I have a chance at a slightly used CZ 500 Safari
in 458 Lott...at a good price....never having had a CZ or a Lott....what should I expect from it?

They are very solid accurate rifles. Your action might need a little smoothing, if it does you can just cycle it a bunch. I've never shot a 458 Lott, but I have a 375 Weatherby and a 500 Jeffery, I'm guessing the recoil is somewhere in the middle.

I have one so chambered, it is superbly accurate, for a big bore, I find these rifles to be heavy and bulky, but, not overly so.
The recoil IS stout, but, manageable, it's certainly nothing like my 505 Gibbs!
I think it's totally feasible to like these rifles a lot. Most need some slicking up in the bolt raceways.

Cheers.

good accurate rifles, but the actions, a lot of times, may need to be smoothed out for proper feeding

i assume you meant 550 -- have it bedded, and it if you can, cross bolts, it will serve you well .. the 458 lott and learning it, greatly benefits from reloading

I had a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby. The action was very rough but it was easy to smooth up. It shot quite accurately. Did not like the hog back European stock. Weighed 9.5 lbs. Someone described to me that handling a CZ Safari was like driving a garbage truck. I agree whole heartily. Replaced the CZ with a 416 Ruger. Except for the ammunition availability in Africa issue I much prefer the Ruger.

A good working rifle, and the CZs are real popular among guides in Africa. I have a Brno/Cz mod. 602, an early version of the 550 in .375 H&H.

I have one, "American Safari Magnum" I love it. As far as recoil, I guess it depends on the person... I'm 235 pounds and 6'2 after five or six rounds standing the shoulder gets a little sore. But its a big powerful rifle. I tried to capture a bullet "500 grain Hornady DS" by taping phone books together.. 18 inches worth was not enough. I was maybe 20 yds away. Went through and buried itself in a tree to deep to get. I have to find some more old phone books I guess... Those same phone books did however capture my friends 7mm mag.125 grain about 10" in. I am no expert, I just like big stuff. Rifle is new, traded a Panther Arms AR-308 and some cash for it. Much more fun and simple.

quote:

Originally posted by bobmn:
I had a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby. The action was very rough but it was easy to smooth up. It shot quite accurately. Did not like the hog back European stock. Weighed 9.5 lbs. Someone described to me that handling a CZ Safari was like driving a garbage truck. I agree whole heartily. Replaced the CZ with a 416 Ruger. Except for the ammunition availability in Africa issue I much prefer the Ruger.

I have a CZ 550 Classic in 500 Jeffery. Nicest rifle I've ever owned. Great balance, handles like a fine shotgun.

I have a couple and have put money into them that is the only reason I am not throwing them away.If I add up all the costs and trouble, they were not a good thing.A CZ 550 stock will never fit you the way a stock is supposed to fit you(and that says a lot) and the CZ action is not a proper or serious action.If it is your first big bore than I would look at a 416 Ruger instead.The right way to go about a big bore bolt rifle is to get the right action, custom barrel it and find someone to stock it for a good price.