My Question to and response back from CZ-USA follows:

From: ELKampMaster
Sent: None
To: info@cz-usa.com
Subject: From WWW: CZ550 Safari Magnum - Stocks

#1: When will you be installing the "American" style stock for the American market?
#2: Do you sell CZ550 Safari Magnums as just the action and barrel?
#3: How much - retail?
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Their reply:
American may be possible next year. We do have action only in the .375 and 416 rigby. Thanks
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A bit cryptic in the response. I've never had to "build" a gun to get what I want. So I'm a little short on the terminology. Surely this path has been travelled prior to me? What do you think?

Do do you think the "action" includes a barrel or are they being literal?
Have any of you heard what a CZ550 Safari Magnum: Action or Action w/barrel would cost?
If its truly "action only" what would a "middle of the road" 416 Rigby barrel run?

Uphill battle in the CZ Love Affair,
EKM

I reviewed their webstie earlier, for another reason, and the action is the just the action, which means you would build it. It's a RIPOFF as they want $618 (generally $575 over the counter) for a gun that sells, EVERYDAY on gunbroker, for $600-650. You are getting, a maximum "discount" of $75, for not wanting the stock, and then you are out $375 MORE for just the barrel and sights, through in $100 for bluing, and then $400 for a stock, you are into this action for 1450, when you could buy and restock for $1000.
It winds up being $450 MORE to buy the action to wind up with the same gun.

http://cz-usa.com/_p/p07.php

jeffe

[ 02-12-2003, 12:45: Message edited by: jeffeosso ]

Jeff,
After doing the reseach, I'd have to admit a 416 Rigby, not counting ammo availability and cost, is superior to a 416 RemMag, especially for the handloader, BUT....

The simplicity of just picking up a 416 RemMag in my beloved Win M-70 is really starting to appeal!
EKM

EKM,
I have the 416 rem... and want to sell it, but it's far cheaper to reload... My buddies have, various, 416 taylor, a couple rigby's, and there's talk of me doing a 416 barnes (call it an alaskan) on a 71 that i've built or modified in one way or another, round here.

What I was complaining about was the cz 'tude that "no, we wont just change one production stock for another, and then YOU can deal with it" Hell, even selling the other stock at a "discount" would be better.

if I had it to do again, i would keep the 376 steyr, because it's the most beautiful gun I've built, but get the cz in 416 rigby.... But, I "lucked" into my m70, so I am in a pickle on it.

the CZ(625), for the EXACT same money as a m70(900), can have a new safety(140), and for less than 100 MORE than the m70, can be restocked to FIT (which I have to do eitherway) Stock and pad (i do the work) $250.

Jeffe

When dealing with CZ-USA, one has to keep in mind that they are a company, and their only motivation for doing things is profit (just like any other company). CZ rifles are assembled in the Czech Republic, where labor costs are 1/4 what they would be here. It is profitable for them to import and sell rifles. The action is the most expensive part of the rifle, and their final cost after importation probably leaves little room for profit. Plus, every action they sell means one less rifle they will sell, which is their livlihood.

The main reason you do not see the Magnum rifles with American stocks is that Europeans prefer the low comb, to tame recoil. They offer the Magnum with a straight low comb, called the Standard. They do not offer it in the US because they know Americans think a high comb is necessary for scope use, which is the purpose of the Hogs Back.
You are going to have a difficult time convincing a European rifle company that anyone would purchase a big bore magnum with a straight high comb. Their experience is that it does not tame recoil and should only be used with small calibers and scopes. I'm sure someone at the Czech plant has tried an American stock on a .416 Rigby. They probably fired it and said "This sucks, no one will buy it" (in Slovak, of course).
Despite your efforts, it is difficult to argue with 100 years of experience. Best of luck trying.

[ 02-13-2003, 18:22: Message edited by: KurtC ]