems to dwarf a slim, trim 94 Swede and, as mine is chambered for the 6.5x55, my mind constantly conjures up the 94 in comparison/contrast.

I have always been highly skeptical of the "controlled round" feeding of the 98 Mausers because many, in fact most I have handled over the years, do not allow the extractor the cartridge rim to engage the extractor till the case has almost reached the chamber making the feature a feature in theory more than in practice. This 550 is one of many. It is easy to make the rifle double feed by slowly working the bolt and then withdrawing or hesitating before the first round is chambered. I consider it no big deal, but it is an occurence that can happen, as if somebody was trying to work the bolt very quietly in the presence of game and for some reason hesitated with the bolt. SOME Mausers I've owned grabbed the case head much earlier than this one.

The extractor does NOT slip over a case head that is sitting in the chamber. That I confess I do not like.

I really DO like the safety location. Again, just like the 1917 and placed perfectly for left thumb snicking. I also like the set trigger. Very handy. Bolt release is easy to use, positive and seems to have no drawbacks.

I am a lefty but like to shoot occaisionally from my right shoulder so I am familiar with that in the event I need to use the right side. Bolt binds a bit when fully withdrawn and pushed forward when using the the right hand. No problems lefthanded at all. I must find the culprit area and polish it. Very little wobble at the end stroke like many other Mausers, however. Maybe not enough wobble...

The gun is a bit too heavy. Really, the stock could have been trimmed down and a lighter barrel used. And again, like many sporter '17's I've seen. DOES make for easy shooting in 6.5 to be sure. On the trail, I keep wondering about a 6 lb Mannlicher stocked 94 like I did this morning in a whiteout Winter Storm...

The Mannlicher forearm makes for a handy Alpenstock on steep slopes.

Recoil pad is ugly, but it "squirshes" a bit so I guess it works. I'm not too much of a fan of open-sided pads as they collect stuff.

The gun is a keeper. It was worth the bedding/stocking work, and I reckon I'll collect an eatin' critter or two with it. It is very accurate {as posted elsewhere}, rugged, handles nicely, is easy to shoot, and not to ugly, either.

I like it.

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