As noted in my other thread, I'm seriously looking at a Remington Custom Shop rifle. I have been reading up on Blaser doubles (tempting but too expensive), various Winchester Model 70 options in the secondary market, Rugers, and A-Square rifles to name a few.

Most people start with a CZ Safari Magnum because it is generally substantially cheaper then other rifles. AHR (American Hunting Rifles - http://www.hunting-rifles.com/CZ/CZowners.htm) seems to offer a really good upgrade that makes this rifle shine. When I buy the base CZ rifle and add the CZ UPGRADE # 2 package, I am basically at the same price as the factory custom rifles mentioned above.

Is an AHR CZ Safari Magnum a better option then the big name factory custom options? I'm most likely going to purchase a ~40 caliber rifle with the 375 H&H a distant second choice if it makes any difference.

Best Regards,
Sid

Deffinatly AHR all the way!! Wayne the owner, posts here as Bitterroot.

The guys, here on AR, that have a rifle or more from Mr. Jacobson's company, all say they are flawless. They will work every time and are slick!
They also have a very fast turn around. Not to mention you can buy your CZ directly from them, at whatever anyone else is selling for and get the upgrade package. Minus the shipping to get it to them.

A CZ550 is basically a reasonably priced magnum Mauser action. It has nearly all the most desirable features available and can be upgraded as far as you would ever like to go. IN THE END YOU WIND UP WITH A STONE RELIABLE ACTION THAT FEEDS AND SHOOTS AS IT SHOULD. Over the years we have worked out exactly what it takes to make a superb no compromise DGR on a cZ 550 and no one is complaining! AHR just happens to be a reliable company that specializes in the CZ550 and has worked closely with us over the years.
Yes without a doubt a AHR gun is better than a factory custom. You asked about a Rem 700 in another thread and I can tell you for a fact that a CZ550 anything will be a better gun! Ive gunsmithed Rem 700's for 35 years and while they have their place, its not as a DGR! Period! A smart man goes with experience. A genious or a dummy blazes his own trail in this buisness. We have been there and done that. Read the hundreds of threads that detail all the must and should haves for a DGR and save youself endless grief and have AHR install them for you. You wont be sorry as so many others have been.-Rob

+2 on AHR. Do a search on big bore forums here and see the posts. Many nice (most fantastic!) and functional rifles!

John

I've shot Rem 700s all my life (35 plus hunting years). I still own my Rem 700 270, (actually handed it down to my son) but bought a CZ Safari Classic I had reworked by AHR (for $500). It is an awesome rifle after a bit of work, CRF, and have no regrets.





Best of luck,

Chuck

When I bought my CZ 458 Lott it came ready to shoot. I didn't have to do any thing to it and still haven't. The only thing I did was put a scope on it. The cross bolts were in it.

Sid, The best advise I could give you is if you want a good, reliable, fairly nice working rifle, it's hard to beat the Ruger Magnums in 416 Rigby or 458 lott. They're reasonably priced and work well. But if you truly want your own individual custom rifle, then AHR is definitly where I would go. This 600 Overkill from AHR on a CZ action is an absolute work of art

Thanks everyone! The Remington 700 rifle I mentioned in my other thread is sort of an impulse buy consideration. It is priced well and is a gorgeous rifle. However, I'm a little hesitant to pull the trigger based solely on the fact it is a Remington, even though it is a custom shop rifle. Remington's have been reworked into 338 Lapua Magnums but, they seem to be problematic rifles in general so, I went with a Stiller ViperAction in a custom build.

I'm just not warming up to the Ruger RSM, though they appear to be pretty good rifles out of the box. The roughness of a cast stainless action is hard for me to accept in a rifle like this. I all honesty, I think this is mainly a personal bias.

I don't own an AHR reworked CZ but I wish I did.

Which rifle fits you best?
I think that should be the first consideration.

You sound like you are going to make all the standard preparations to any DG game you buy.

So choose the one that fits you the best.

Sid, I have a Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby and it is a very nice rifle and a bargain when you consider the 1/4 rib and nice wood you get in the package. Some folks think they're heavy, but I say they need to get more exercise. It was smooth enough from the factory, but I did have Roger Ferrell do a little polishing on it while working the triger, bedding, adding a red decelerator, etc.... The actions are cast, but to my knowledge are not stainless. The casting is not a "real" issue, only percieved by some. They're hell for strong. The 2 or 3 I've handled were much smoother than the half dozen or so CZ's I handled before making a purchase.

With all that said, I'd have no problem running a CZ at all, but it would most definitely have to make a trip to or just come directly from AHR. They've got the CZ thing down to a science, that can't be denied. Their work, from all accounts, is unequalled and seems to me a great bargain. For me to own the CZ it would be AHR'd and maybe have some stock work. Their stock just doesn't feel right to me, but others like them. Personal preference I think.

Good luck with whatever you choose. For the record, I'll take my M70 Classic 375H&H if I had to keep just one.

David Walker

I Bought a M70 300RUM to rework into a semi custom 404jeffery. I got the bbl & sights I wanted. The stock is factory w/ some mods, but all in all, I'm very happy w/ it. If I was going to replace it, I would probably go w/ the CZ but if I could find a clean Ruger RSM in 375h&h or 416Rigby, I would be just as happy with that. I cetainly would NOT spend a bunch of money on a custom push feed for DG.

I just received my 404 Jeffery from AHR, they are building a 9.3X62 now. I can not take a good picture it looks much better in person. A good friend has quite a few custom rifles, Dakota, Custom MO70's, Mauser's, etc. He now has at least 5-6 AHR's. I was able to play with, shot, reload all of them and choose the AHR.

Tradewinds,
That's a fine looking rifle and with the 9.3 and 404 you have two great calibres, your set from Whites to Buff.
The AHR people seem to have done a great job.
Having looked at the AHR web page I think I too would choose one of their upgrades over a RSM

Overall,I am very happy with my CZ after I got it back from my gunsmith and he did the feeding and polishing work.It is not 100 percent perfect but it is a hell of a functional action.

How does the CZ Safari Classic compare to a Safari Magnum with a trip to AHR? The price difference between a Classic and non-Classic is about the same at the AHR #2 package. I must say I am currently leaning towards a CZ option - whether it's a Magnum plus AHR or a Classic is undetermined at this time. I will be going to a few local gunshows to see what CZ rifles I can look at since the local retailers don't have any CZ rifles in stock.

Also, I spoke with Jason Morton at CZ USA and I was impressed with everything he had to say. These are the "standard" options available which can be ordered with a factory direct rifle purchase. So tempting ...

Glass bedding *
Recoil reducer
Muzzle break
Bolt jewelling
Rust blue finish surcharge
Barrel Band installed *
Crossbolts installed in stock (2 pcs) *
Thread protector for muzzle break
Action job *
Ebony forend tip
Satin blue finish surcharge
Follower jewelling
Gloss oil finish on stock

* standard on the Safari Classics

I was told by my gunsmith,that he has recieved many CZ's from the custom shop that will not feed.

Sid that's exactly what I did. I got a very good deal on my CZ 375 H&H Safari Classic from Sportsman's Warehouse and the CZ Custom Shop. I went in an got a good price than told them I wanted some extras (action job, recoil reducer, barrel band, dual cross bolts (wasn't standard for a 375, etc.) By doing that you are not buying a rifle off of the rack and your rifle is built by the CZ Custom Shop. And yes shootaway when my rifle arrived I wasn't happy with the action job and the safety, so I sent it back. I spoke to Jason on the phone (CZ Custom Shop) who was absolutely great. Not only did they fix everything I think they replaced the action and barrel. Then to top it off, I had a 10% off coupon lol.

I had the CZ #1` upgrade done by AHR and it was very well worth it plus they put on an NECG rear sight and re-glassbedded it. Sure my rifle costs about as much as a Ruger now. But I think it's probably a better rifle (but not out of the box!).

Regards,
Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
Sid that's exactly what I did. I got a very good deal on my CZ 375 H&H Safari Classic from Sportsman's Warehouse and the CZ Custom Shop. I went in an got a good price than told them I wanted some extras (action job, recoil reducer, barrel band, dual cross bolts (wasn't standard for a 375, etc.) By doing that you are not buying a rifle off of the rack and your rifle is built by the CZ Custom Shop. And yes shootaway when my rifle arrived I wasn't happy with the action job and the safety, so I sent it back. I spoke to Jason on the phone (CZ Custom Shop) who was absolutely great. Not only did they fix everything I think they replaced the action and barrel. Then to top it off, I had a 10% off coupon lol.

I had the CZ #1` upgrade done by AHR and it was very well worth it plus they put on an NECG rear sight and re-glassbedded it. Sure my rifle costs about as much as a Ruger now. But I think it's probably a better rifle (but not out of the box!).

Regards,
Chuck

Chuck,

I'm not sure I'm reading your post correctly. You bought a Safari Classic but, it needed an action job, dual cross bolts, and barrel band? I thought the Safari Classics were hand built at the CZ Custom Shop and included an action job, dual cross bolts, and a barrel band standard. For a rifle with a ~$1500 premium, I'm a little surprised the action and safety needed work. A custom shop rifle with that sort of premium should have a great action and safety IMHO. Their customer service appears to be very good but, a $2K+ rifle from a custom shop shouldn't need to be reworked after the customer receives it.

Best Regards,
Sid

No Sid, I bought an American Safari Magnum from Sportsman's Warehouse in 375 H&H for just under $800. But I wanted one with the extras I mentioned (dual crossbolts, action job, Hi Vis front sight, barrel band, glass bedding, mercury recoil reducer ...) so it turned into a special order. The gun arrived as a Safari Classic for just over $1100 including shipping and tax.

Regards,
Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
A CZ550 is basically a reasonably priced magnum Mauser action. It has nearly all the most desirable features available and can be upgraded as far as you would ever like to go. IN THE END YOU WIND UP WITH A STONE RELIABLE ACTION THAT FEEDS AND SHOOTS AS IT SHOULD. Over the years we have worked out exactly what it takes to make a superb no compromise DGR on a cZ 550 and no one is complaining! AHR just happens to be a reliable company that specializes in the CZ550 and has worked closely with us over the years.
Yes without a doubt a AHR gun is better than a factory custom. You asked about a Rem 700 in another thread and I can tell you for a fact that a CZ550 anything will be a better gun! Ive gunsmithed Rem 700's for 35 years and while they have their place, its not as a DGR! Period! A smart man goes with experience. A genious or a dummy blazes his own trail in this buisness. We have been there and done that. Read the hundreds of threads that detail all the must and should haves for a DGR and save youself endless grief and have AHR install them for you. You wont be sorry as so many others have been.-Rob

Now there's a man who knows what he is talking about.

Sid, I think the concensus is that the CZ is a good starting point, whether standard or Classic or whatever the upgrade is called. From what I've heard from a couple sources, the action still is hit or miss. As for the safety, I wouldn't have a CZ with a factory safety. It's completely backwards from what we Americans are used to. Forward is safe, back is fire, backwards. It'd have to go to AHR for that change at the very least. But if you're gonna send it to them, you may as well get the full upgrade and let them go through it. It's a bargain for the work they do.

As pichon1 said, Rob and the AHR guys know CZ's inside and out.

David

Thanks for the tip on the backwards safety. I could see that being a real problem when you grab a rifle on reflex and put it on SAFE instead of FIRE. Not an issue on range days but, on a hunt that would be a real downer.

Hi the old Brno's had backward safetys. The new ones are like a Rem 700. Forward is fire, back is safe. Nonetheless, AHR put a nice 3 pos Model 70 type safety on mine, a gorgeous single stage trigger, and straightened the bolt handle. A bargain for $500 in my opinion.

Regards,

Chuck

Chuck hit the nail on the head. Even if you get the Safari Classic, the AHR $500 package is a hell of a bargain and a must as far as I'm concerned.

cz, for dg calibers
what *I* think is the right package is
3 pos safety
single trigger
23" barrel -
crown
feeding
remount cz front sight and cut for necg
barrel band
bed
xbolt
wrist pin
reblue MATTE

don't over look a Mark X Whitworth if you can find one

A Rifle called "PONDORO"
I have to say that my 500 Jeffery , in takedowm form for African Hunting rebuilt on a CZ action,restocked and completely doneover by Edd Woslum of EVOLTION USA of White Bird Idaho , is an amazing weapon.It feeds the Barnes Banded Solid in 570 Grain flawlessly, shoots <1 inch groups at 100 yds consistently and is so soft in the recoil dept , fitted with a Limbsaver , it feels less than a 416 Rigby recoilwise.It is a Rifle you take into the thickest jesse after Buffalo or Elephant , with the confidence that all bases are covered.Anyone wanting a Dangerous Game Rifle for Buffalo or Elephant that you can tote around unrecognized in its takedown form, put together in 1 minute and shoot with supreme comfort and unsurpassed accuracy,I would advise that you see Edd Woslum at Evolution USA.It is a remarkable custom Weapon for the price, based on the excellent CZ action.Not many bolt action firearms can feed the Barnes Banded Solid flawlessly in the large calibers , and from my experience on Elephant, the BBS is the most Devastating Solid Bullet on the Market today.For deep straight line penetration and the tissue shreading shockwave set up by the Bands,unfortunately very few rifles will feed the BBS bullet from the Magazine.This one does and does it consistently and to Perfection, and it feeds Barnes TSX and Woodleighs effortlessly too.
John Taylor said the 500 Jeffery is the only Magazine caliber that had such an Impressive effect on him that he always wondered why he never got to owning one.My advice to anyone wanting a serious perfect flawless DGR for Africa, the CZ modified and customized by the chaps at EVO in White Bird Id is one sure way to go.

Can't go wrong with AHR. I'm more than pleased with the three rifles they've built for me.

Its a concensus that the CZ action is a good starting point for the rifle you want.If you are going to use it for Dangerous Game in Africa and Alaska, You will be thinking of a .4xx Caliber Rifle.My 2 cents on this will advise you to stick with the .416 Rigby.It is an extremly versatile round with low pressure chamberwise.You also have a wide variety of Bullets and Hand Loads to work with.If you can get a Limbsaver Recoil Pad fitted as well as a Muzzlebreaker , you will have a comfortable shooting Rifle with less recoil than a 375H and H.If you modify the CZ action to incorporate a Win 70 style safety and good open sights as well as mounts for a good scope of your choice, you cannot go wrong with the .416 Rigby and for those who complain about the bullet costs, Hornady roundnose soft points and Hornady Dangerous Game solids are cheap pricewise and give excedllent performance in the fields of Africa when properly placed as they donot have peretration problems and are quite accurate.AHR , EVOLUTION ,Lon Paul etc are all experts in reworking the affordable CZ action to your satisfaction. My honest 2 cents.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I was told by my gunsmith,that he has recieved many CZ's from the custom shop that will not feed.

Interesting. My 550 (in .416 Rigby) was out-of-the-box stock, and had no problems. I wonder what you have to do to make it not feed.

I actually own 9 CZs and have fired 6 of them multiple times without any issues as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Recono:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I was told by my gunsmith,that he has recieved many CZ's from the custom shop that will not feed.

Interesting. My 550 (in .416 Rigby) was out-of-the-box stock, and had no problems. I wonder what you have to do to make it not feed.