Just what you want to read about...another CZ project, eh? You'll get over it. The only thing I really like about the CZ is using the action as a basis for a project.

Here's what I'm thinking about for a 458 Lott project:

- new CZ 550 action from Gunbroker, add Talley bolt handle, 3 position Dave Gentry safety and CZ Timney trigger

- Pac-nor stainless super match barrel, 21" with NECG barrel band swivel, NECG Masterpiece banded front sight sight with NECG fiber optic front insert and XS ghost ring rear sight

Some of the questions I have include which synthetic stock to consider (seems like many of the companies don't offer a CZ 550 stock)? Also, which finish options should I consider? I'm looking for something that is salt resistant. How difficult is the Gentry safety and Timney trigger to install? I've done similar projects on other rifles but not the CZ.

I'm probably missing something but that's a start. I had seriously considered going to a bigger caliber, not for Alaska but because this will also be used in Africa on tuskless and hippo, but I think I'll stick with the Lott. It's a little more versatile and components are cheap. This rifle would be for Alaska carry, moose/bear hunting and Africa.

Yukon,

Sounds like one heck of a rifle. McMillan and MPI both offer synthetic stocks for CZs (there may be more companies that I'm unaware of), and CZ has their own Kevlar stock now, but I don't know who makes it.

There are also several companies offering weather-resistant finishes these days, but I dont know a lot about them, perhaps some of our other members do. Good luck with the project be sure to keep us posted.

How does the weight compare to going with a Model 70 converted to Lott or a Mauser in the Win Mag or Lott? I know you are trying to keep weight down. My impression is that the CZs are heavier, but the big bonus is more rounds in the magazine.

I am sure you have looked at the AHR packages as well.

I knew about MPI but have heard varying reports of quality. McMillan is ok but usually very late in delivering. Just trying to keep my options open.

Hey Charles. The weight would be a bit more but not as bad as the RSM I had and the tradeoff is more capacity as you said. I looked at AHR but frankly, they are overpriced. They're not doing rocket science.

I have certainly pondered the model 70 or Mauser conversions but there is a bit more effort required and the expense is a bit more to do it right. If I were still going to do a 458 win mag then I would go that route. I figure if I'm going to all of this trouble it might as well be the Lott again. Also, since I am a dealer for GS Custom bullets now, I want to use their monolithics and the Lott is a better choice for these longer bullets. The mausers run into magazine box issues with the monolithics.

quote:

Originally posted by yukon delta:
I knew about MPI but have heard varying reports of quality. McMillan is ok but usually very late in delivering. Just trying to keep my options open.

Hey Charles. The weight would be a bit more but not as bad as the RSM I had and the tradeoff is more capacity as you said. I looked at AHR but frankly, they are overpriced. They're not doing rocket science.

I have certainly pondered the model 70 or Mauser conversions but there is a bit more effort required and the expense is a bit more to do it right. If I were still going to do a 458 win mag then I would go that route. I figure if I'm going to all of this trouble it might as well be the Lott again. Also, since I am a dealer for GS Custom bullets now, I want to use their monolithics and the Lott is a better choice for these longer bullets. The mausers run into magazine box issues with the monolithics.

I was just curious. I think Aglifter is getting ready to sell his Mark X .458 WM due to shoulder problems. My Whitworth is nice and light. You do get real benefits from the CZ in exchange for the extra weight and the Lott will give you more room in the case.

Showbart did a Lott conversion on his Model 70 -- you probably saw it on the Classifieds a while back.

Good luck with the project.

I heard what Aglifter was shooting this weekend. If he's having shoulder problems, he picked the wrong guys to go shooting with!

As you know, most any project is a tradeoff or compromise of sorts. There's more than one way to approach most things. I'm on my 3rd or 4th revolution of this search for a good DG rifle that is suitable for daily use in Alaska too.

I have a Lamanated Stock on my 458 Lott And its a CZ 458 American Safri Lott

How is your laminated stock holding up so far? Any complaints? Do you know what it weighs?

That brings up the idea that I might purchase a complete rifle and gather parts over the summer. That would allow me to use it on hogs this summer in TX and work on it as time allowed. That would leave me the winter to complete the project before taking it to Africa in '09.

Are you certain that you want to use a Gentry safety, after so many quality and servicability issues have been mentioned? I think I would tend more toward an Ed LaPour 3-Position. I admit that I really like the look of the Gentry, though.

As far as the stock goes, McMillan would be your highest quality synthetic option, bar none. To the best of my knowledge, they offer 5 versions. Of these, the CZ AHR is no longer publicly for sale, as the design is now proprietary and must be ordered through American Hunting Rifles. For my part, I'd take either a CZ AHR without checkering or, the McHale. Although not your more traditional design, by every account that I've ever heard, the level of comfort achieved with the McHale is unreal. It is also the stock that Parker-Hale used on their M-85, derived from the previous wood version.

As you're using the Magnum action, the AHR and 550 stocks won't work. You'll need to stick with the CZ Express, Baker Special or McHale. Now, if you could convince McMillan to make an HTG for the CZ standard and magnum actions, you'd be on to something.

I just heard back from a McMillan stock dealer today. The backlog is 25 weeks. That's ridiculous.

I would go with a Synthic Stock. They weight almost as much as wood does. You'll need some weight for that big bore.

Hi Yukon,
Try getting hold of Bitteroot at AHR they show a synthetic stock they have had made up specifically for the CZ550. It looks as though they have a rough-tex finish on it so it won't be as slippery as the McMillan. Also Gunr-Kote is a really tough finish and you can get it in different colors. It will also finish over a stainless barrel.
Take good care,
Dave

The McMillan molded in checkering is not slippery!
The barrel channel that is supposed to handle only up to No.5 contour can be enlarged to handle a No.7 like this:




That AHR stock paint looks like Hammered Enamel Rustoleum. It needs to have some gritty grip panels sprayed on in Texture Paint by Rustoleum too.

I went with the winchester 70 classic for my Lott and don't regret it a bit. The winchester action is lighter, and sleeker, just better looking all around IMHO.If you can't get it done with 3 down in a lott you shouldn't have tried it in the first place!

......The caliber ,, muzzle brake and express sights are different than what you described but otherwise pretty close ,., The stock is the MPI double X Safari Magnum set up for the CZ 550 ... from order to delivery was around 3 weeks if I think .. Mark Moffit , in the Butte , did the sights and finish work on it ....

The one on the left is a factory Lott , on the right is a custom 416 Rem the barrel is by McGowan Metal finish is CeraKote

What do you think about the MPI stock?

What are some of the aftermarket options for the CZ safety?

quote:

Originally posted by yukon delta:
What do you think about the MPI stock?

What are some of the aftermarket options for the CZ safety?

You should ask RIP what he thinks of the last MPI stock he used.

Oh yeah, I need to finish sanding, filling and painting that MPI, again, the one and only I have ever tried. McMillan is light years ahead of an MPI.
With enough fiberglass boat rebuilding and auto body restoration work, the MPI can eventually be made serviceable.

Mbogo 470 told me he was displeased with his MPI stock also. That doesn't sound promising.

the mpi stock sucks.. ugly, mishappen, uneven, and well, not "bad" if you think of it as a CORE..

on second thought.. junk

Check out 24hourcampfire for more MPI experience; MPI is less than an hour from my house and I would rather wait five months for a McMillan.

I've bought two MPI stocks, my first and my last.

Hi Ron,
You may not consider the McMillan stock slippery but it is not as solid to hold as my HS Precision stock. I think it would be a lot better with a rough-tex type of finish. I think they are a great stock but would be better with a non slip finish.
Take good care,
Dave

...............I like MPI stocks ...