1. I need to find a dealer who can get me a CZ 550 in this caliber. My local guy, who normally can reach into the void and come out with whatever I want, is having trouble.

2. So far, I'm thinking of the 550 American, but the full stocked one has promise as well. Has anyone here tried one of these with the 20.5 barrel? What kind of velocities do you get with 285 grain bullets?

Thanks in advance, Okie John.

I haven�t tried the CZ but from my Husqvarna with a 20,5" barrel I�m getting around 2400fps with 286 grain Norma Alaska. From what I hear the CZ is a very well built rifle, nothing too modern but low prices and nice -98 solutions. I would worrie a little bit about their barrels since a gunsmith here chopped one off and found the hole to be off center.

Okie John: You don't say where you're located but (duh) I'm guesing OK, right? However, if you're in Ohio or passing through I know a dealer who stocks pretty much the full line of CZ's: Fin, Feathers, & Fur Outfitters in Ashland, OH. I don't know if they have a website but I can get you a phone number if necessary. I've bought a number of things from them since finding the place and can recommend them (and I don't work there).

I pointed another fellow their way a couple months age who was also looking for a CZ in 9.3. He was impressed with the gun shop, the range of in-stock guns, and reported that he'd bought both a 9.3 for himself and a 7x57 for his wife (both CZ's).

If that's not a local stop for you, there are lots of over-the-web dealers. Personally, I prefer to handle what I'm buying before reaching for my wallet. And given the increasing popularity of CZ's I'm sure there are other stocking dealers out there. Good luck. -WSJ

Slight correction and address for the shop I mentioned:

Goschinski Fin & Feather
606 Route 250 East "NBS", Ashland, OH 44805
419-281-2557

Try the CZ Connection aka, "The Gunshop" just north of Atlanta. The owner's name is Phil. I have purchased a number of rifles from him and have found him to be a straight shooter/NO BS/good prices.
Bob

Amen to the CZ Connection. Phil is great to work with and he gets the rifles out pretty darn fast. I purchased three rifles from him. Just make sure that you specify a CZ 550 American ($429-$439 plus $18 shipping and handling) that is made in 2000 or 2001. The 1999 models come with a plastic floorplate, which will be replaced free of charge by CZ-USA in Kansas City, Kan., but why not just get the steel floorplate to start off with in the first place. I think the full stocks were $499 plus the shipping and handling. Personally, I like the CZ 550 American more. They seem to have a slightly better finish than the euro-style stock has. I must admit though, I just got through picking up a CZ 527 in .223 Remington and that is one sweet piece of work! Good luck ... Tom Purdom

I have purchased from Phil and was very happy with the transaction. Here is his information. He lists a lot of his guns on www.gunbroker.com.

THE GUN SHOP
4230 HWY 29 SUITE 17 LILBURN, GEORGIA, USA
TOLL FREE 1-888-207-2220
http://pdmall.com/CZC/cz~1.htm
ton80@mindspring.com

Gentlemen--thanks for the information. I have heard good things about our man in Atlanta, I just wish I had time to get over there and meet him. On the other hand, I often get into trouble on Peachtree Street, so maybe buying over the net is a better idea. I will pass his information to my man here; perhaps we can do business.

WSJ: I'm in Seattle, but I grew up in Oklahoma City.

Thanks to everyone for your help. I appreciate it. Okie John.

More kudos for Phil/The Gun Shop/CZ Connection. Fastest 'special order' rifle I ever received. I sent him numerous $$, three days later my local gun guy called to announce the CZ550/9.3x62's arrival.

Personally, I think the 550 "Minnesota" looks pretty neat. It's not listed at the Gun Shop site, but, the CZ brochure that came with my 550 American has a picture of it in there. I don't know if it's a special CZ or not.

R-WEST