I posted this at another foram and got mixed postes so i thought i would try it hear . Which rifle would you consider best for use in Alaska and Africa The caliber is .458 Lott The two rifle choices are the Ruger M77 Deluxe Magnum or the CZ 550 American Safari Magnum Which of the two would you choose Thanks Tanoose

If you want the best chance of getting a rifle and not needing to put any work or money into it to make it reliable. I would sugest the Ruger.

However, for the difference in price 1200 vs. 850, you can get a CZ and spend a few bucks at the smith and end up with as an as good or better rifle by going with the CZ.

On a CZ you will need to glass bed it, add 2 cross bolts, slick up the action. On top of that I always change the safety to a win style 3 position safety and replace the trigger with a good after market one with out the set feature.

This will cost you the difference in price for parts and another 2-300 of you have a smith do the work. You can save this if you can do the work yourself.

I'd go with the CZ.

fritz

I thought smiths around here were tough! At least they still take credit cards. I doubt I could bring myself to have a rifle worked on in Montana.

Neither...

Wood stock + 458 Lott + Alaska = not very appealing.

Wood stock + 458 Lott + Africa = highly specialized (translation.. bitch to shoot / master)

Art, just taking a guess on the cost but I think it will more than cover the labor. I do all my own smithing so I have no need to send it out.

Also add in the labor to install and fit the trigger and safety and I don't think 250 is too much to allow. JMO

quote:

However, for the difference in price 1200 vs. 850, you can get a CZ and spend a few fucks at the smith and end up with as an as good or better rifle by going with the CZ.

I think this may have been what Art was referring to

I like the Ruger best any way you cut it, but it cost more...but considering the integral quarter rib alone on the Ruger is worth $2500 on a custom gun, I don't see how you could go wrong with a Ruger for $1200.00

I have rebuilt several CZ and I never was quite satisfied with them..just rough at best...

I am looking at both also. A smith I use told me
bed,2 cross bolts and polish action $175.00. I have seen new CZ for $675. or so. How ever having seen both, shot neither, I will try and get the Ruger. But $500.00 is $500.00 IMO
Gene

Art, I was reading the post and caught Fritz' gaffe, I almost fell out of my chair reading your reply! My wife asked what was so funny, so I read it to her and she got a good laugh too! Quick and witty replies make this an interesting forum! Thanks, Lee.

Fritz, this gunsmith friend of yours, do you have any pics? What's her name? I may be out your way and I'd like her to do some work on my "gun" too.

Gary

I've seen a number of folks mention $1200 Rugers, but here in the big city they run 14-$1500. Is this just a case of rounding down or can they really be had for $1200?

Micdis i got a price today of $1300.00 this is a gunshop in upstate NY. Down in the city or long island they'll go 1700-1800. The CZ i saw last week at Gander Mountain in Kingston NY for $829. I think i will propibly go with the Ruger.

Sorry about the typo. I fixed it. That was a bad one too.

I'm trying to type with a splint on my finger.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz454:
I'm trying to type with a splint on my finger.

If it's the middle finger that would explain a lot...

Tanoose, I picked up a cz in 416 at Cabelas a few months ago for $815 out the door. The Rugers were crowding $1500. If they had the Ruger for $200 less the choice would have been much more difficult. A few weeks ago I was in a different Cabelas and saw the Rugers again at $1500, but also a pre '64 70 in .375 for $1900. I bought the Winchester and I'm still looking for a good deal on the Ruger. One day I'll have $1200 in my pocket and will be standing in front of a Ruger 416 so priced and it too will have a new home. One day....

quote:

If it's the middle finger that would explain a lot...

I can't win.

Ray nailed it. The CZ is rough at best. The Ruger is a bargain, even at suggested retail.
Best, Starcharvski.

czs rifles are a knid of rifle that isnt make anymore its made by solid barr of steel,cold forged barrel set triger and high quality open sigths ,besides its price is very god i have several czs in my company and im more and more fan of them here most of phs uses czs.juan

T

You made the right choice. The RSM will need a wee bit of tweaking but not as much as a new CZ. In fact, you can just go out to the range with one right out of the box. So far, knock on wood, all of mine were shot right out of the box w/o any problems.

In my humble opinion, the Ruger is the best choice.

Good luck with your new rifle!

Mauser Rifle

NRA Life Member
ATA Life Member

Everyday is a great day, some days are just better than others!

fritz,

Don't be so hard on yourself Your typo and Art's response helped make my week

John