Howdy. I'm thinking of picking up a CZ550 in the near future. I know the Lux has been discontinued in the US and the American has replaced it but my local CZ dealer said his distributors still carry some leftover Luxes. What are the differences? Is there a reason to choose one over the other? I am concerned with new production guns in medium caliber (actually 6.5x55 or possibly .30-06). Thanks in advance.

My view of the available rifles in the CZ-550 series, American/Lux/FS--

The Lux is still sort of available in the FS variant, with iron sights and hogback cheekpiece--the barrel is shorter and the wood goes out to the muzzle, though. The American is designed with scope use exclusively in mind, as is the practice of late in the USA. The traditional European hunters carry their rifles sans scope sights, but often with a fast-mount scope pre-set for the carried rifle in a belt holster.

The Lux (I have one, in 9.3 x 62) is a fine rifle, esp. if iron sights are part of the equation. If irons are a necessity, the FS would be my current choice if the Lux was unavailable. If primarily scope usage is intended, the American will be fine. My next rifle will be a 30-06, and I'm deciding between the American and FS. My prejudices say "FS in a metric caliber and '06 in American", but we'll see. :-)

Wow that sucks. I had no idea they stopped selling the Lux here. I think they just lost a prospective buyer

Here is the link to large centerfire rifles from CZ-USA. It still shows the full stock and several are "hogback"

Link

Crazyquick- Why do you say that? I have heard other people say they would rather have the Lux, too, and I am trying to figure out why.

Thanks, Deputy Al. I have been thinking about the FS, as well. My big concern is with that full stock itself. I know they can be made to work right but I have heard horror stories about shifting zeroes and other bedding-type problems (this relates to all full-stocks, not just the CZ). Does CZ have it down? Can their 550FS give acceptable and repeatable accuracy? A 6.5x55 full-stock would be mighty cool.

Those hogback stocks are like a girl I once dated. Everyone made fun of her looks, but when I put her next to my cheek she felt so good.

JCN

PS I've had some full-stocked rifles over the years. No better or worse than the others. If you like 'em don't hesitate to get one.

I have no experience with the CZ FS--just with Mannlicher-Schoenauer variants. The only "secret" was to not let the barrel heat up very much, which is good practice anyway. If I spaced the shots out every 1.5-2 minutes, they did all right. They are a real joy to carry--all day rifles for sure.

I have a lux cz 550 in 9.3x62 and I really like it. It points well for me and I like the looks of it....all my mates like the Ruger stainless look....YES They like there boat paddle rugers better than my sweet lux stocked 9.3, I know what I would rather have.

At one time, CZ offered the full stock in 9.3x64

Another thought on full-stocked rifles.....if the rifle is to be used as a varmint blaster in a field full of prarie dogs, shot-to-shot "walking" and like quirks become critical. Same story for primarily a range rifle. For hunting game, "cold shot/clean barrel" sight-in is a better way of setting zero--since this is how the rifle will be used in the field. Bedding integrity is just as important, but the fore-end's influence on shot dispersion takes on less significance in a game rifle than in a rat zapper. For this reason, a full-stocked deer/elk gun would likely work well. I thought long and hard about getting the 9.3 in the FS variant, since there was an example a few miles away at a local shop. I opted for the Lux, and it's a game rifle of the first order. I installed a scope atop it, which would look kind of funky on a F/S. Just a taste issue for me--F/S rifles with scopes are like Ferraris with camper shells.

Wow. Great info. Thanks to everyone. So on the practical side, the Lux offers iron sights. On the aesthetic side, it has Euro-style that might befit the metric chamberings. And somewhere inbetween it has a stock that may work better than the American style. Good to know. Thanks.

Deputy Al- you did a great job of summing up why someone might want a full-stock. And I think you made up my mind for me. See, this won't be a pure hunting rifle. It will be a general purpose piece. Yes, it will hunt. But I will also use it for gophers and at the range. In other words, the shot stringing and such would become an issue and possibly a frustrating one at that. And since I do intend to scope my rifle, it sounds as if I might be more satisfied with the regular old 550. Also, because I intend to push the 6.5x55 to its limits (it will see use on game up to elk) I would feel better having an extra bit of velocity available to me. The Swede doesn't have to go fast to work but I like knowing I have done everything I can. It's just a confidence thing.

Also interesting your comments about scoping full stock rifles. I had never heard that perspective before but I'll think it over. A 9.3x62 is on my short list. Perhaps a 550FS so chambered? Unscoped it might make a dandy rifle for black timber elk.

I have so significant insight on this issue except my personal experience. I have the FS 9.3x62. It looks nice, after I got over the "humpback" which shoots well and doesn't hunt with iron sights or scope. It has five big game stoppers in the magazine and one in the chamber if I want. I got a 250 pound black bear at forty yards with one shoulder and both lungs out of commision. I used a maximum Varget charge of 58 grains and a 286 grain Nosler Partition. The guide said the near side shoulder looked as if the bullet fragmented it expanded so much, but there was only one "small" exit hole (if a dime+ size hole could be described as such). My only disappointment was not getting a second bear with my extra tag. My .45 Colt Redhawk 5 1/2" stayed in the holster too. Such is making choices while hunting. By the way, my 2.5 power Weaver K2 was enough scope for late evening shooting despite the 25mm objective, and added only 10 ounces with rings.

Have been looking for a Lux 6.5x55 without any success, have tried the various CZ distributors. These came with long 25.6" barrels which I like, plus iron sights on the barrel which I like, plus hogback stock which I can take or leave alone, plus hinged floorplate which I like. A used specimen has been on and off auctionarms and gunbroker for several months but the starting price is too high.

There is a full stocked 9.3x62 on gunsamerica right now, with a scope, for $500.

Wouldn't the short barrel on a 9.3 hurt it (ballistically) a lot?