am interested in feedback re cz custom (specifically 416 rigby)I havent been terribly impressed by their big bores, i have a 505 etc. but no experience with their 'custom shop". would welcome any experience with same

I sent one back to their custom shop for repair about a year ago. Their attention to detail and turn around time was very good. With that said, I would buy from their custom shop.
Also I thought the .505 Gibbs only came through the custom shop, am I mistaken?
Rodney.

Whats the cost of say, a normal CZ 416 compared to one outta their custon shop?

I've had good luck with the Custom shop. There are advantages. If you order from the Custom Shop for an American Safari Magnum (not Safari Classic) you start out at the same price as an off the shelf CZ (around $900). I think you can have them put a McGowen barrel on it for almost no extra charge. They have a price list for things like barrel bands, mercury recoil reducers, etc. If you do buy from the Custom Shop Jason is great to work with at CZ as is Harlan at Triple River Gunsmithing (who's shop will probably do the work). Call Harlan and ask him to pleae go through it for you before they ship it. If he does, it will be right the first time. It's not an Empire, but at just over $1000 its pretty hard to beat. They built my 500 Jeffery and I'm very happy with it.

Chuck

quote:

Also I thought the .505 Gibbs only came through the custom shop, am I mistaken?

This is true. But also important to note there has been a lot of improvement (learning curve) on these guns. Wood grain, bedding and dual cross bolts. Judging CZ based on 5 year old product is a mistake. I got a 505 gibbs last year and was a world improved over a used gun I looked at for $1,000 less.

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Harlan at Triple River Gunsmithing

Harlan, Triple Rivers basically 'is' the CZ custom shop. He personally built my 505. That 505 is just a plain jane off the shelf gun -as 505's go. I did not know that until I had a problem with this crappy A2 ammo. I spoke with him and learned he was the actual builder of my gun. I maybe got lucky my 505 has a 24" bbl.

Nice thing about both CZ custom and AHR is you dont wait long and the product is priced for shooting. No temperamental characters either. I have some very positive experience with both.

If I got another gun from CZ St Louis shop, I would ask if they could install a bolt safety from AHR. Its a big improvement. They seem pretty close. Worth asking.

AHR is very good too. I had them do their CZ #1 upgrade on mine (3 pos M70 type safety, single stage match style trigger, and straighten and fill bolt) for $500. Well worth it to me. None of those things was required, just nice to have, the CZ safety, bolt and trigger were fine stock. It was just a preference thing by me.

Here is the thing I don't like about CZ's(besides the barrel).Load up the mag to capacity.Press down with your finger on the stack of rounds and watch the whole stack easily move downwards.Then,while you are holding them down,move your finger back and forwards and watch the whole stack do the same.Now,imagine what heavy recoil is doing to this stack.Try doing the same with a Ruger and you'll see that the stack of rounds does not push downward,neither does it move back and fourth.BTW,both my CZ's do this,even the one that was worked on by Ralph Martini.This brings me back to what I said a few weeks earlier and that is,the thing that a CZ is missing most,and until it gets one,it isn't much of a rifle,is a one piece trigger guard and magazine assembly that is cartridge specific.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
Here is the thing I don't like about CZ's(besides the barrel).Load up the mag to capacity.Press down with your finger on the stack of rounds and watch the whole stack easily move downwards.Then,while you are holding them down,move your finger back and forwards and watch the whole stack do the same.Now,imagine what heavy recoil is doing to this stack.Try doing the same with a Ruger and you'll see that the stack of rounds does not push downward,neither does it move back and fourth.BTW,both my CZ's do this,even the one that was worked on by Ralph Martini.This brings me back to what I said a few weeks earlier and that is,the thing that a CZ is missing most,and until it gets one,it isn't much of a rifle,is a one piece trigger guard and magazine assembly that is cartridge specific.

and what do you tink that means, george? not to finger diddle your magazine when you are hunting?

or WAIT A SECOND ...
you campare it to a RUGER, sonny ... which has a MORE complex bottommetal and mag assembly ...

you really are a piece of work

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
Here is the thing I don't like about CZ's(besides the barrel).Load up the mag to capacity.Press down with your finger on the stack of rounds and watch the whole stack easily move downwards.Then,while you are holding them down,move your finger back and forwards and watch the whole stack do the same.Now,imagine what heavy recoil is doing to this stack.Try doing the same with a Ruger and you'll see that the stack of rounds does not push downward,neither does it move back and fourth.BTW,both my CZ's do this,even the one that was worked on by Ralph Martini.This brings me back to what I said a few weeks earlier and that is,the thing that a CZ is missing most,and until it gets one,it isn't much of a rifle,is a one piece trigger guard and magazine assembly that is cartridge specific.

In your case, there are better places for you to put your finger. In truth, the only the magazine needs to do is hold your cartridges, and for it to feed them correctly, all the finger diddling really doesn't matter. For the money, CZ makes a good rifle, invest a few dollars more,you have a really good rifle.

Sorry I don't have anything positive to add, as I haven't dealt with the CZ shop. Wayne at AHR has a stellar reputation, and the two pieces I have fondled are stellar.

John

quote:

Originally posted by emron:
am interested in feedback re cz custom (specifically 416 rigby)I havent been terribly impressed by their big bores, i have a 505 etc. but no experience with their 'custom shop". would welcome any experience with same

Wayne at AHR is worth consideration to contrast the CZ custom shop. I was considering the CZ custom shop until I met Wayne and his rifles at the DSC convention last year. Wayne gives you a lot of rifle for the money but, so does a custom order from the CZ custom shop. Though I didn't buy a CZ Custom Shop rifle, their customer service was first rate during my shopping process.

Emron,
You wont find a better deal than my .416 Rigby in classified.

It's your lucky day! I dropped the price!!!

The CZ magazine is HUGH as shootaway mentions. it will hold 6, thats SIX, down in 375HH or 458Lott. Thats seven shots if you want to play games.

I have a 505 from the stlouis CZ shop and it works prefect. That a big ctg in a big magazine, holding 4 down. Its the bargin of a life time -IMHO.

I also recently purchased a used AHR upgraded CZ550 in 375HH. It seems too feed perfectly, holds 6 down. I really like 6 down, and big magazine is a plus, again IHMO, not a minus. Would be even better if they all feed prefect off the boat from the check republic.

Another bargin is getting a CZ off the boat and just have AHR work the feeding and add a safety. Thats a lot less than $500 on a rifle that cost $1000. Maybe get away for 1200.

I am just guessing: I would bet the CZ550 will hold 5 down in 416Rigby.

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
The CZ magazine is HUGH as shootaway mentions. it will hold 6, thats SIX, down in 375HH or 458Lott. Thats seven shots if you want to play games.

I have a 505 from the stlouis CZ shop and it works prefect. That a big ctg in a big magazine, holding 4 down. Its the bargin of a life time -IMHO.

I also recently purchased a used AHR upgraded CZ550 in 375HH. It seems too feed perfectly, holds 6 down. I really like 6 down, and big magazine is a plus, again IHMO, not a minus. Would be even better if they all feed prefect off the boat from the check republic.

Another bargin is getting a CZ off the boat and just have AHR work the feeding and add a safety. Thats a lot less than $500 on a rifle that cost $1000. Maybe get away for 1200.

I am just guessing: I would bet the CZ550 will hold 5 down in 416Rigby.

fourbore,my CZ 458WM holds 5 down.

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fourbore,my CZ 458WM holds 5 down

Are you sure? Thats wierd. I can get six in my Lott and HH. I maybe shooting monday. I will double check the Lott. I was just practicing with 6 snap caps in the 375H&H today. Do you have the dual cross bolts? Both of mine are dual bolted time period. My Lott was new a year ago.

I can imagine, the WinMag leaves a lot of space in the magazine. I rarely see any new 458winmag CZ550s at dealers. Seem to be all Lotts now. Makes sense for that monster action.

Yes I am sure.My gunsmith put a spacer in the rear to adjust the size of the mag for the 458WM cartridges.The depth of the mag has not been changed-it takes 5 down only.The rifle has one crossbolt.I can't remember if my CZ lott takes 5 or 6 down.It is at my gunsmiths,so I can't check.That one has two crossbolts.

This is my AHR built .416 Rigby on the CZ 550 Magnum action.



I am very happy with it.

think of the CZ as a new Mustang GT. In the hands of Shelby (Ford's Custom Shop) you can have up to 800 horsepower in the street legal versions.

Wayne at AHR can do the same slight to radical modifications to your stock CZ. I have been to his shop a couple times, and there is no one I have heard of that can turn out the work he does for the price. That, and he is just an all around fine human being, husband, and father.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
think of the CZ as a new Mustang GT. In the hands of Shelby (Ford's Custom Shop) you can have up to 800 horsepower in the street legal versions.

Wayne at AHR can do the same slight to radical modifications to your stock CZ. I have been to his shop a couple times, and there is no one I have heard of that can turn out the work he does for the price. That, and he is just an all around fine human being, husband, and father.

Rich

Ditto Rich, but ya forgot... he can shoot too! He's not just another pretty gunsmith.
And he sure can build a Fine Big Bore rifle to boot.

I own a CV550 458 American Safri 458 Lott and that rifle is very pretty. It has lamentated stock it has a set trigger it holds 6 rounds. Witch I think is great. It also fits my shoulder Like a gloveI don't know if it came from the custom Shop. I know a custom rifle
should have all these things.

quote:

Originally posted by jro45:
I own a CV550 458 American Safri 458 Lott and that rifle is very pretty. It has lamentated stock it has a set trigger it holds 6 rounds. Witch I think is great. It also fits my shoulder Like a gloveI don't know if it came from the custom Shop. I know a custom rifle
should have all these things.

Six in the mag or five in the mag and one in the chamber?

My standard field grade 550 Mag. in .458 WM. will hold six down in the magazine, and feeds perfectly.

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Originally posted by gwindrider1:
My standard field grade 550 Mag. in .458 WM. will hold six down in the magazine, and feeds perfectly.

It says safari magnum 458 WM 5 round magazine capacity on the CZ web site.I don't know where you guys are getting 6 down.

It is a pleasant surprise. The catalog is wrong.

Why is speculation. Someone might care to call the company and research it out. Maybe it changed? Maybe they use a different magazine or follower?

The fact is the HH based rounds are 6 down (or mine are) and the 505Gibbs is 4 down. And, if anyone cares to build a 585HE on the CZ550 it should hold the same 4 down as my 505gibbs. That beats the heck out of a two down 600OK in the same CZ.

My CZ 375HH has DOUBLE the capacity of a Ruger or Winchester! Magazine capacity is an important consideration when buying a DG rifle.

I had friends take 10 shots to put down an wounded black bear. You dont want to face an angry bear with two or three shots.

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Originally posted by fourbore:
I had friends take 10 shots to put down an wounded black bear. You dont want to face an angry bear with two or three shots.

Were they bad shots or shooting too small a cartridge? Black bear aren't that hard to put down are they (versus Polar bears or a Grizzly)?

Young guys, armed with 30-30, 444marlin and an 30-06 I believe. But once a bear gets moving it may not be so easy a target. And they guys were dodging the bear at same sime. mayeb even staining thier pants? Not a pretty sight, but then not the time to stop and reload, either.

I never shot a bear, but if was up against one, any size, I would prefer more than two or three shots. I dont want to tell you on a bad day how many shots I took on a deer. It happens....

Edit: I just recalled another Black bear kill. Another friend with a 303 lever in a tree stand, put one shot threw a black bears heart. That bear ran a full 100 yards then dropped dead.

I have a friend who has two CZ's customized by AHR and a burning desire to have a 600 OK made by Wayne.

It was my pleasure to meet Wayne this weekend on his way to Dallas and shoot his 600 OK. I have to tell you his work is superb and he is a great guy.

My recommendation is to strongly consider purchasing a CZ and having Wayne work on it for you. Great guy doing great work at AHR; I know I'm going to.

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
Young guys, armed with 30-30, 444marlin and an 30-06 I believe. But once a bear gets moving it may not be so easy a target. And they guys were dodging the bear at same sime. mayeb even staining thier pants? Not a pretty sight, but then not the time to stop and reload, either.

I never shot a bear, but if was up against one, any size, I would prefer more than two or three shots. I dont want to tell you on a bad day how many shots I took on a deer. It happens....

Edit: I just recalled another Black bear kill. Another friend with a 303 lever in a tree stand, put one shot threw a black bears heart. That bear ran a full 100 yards then dropped dead.

A full grown brown can run over 30 mph. Usually they charge out of cover. If you can fire more than three rounds by the time he is on top of you, you are a better man than I. You may get one, sometimes two shots off. Make 'em count

John

This was black not brown. Black seldom (almost unheard of) attack unless wounded or really provoked. So; buy definition thats at least one shot just for openers. They may still run away and then that could be more shots, it might turn and come after you and that is one time you better not have an empty gun!

Some hunt black bear with dogs. More variables and whole new host of possible scenarios.

As a young one, one day, I shot a squirrel out of a tree with my 22. When I approached the squirrel on the ground, he snarled and came at me draggin his crippled back legs and intestines on the ground! Talk about surprise and lesson learned.

Sorry 'bout black vs brown, still, blackies are responsible for more people flavored bear poop than all the other bears combined. Food for thought for campers.

Might be good thought for another thread; but, before approaching any wounded game, ensure your rifle is loaded and approach cautiously from the back side.

John

Black bears, even large ones tend to go down easily if you don't go and wound them first. We use to kill problem animals with animal control tags with a 243 or a 45 ACP, chased them down with dogs. Never did feel much like hunting though ... Rocky Mountain Grizzlies are a whole different animal, though, they are plain dangerous. I have no experience with Alaskan browns or grizzlies but I want to!

Oh and I agree with John, always put an insurance shot in, then light a smoke and keep your rifle handy. Sometimes they wake up!




Chuck

This is good to know being I'm in the market for a CZ .505 Gibbs. Very good read.

Posted in another thread as well -

http://images.trademe.co.nz/ph...9/116881129_full.jpg

I am looking at buying this CZ 550 in 416 Rigby. I would appreciate any comments on the rifle, stock style etc. I know that the rifles are low cost but good. I also know that the DG calibers might need a bit of tuning by a competent gunsmith. I am not sure if this stock is as good as a classic British rifle stock or an Oberndorf stock which I am familiar with in my other rifles.

What is the current situation with dies & cases? I can get Woodleigh bullets here.

quote:

....Then,while you are holding them down,move your finger back and forwards and watch the whole stack do the same....

Ream it out to Lott then load to magazine length. IIRC 3.750"