Hi
I'm Trying to decided which type of stock to put on a DGR. It will be a decated open sight rifle, in either .416 rghby or .458 Lott

If you´re thinking CZ then go with the American. The European is of the hogback style and unshootable for normally built people !

I actually find the hogsback fine and have it on cz rifles in .375, .458 lott (was a .458 winnie) and my 9.3x62. For some reason it seems to really work, I also like the thin schnabel forends which make the gubn seem very lively.

The American looks better aesthetically, however, many claim that the "hogback" actually functions better in a a heavy recoiling rifle. Without shooting identical loads in the two different stocks I would not know. I have a hogback in 416 Rigby, and a 375H&H with the American.
peter.

Are you talking just CZ's "Euro" and "American" or are you talking what would classically be called a European stock versus an American stock?

I think if you are going open sights, depending on chambering, the old English sporting stock (see pictures of rifle recently posted here by Ray Atkinson) with more drop in the butt and a what I call a more svelt forend would be better. The most important thing is going to be the comb and butt of the rifle, and some Cast-off won't hurt either. A stock cut for open sights is going to be much different than one for a scope. most of what we call American styles are cut for scope use. Some companies or people haev what they call a Griffin and Howe style that might fit the bill.

Red

Dago,

I am refferring to cz's Euro or Hogsback stock.

Dr. B,

The stock that is "best" does indeed, IMHO, depend on body type and structure. I'm 6'5" and 220 and long and lean and I absolutely love the CZ "hogback stock" for my DGR's.

I have CZ 550's in both 416 Rigby and 458 Lott and they fit me great. I have an M70 in 375 H&H and it is fine with a scope --- wouldn't like it much with iron sights. (A DGR without iron sights is like a car without a spare tire.)

When I was shopping Big Bores I had the folks at Cabelas lay out an M-70 in 416RemMag, a Ruger in 416 Rigby, and a CZ in 416 Rigby. When I did the random choice/closed eyes test the CZ hogback won hands down (cheapest too).

For me when I snap them to my shoulder and then open my eyes, I'm automatically looking right down the sights --- fits like a dream (in spite of the looks).

IMHO and for me, the hogback handles recoil VERY well.

EKM

What I am wondering is what DR. B was asking about. He didn't specify just the CZ but that is what people seem to be responding on. If that is what he is asking about cool. What if he is asking about Pre-550 differences between American and European stocks IN GENERAL?

Red

Dr B, there´s an article in the 1983 (as I recall) issue of Gun Digest, by Jack Lott about stocking stopper rifles - some good advice there, and furthermore pictures of proper stocked DGR for open sights.

Didn´t someone scan it sometime ago?

Do not use any modern patterns, IMHO.

Boha

Geeeez, there is only one design fit for hunt'en, and thats the English/African style stock, low comb, egg cheek piece, short forend, everyone in Africa knows that!

Besides who wants a gun called a "hogback" or an American Classic with 3 lbs. too much wood on it?

Toddle!

I think the American Classic style handles and points best, and best minimizes felt recoil, no matter if you're using a scope or open sights.

Shoot a pre-war style British bolt-gun in .375 H&H alongside, for example, a Biesen-stocked .375 H&H with the same ammo and there will be no doubt remaining in your mind as to which one is better..........

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