After dreaming about a 9.3X74R double, I am back to the far more financially sensible idea of going with a 550 in 9.3X62 for a trip to Namibia. If I have been reading posts correctly, the action will need a slicking, there may be a bedding issue, and I'll likely want to replace the bottom plastic with metal. Seems I have heard the 9.3s may have crossbolts and a decent recoil pad, but how about the CZ scope rings -- worth using? I'd probably top this with a Leupold VIII 1.75-6 or 2.5-8 and call it good. Any other must-tweak mods I am forgetting?

Bill,

I that particular rifle in that same calibre... My advise is to shoot it first and then decide what needs doing...

This is actually my second such rifle, the original had a problem with the bolt binding slightly when it was cycled...This only happened now and again and could probably have been fixed easily enough by a gunsmith, but I returned it to CZ and they replaced it no questions asked.

The second rifle has been fine...It shoots 286grn TSX bullets to around 1" and if the truth be known, I am probably the limiting factor was far as better groups go...

The magazine follower is plastic and I would prefer it to be metal, but I've not got around to replacing it yet...

On some models there was an issue with the way the firing pin was retained, but I believe that may have been resolved by now..If you do a search of the older posts, there was a lot of dissussion on the subject including the remedy.

I planned on bedding mine, but it shoots better than I do as it is..I had the trigger adjusted and that too is pretty good. Some folks have replaced the set trigger, with a less complicated after market version, but I don't feel the need to do that.. I believe you had also get a M70 type bolt shround/safety assemby if yyou particularly want a three position safety...Again i am sticking with the factory 2 position unit as I prefer those...

As for mounts, the standard factory mounts are very robust to say the least. They will work, but most folks seem to go for the QD Warne or Talley's...The Talleys are probably better, but were not available locally..As I could get the Warne off the shelf I went with those and they have worked fine...In fact I had the rifle out today at the range and despite removing the scope a couple of times, the Warne's returned to zero fine...

Bu only dissappointment with my rifle is that the stock is rather plain..Some of the guys on AR have dropped lucky and recieved really nice wood as standard...Even if it means paying a little extra, I would recommend upgrading the wood; I didn't get that choice and it does bug me now and again when i think about it..

Regards,

Pete

Bill,

I have one in but in the lux configuration............I swapped out the plastic bits (with the help of a friendly American and had it bedded) it shoots speer 270's well and it's a sweet nice little rifle.

My buddy tweaked his with bedding and such but it doesn't shoot any better than my Lux which is untouched. The limiting factor is indeed the shooter not the rifle.

I slicked up my 550 varmint with a little JB bore paste and cycleing the bolt a couple hundred times, now its slicker than snot, CZ uses pretty tight tolerences I think that is why the bolts when new have a bit of a ruff feel to them, I personally love the CZ factory rings, they are hell for stout, solid steel perfect for a big boomer, in fact I have an extra set I would let go for a good price if you are interested

My next purchase is a CZ 550 in 6.5x55. I plan on slimming the stock a bit and ebony tip. Talley rings and a Lapour safety. JB bore bright to lap the action, most likely will pick up it's twin if the come out with the 375 Ruger. That is my plan. I would play with yours a bit and only fix what you think it needs.

I have a CZ 550 American Safari Magnum in 458 Lott. There is no plastic on it anywhere that I know of though the recoil pad is rubber (and works very well by the way). I did have it glass bedded but only because of stories I'd heard about stock cracking. I shot it a bit before this modification and had no problems with it.

The Talley rings are much better than the factory rings that come with the rifle.

I slicked up and bedded mine. I sold it to mrlexma to finance buying some actions (one of which will become a 9.3 x 62 also, go figure). It shoots .5" groups all day long!!

I swapped out the trigger for an AHR unit. That was an improvement. The issue triggers are a bit mushy, but not awfull by any means.

McMillan makes a great stock for this action.

LD

Bill,
I say you probably don't NEED to do anything, to a CZ 550, I have 2 the instructions for adjusting the trigger come with the rifle, and thats a piece of cake. Timney makes a replacment trigger for the 550 , and it probably makes more sence that a set on a rifle like a 9.3X62, But theres no need to change it except personal taste.
As for the cross bolt its probably not needed but it is prety cheap to do that soo if you want to why not !
I have a smith in Forest grove, might be worth the drive if tallent is where I think it is, Beetween salem and Eugene ? PM me and I'll tell you about him.
But I bet a 9.3X62 will be plenty good out of the box with the trigger adjusment.
let us know how you like it !!! ...tj3006

Bill
Check-out the CZ Slickers New Website..
WWW.Hunting-Rifles.com
AK

In that caliber ... if it shoots as well as mine does ... just shoot it ;>

If it is not getting about an MOA, have it bedded. Nothing else needed as far as I can tell.

CZ rings are a little cobby, but work just fine on that caliber rifle.

9,3x62 works like the Hammer of Thor on real game. Just wonderful. Congratulations on a great choice!

quote:

Bu only dissappointment with my rifle is that the stock is rather plain..Some of the guys on AR have dropped lucky and recieved really nice wood as standard...Even if it means paying a little extra, I would recommend upgrading the wood;

I've read on several occasions on this-or-that forum where folks have removed the finish from a CZ stock, refinished, coming up with a much nicer piece of wood that was on the rifle the whole time. Might be worth taking a stab at.

Check to see that the firing pin spring is retained by a knurled nut and not a wire C-clip. Mine had the clip and it quit shooting when I really needed it. A search for my posts on it should get you the information you need.

I did some light customizing but that was a matter of taste. Beyond the C-clip, I had mine bedded, but that was more of a safeguard against problems from extreme humidity in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest than anything else. It shot very well without the bedding work.

You should just be able to tune the trigger and go hunting.


Okie John

Guys: I sure appreciate your advice. I ordered a CZ550 American in 9,3X62 yesterday. Should have it next week. Now to order dies and some Lapua brass.

Bill,

I have an extra set of dies (brand new) that I don't need and can let you have for shipping.

PM me if interested.

MR: PM sent, and thanks!
Bill

I found a M70 bolt body for cheap and replaced the factory bolt handle with the M70 on my 416 Rigby. It made a huge difference, making the bolt easier to manipulate. The factory bolt handle is ok, but this makes it better.