I am looking for a replacement stock for my CZ 550 Mag (soon to be in .510/460 Wby Long) and saw that Todd E mentioned Claude Gatewood of Gatewood custom stocks ( www.claudegatewood.com ) and his prices and work look pretty good. However, before I rush out and spend big $$ on a new stock for my CZ, I want to check out a number of different options and get some feedback on them, soooo...

Gatewood custom stocks, Good/Bad/Ugly. I'll take firsthand experience, hearsay, and rumor. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by BMG (edited 01-10-2002).]

BMG,

Have you seen the CZ550 rifle on Claude Gatewood's website? I have seen it in person as I know the owner. The picture doesn't do it justice the wood is much prettier.

Anyway, I have seen the inletting which is very good and the bedding is exceptional. The friend of mine who owns it (his name is on the website so I shall not repeat it here) told me he paid around $800 for the job including the wood.

I have also fired this rifle (two rounds) and it handled very well. My friend and I are of about the same build (he is slightly taller). Gatewood fit the rifle to my friend and it fits me damn good to.

My friend took that rifle to Africa and shot a buff with it. To my knowledge he has had absolutely no problems with it. I would definitely have Gatewood stock my next big bore.

Todd E