Finally got to work the action on a new one in .375, and sakes it was rough. Guess I've been spoiled by all those $69 VZ24 Mausers that have passed through my hands.
I realize that bedding and a slick-up are priorities with the CZ Safaris, but what is involved in smoothing the action? Is it stoning and polishing?
Just curious, as I have simply got to have one of these in .375 or .416.
Aside from the gritty action, the rest of the rifle is very pleasing, and it fits me very nicely with the express irons in precisely the right spot.

I agree, they feel terrible when new. Just had a look at the CZ 550 American in .375 H&H (two rifles) and a CZ Lux in 9.3x62. All three felt pretty much the same. Bought the 9.3x62 and will also get a .375 fairly soon.

I am confident that they will come up really well as has my 550 Magnum in .458 Lott, converted from Win Mag. The 'smith has it feeding and extracting faultlessly and cycling really smoothly.

It would be much better if CZ finished the rifles before they sent them out though.

Hi Bill, I took my cz 375 straight to the gunsmith to be bedded. Then I had him take the set trigger out and smooth action, trigger pull is a perfect 2 pounds now, I know this is supposed to be too low for a hunting rifle and all I can say is it is perfect for me. Then I had him smooth the safety so it is easier to get off, I think he charged me like 125 bucks to do all this and it is a very nice rifle now. I used it for a 10 day plainsgame hunt and never had one problem. Good luck. Joe

I built a 404 off one, and it was slicked up and custom stocked in Laminate, shot a couple of buffalo with it...It just never felt like a Mauser, lacked the trimness I am so used to, so I sold it...That's just me, no offence to the rifle itself, it was a good rifle....

Ray,

I was surprised at the weight of the CZ550 in .375H&H; it seemed far more bulky and heavy than my CZ 550 in 9.3x62mm...

Having measured and poked around in the 9.3x62mm length action, I am sure it is long enough to accommadate a .375H&H if it were openned up just a little??? That would make a far neater and trimmer rifle than the CZ550 Safari...maybe too light though?

Regards,

Pete

It is a heavy rifle in .375, and should of course be very easy to shoot in that caliber. That's what makes it seem so tempting in .416, but then it is getting to be less of an all-around rifle and a lot more of a DG gun.
It is also a little disappointing that with a stock so large as to almost bury the bolt handle, it might still be a stock-splitter.

Bill,
They do "slick up" nicely. Like yourself (and Ray), I do find the new "American" style stocks mighty thick and bulky feeling.

On the other hand, the Lux/Hogbacks are slim and trim by comparison and fit me just great. For sure with less wood the Lux/Hogbacks need the steel bedding, and internal & external crossbolts, and the tang inletting even moreso; however, with my CZ's so modified, I haven't had any stock problems at all with either my 416Rigby or a 458Lott.

In any case, good luck with your CZ project.

The lux stock of the cz's fits me well to, I like cz rifles a lot.