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From: Nitro (Original Message) Sent: 3/2/2002 1:20 AM
BigFive and anyone else

Today I scouted around for a nice 458 Win Mag to buy. I was looking for a bolt action with a Mauser 98 style action, classicly styled stock and an action long enough to allow the rifle to converted to the 458 Lott.

Now finding a 458 Win Mag in stock locally is as rare as shooting a 80 lb tusker these days, but I did find one that was a 2 inch 458 Win Mag !!!! A shortened version. What a waste!

But discussions with the retailers resulting in me being told that the Winchester Safari grade is on a standard action, which I need to confirm and I think this rules out converting one of these to a Lott. Also the catalogue showed it having a crappy little back sight which didn't look very impressive. Otherwise the rifle seemed OK.

The most likely contender is a CZ (Brno) 550. I tried one out in 375 H&H (in the shop) and it felt OK, the trigger was surprisingly good (this rifle was second hand), the rear sights while ugly looked functional. The action looked magnum length (ie 375 H&H). Overall while quite a plain rifle it certainly should be functional. A big plus is its large magazine which should take at least 4 if not 5 rounds.

Big Five (and also anyone else who can help)

You might be able to help me as I believe you have one converted to 460 Wby Magnum. I was told that the CZ550 when chambered for 458 Win Mag, has had some of the metal around the locking lugs removed to fit it. What procedures were done to fit the 460 Wby Mag to your rifle? Was it weakened in any way to fit this much longer and more powerful round?

Any info you can assist with would be appreciated.

(And I need this 458 plus my 375 when I come to visit you...... hopefully in the near future......next year? I hear your warthog need a lot of sorting out.)

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From: Bigfive Sent: 3/4/2002 3:34 PM
Hi Nitro,
I'll start building the hide for you and that killer warthog!!!!!LOL

Unfortunatly I don't know the whole procedure.One thing I know is that some guys rechamber the rifle through the bolt but the correct way is to take the barrel of (screw it loose).My 460 took a few shots and nothing has happened yet.All seems in order.There is alot of metal to work with on a Brno so cutting away a bit would'nt hurt anyone.Just make sure of the gunsmith you are using's capabilities and that he knows what he is doing.Brno actions is also some of the hardest in the world and basic copies of the Mauser actions.If they hold my 460 they will hold anything.A gunsmith friend of mine here is lately converting a lot 458win mags in to 458 3''ers wich seems to be very good on paper.(never shot one myself).

Hope you get your rifle...

Regards
B5

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From: Nitro Sent: 3/5/2002 1:01 AM
BigFive

I'm interested what's a 458 WM 3 inch? The 458 Lott is 2.80" and the 450 Watts Mag is 2.85". Never heard of the 3".

I see there are a couple of 458 WM CZ's advertised interstate second hand but new (or pretty close to) in box. So I will be checking these out, or a new one from the gunshops.

Theyre not pretty but are pretty functional and should do the job nicely. In Oz the CZs are about A$1300 while Win 70s with a shorter action are about $2500 so the price diff is not bad either.

Will need to check out a few gunsmiths interstate to see what is involved. No decent gunsmiths left locally which is terrible.

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From: Bigfive Sent: 3/6/2002 4:02 PM
Nitro,
Yes it is what you think it is - a 3 '' 458.As far as I know it was locally developt and people here says it is great.Nearly a 460 but with a third of the kick.I'll try and get you better specs and info?????

Regards
Big5

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