CZ Safari Classics Question

15 June 2008, 06:18

Andrew M.

I bought a CZ 550 a few weeks ago in .458WM and have a couple of questions since it is marked as a "CZ 550 Safari Classic" on the left side of the gun. All of the other CZ 550's I have handled were marked as a "CZ 550 Safari Magnum". The wood on my "Safari Classic" seems to be a lot better than the ones I handled marked as a "Safari Magnum". Anyway does the rifle being marked as a "Safari Classic" indicate that the rifle has the fancy grade wood? The price I paid ($799 NIB) matches up with a field grade stock? Anyway, I was just wondering. I'm happy one way or the other but was wondering if I got a heck of a deal....

Here is a pic...
http://www.saducks.org/Andy's%20Pics/IMG_0960.jpg

15 June 2008, 06:29

shootaway

I have the same one in a Lott.It's the fancy grade walnut model.

15 June 2008, 18:22

Gatsby26

I also have the same in a Lott. The engraving on the side has a mild gold plating appearance to and I think the trigger as well (?). The quality of stock is miles ahead compared to all the other CZ's I've seen.

15 June 2008, 20:55

dla69

Do some of the CZ's come cross-bolted?

16 June 2008, 02:06

eurocentric

I own three of the Safari Classics, each one was over $2400. The Wood is fancy and on the Action is "CZ 550 Magnum". all came with 2 cross bolts.

16 June 2008, 03:46

Andrew M.

Thanks for the reply guys!

quote:
I also have the same in a Lott. The engraving on the side has a mild gold plating appearance to and I think the trigger as well (?). The quality of stock is miles ahead compared to all the other CZ's I've seen.

There is no gold plating on mine, but the stock is, again, better than on the other CZs I handled with field grade stocks.

quote:
Do some of the CZ's come cross-bolted?

Mine did. Most that I have handled have been, but I have heard this is a recent thing? I handled a .375 H&H that was not.

quote:
Originally posted by eurocentric:
I own three of the Safari Classics, each one was over $2400. The Wood is fancy and on the Action is "CZ 550 Magnum". all came with 2 cross bolts.

I realize that the guns marketed by CZ as a "Safari Classic" are alot different than the one I have. I know those are much more expensive and come in classic hard to find calibers like the 505 gibbs and 450 rigby. Also it looks like most of those have a barrel band front sling mount which mine does not (but I would like to get added). Mine is just the american safari model but I guess I was wondering if it being marked "Safari Classics" indicates the fancy wood upgrade (retail of about $1300 as compared to $800). Again, I am happy one way or the other. If it is a field grade stock its a great one.

Again thanks for the replys!

16 June 2008, 03:56

eurocentric

quote:
Originally posted by Andrew M.:
Thanks for the reply guys!

quote:
I also have the same in a Lott. The engraving on the side has a mild gold plating appearance to and I think the trigger as well (?). The quality of stock is miles ahead compared to all the other CZ's I've seen.

There is no gold plating on mine, but the stock is, again, better than on the other CZs I handled with field grade stocks.

quote:
Do some of the CZ's come cross-bolted?

Mine did. Most that I have handled have been, but I have heard this is a recent thing? I handled a .375 H&H that was not.

quote:
Originally posted by eurocentric:
I own three of the Safari Classics, each one was over $2400. The Wood is fancy and on the Action is "CZ 550 Magnum". all came with 2 cross bolts.

I realize that the guns marketed by CZ as a "Safari Classic" are alot different than the one I have. I know those are much more expensive and come in classic hard to find calibers like the 505 gibbs and 450 rigby. Also it looks like most of those have a barrel band front sling mount which mine does not (but I would like to get added). Mine is just the american safari model but I guess I was wondering if it being marked "Safari Classics" indicates the fancy wood upgrade (retail of about $1300 as compared to $800). Again, I am happy one way or the other. If it is a field grade stock its a great one.

Again thanks for the replys!

Only if you make a custom order will it include the Fancy Wood. In other words, you an order the regular model and have it customized as you see it fit. I have a 375 H&H on the way, customized.

16 June 2008, 22:21

REY375

I bought recently one Safari classic in 375H&H in France (was surprised because it is normaly not imported here!) and there is not cross bolt.
It is maybe an option on basis model and/or provided only with bigger caliber?
I had a look at CZ's Classic web site and 375 H&H is not proposed on it.
Any way, I am happy wit it

17 June 2008, 20:15

Paolo9,5x73

quote:
Originally posted by eurocentric:
I own three of the Safari Classics, each one was over $2400. The Wood is fancy and on the Action is "CZ 550 Magnum". all came with 2 cross bolts.

Those dressed up 'Safari Classics' are nice looking rifles, but I'm not sure Big Ruger in .45 kal Magnum is not a better deal. One thing is for sure the CZ 'Tuxedo' Magnum is nicer rifle than that stupid Kimber they want 3k for (it's only worth half that price).
If you want nice wood take a look at early Ruger single shot rifles or Red Laber O/U shotgun with black frame.

17 June 2008, 23:04

eurocentric

quote:
Originally posted by Paolo9,5x73:
quote:
Originally posted by eurocentric:
I own three of the Safari Classics, each one was over $2400. The Wood is fancy and on the Action is "CZ 550 Magnum". all came with 2 cross bolts.

Those dressed up 'Safari Classics' are nice looking rifles, but I'm not sure Big Ruger in .45 kal Magnum is not a better deal. One thing is for sure the CZ 'Tuxedo' Magnum is nicer rifle than that stupid Kimber they want 3k for (it's only worth half that price).
If you want nice wood take a look at early Ruger single shot rifles or Red Laber O/U shotgun with black frame.

I had the opportunity to handle and fire both Rugers and Czs before I purchased my rifles, I was more impressed with the new CZs. The wood was the least of my concerns; feeding, extracting, feel and balance were more important.

18 June 2008, 00:31

jro45

I recently bought a CZ 550 American Safari 458 Lott. It has a Laminated Stock. It has two cross Bolts came that way.

19 June 2008, 05:28

Gatsby26

I bought mine for the same price here as the standard finished ones. I was told it slipped through with the order so I was lucky to be told I only had to pay the same price as the rest offered. CZ's regardless of calibre, price, etc all seem to differ on the ones we get down here. My Safari Classic has beautiful figuring in the stock, gold engraved receiver and trigger (but no cross bolts). I've since had my gunsmith do the trigger, install dual cross bolts and had a barrel band sling stud put on. I've fired about 100 or so rounds through it and the action has smoothed up considerably.