What can I expect from a CZ-550 right out of the box? I was going to get the winchester, but the horror stories seem endless. If you were to buy the CZ, what modifications would you do to get it DG ready? I'm seriously considering going cape buffalo hunting and the last thing I want is my rifle to fail at the moment of truth. When I compare the two rifles, winchester and CZ, the CZ always comes out on top with it's bigger magazine, reliability, and good reviews. It may not look the best, but I figure for a few hundred bucks I can get a new stock and barrel band if needed. Can someone compare the weight of a CZ to that of the m70 (preferably in 375)? Thanks for your input.

Sevens

I have about 5 each of both CZ's and Win 70 classics.

I have not had trouble with any of the guns. The CZ's are rougher when working the action, but this is easily remedied with useage or polishing . In my guns the accuracy of all has been about the same--very good. I like the set trigger on the CZ, but the Winchester 70's is the hunting trigger to which all others are compared.

I am partial to the three position safety of the Winchester--nothing against the CZ's.

In my experience either is a good choice. We are likely living in the "good old days" of getting a real bargain out of factory rifles.

I have the model 70 Safari Express (that's the latest CRF model) in 375 H&H and other than some trigger work and Leupold Weaver bases it's stock. It weighs 9lb. 6ozs. on my kitchen scale and 10lb. 6ozs. with a Leupold 2X7 Vari-X ll in Leupold QRW rings.

I've had it for a couple of years now and am quite happy with it. It shoots at least as good as I do (probably better), looks good (pretty fair wood for a production rifle) and wasn't overly expensive ($675).

Hope that helps

Roi

Thanks for your help guys, but I think I'm going to end up buying a 416 rem mag. So I'll be buying the winchester since cz doesn't make a 416 rem mag. My buddy recommended it, saying it's better for dangerous game hunting. The man has 66 years of experience hunting DG so I would tend to believe him. Can someone tell me about the recoil of the 416 rem mag. He compared it to that of a 12 gauge and said his 13 year old brother shoots one (he's not 13 anymore) and had no problems. Thanks.

Sevens

The 416 Remington has about 2.5 time more recoil than a typical twelve gauge shotgun. This is assuming about a 9.25 pound gun.

My shotgun weighs 7.5 I believe.

Sevens I have a cz 550 in .416 Rigby and I like it. I want to own an m70 one day because I do not own one yet but I must say I am fond of cz's.

Sevens,
your buddy has some correct points, but "better" is hard to determine. Sure, the remington can just match the factory loads of the rigby, and the brass/dies are cheaper.. and it can be had in a standard action... and that's it.

In fact, including the cost of 100 pieces of brass, i think the cz costs LESS than the same thing in a winchester

As for recoil, my (former) win 70 super express classic in 416 rem, at the factory 8.5# is FAR too light, and, in my case, far too short in LOP

the rifle needs at least 1# if lead, mixed 60/40 butt and forearm

Shoot the winchester, with factory SIGHTS before you scope it, trust the eye cut bigbore shooter.

As for recoil, my 12ga is a stoeger coach gun, about 6 or 6.3#, the 416, in a 9.5# gun, is FELT to be about 3 times that (i don't feel my 12 ga go off anymore).. numberswise, it's about 2.5#

what's the hardest kicking gun you shot regularly? We can frame that as a baseline.

jeffe

The 416 was recommended to me because I don't hand load (he said I might want to learn). The cost of rem mag factory ammo is cheaper than rigby ammo. The rigby/remington was my choice.

As to the biggest kicker I've ever shot, the 12 gauge and the 30-06. Neither causes discomfort to me and I can shoot both very well.

OK, I'd suggest that you fire your pal's 416 Rem and see if you can handle it first. For most shooters, the 375 is the most that they can handle and if they're determined enough, the 416 in any flavor. In fact, I wouldn't just jump up in the power levels as yet and just get a 375 first. After you've conditioned yourself to 375 levels, I'd then go up in power.

Sevens, allow me to do the maths for you

a cz 550 in rigby costs 630
a model 70 cost roughly 900

rigby brass costs about 2 bucks each
rem about .40

it will costs about 58 cents to reload either one...

a box of "cheap" 416 rem is 85 bucks...
a box of rigby codts 115

if one reloads, the costs are the same for components, or close enough.

85/20=$4.25 a round

115/20= 5.75

or, you can reload either for less than 12 bucks...

If you got a cz, 100 pieces of brass, and dies, that's 900, more less

the model 70 will be about 900+40+60.. so 1000...

we'll assume the cost of the other reloading gear is 350 (the dies are included in the purchase)

rem
4.25x=350+.58x means you break even at 95.4 rounds

rigby
5.75x=350+.58x means you break even at 67.7 rounds

So, let's take the costs back to gether..
win is 1000+350+55 = 1405

cz is 900+350+39= 1289

This of course assumes that you reload... trying to do it with commerical ammo means that you are spending roughly 5 bucks a round... so a day at the range will cost you 100 bucks, vs 12

jeffe

If recoil is not a problem and your not a handloader, go the 416 rem route. You may have shot a 375 H&H, but if you havent you may want to. Unless your conditioned its about as much recoil as most want. A light weight 375 will warp ya pretty good. Might want to shoot both and see what you like. Most will agree a guy is better off to shoot a 375 accurate than flinch with a light weight 416.

I am trying to find someone with a 375. Every time I'm at the range I'm always looking for one, but never see any. What time do you big bore shooters go to the range? I am concerned about the recoil being too much, I have no idea how I would handle it. I think over time I would learn to master the recoil, I did for all my guns. I'm in agreement that a 375 I shoot well is better than a 416 I dont. I am going to shoot a 500 jeffery at the end of july, problem is I dont know if I can wait that long to get my gun.

Sevens

I have both a win mod 70 in 375 and a CZ 416 Rigby. I love them both. You can get used to the recoil but it takes time. I had the 375 for 3 years before I got the 416 so I had some time to get used to it. The first time I loaded the 416 with full house loads(no scope and straight out of the box) the recoil was impresive. It spun me 45 degrees in spite of all I could do every time I pulled the trigger. I go 5'8" and just under 200#. With a new stock, on/off muzzle break and a scope on board (about 10 #) the recoil is tolerable but still substantial. Going into the long grass after big uglies, the weight is comforting. This thing just plain KILLS big critters. I still like the Rigby over the Remington. Not as practical if buying your ammo but rolling your own softens the blow quite a bit. Good shopping and hunting. D

Keep looking and don't get so excited you hurry your decision. It is better to go slow and buy one rifle that to have to buy 3 or 4 to satisfy your need. Unless of course you are a true rifle junkie and then just keep buying until you find what you really want to keep and shoot.
Where in CA do you live?
If you are close to someone maybe you can set up a meet. I know most anyone would love to see you shoot a big bore for the first time. Preferrable with video camera running.
My vote buy the way is the 375 Whitworth. Especially if it is an African feel you want. Much more versatile and something you will shoot more to get better with. I think- and this is from NO AFRICA YET only- that the 375 will do anything the 416 will do if you shoot it a bunch and enjoy it while you do so.
Frank

Frank,

I live in the Bay area, so I'm a few hours south of you. I'm taking my time on making my decision. "patience is a virtue" I rushed into buying my first gun and wont make the same mistake twice.

Sevens

Stevens, you had a pile of good advice. I'll just relate my story.

Prior to a few weeks ago, the hardest kicker I've fired is a non-padded, poorly shaped 12 ga.. I think. My '06 seemed to kick pretty hard.

My wife insisted I buy a new gun, so I went in search of a CZ (mainly based on price).

I wavered between the .375 and the .416. Finally, the cost of components and ammo convinced me to get the .375. Let me tell you that I'm glad I did. It's all I want. I could handle more, I'm sure, but I don't want to right now.

I shot the Federal High Energy 300 grainers (a couple of hundred fps more than normal). Ten rounds at a session and I stopped before a flinch developed.

I might get a bigger caliber someday when I grow up, but the .375 keeps doing it all very well. It's good enough for me.

P.S. Invest in a PAST recoil shield before firing any of the big kickers from the bench.

Thank you all for your help. I was fortunate enough to be contacted by another board member offering to let me shoot his big bores. I took him up on his offer and will report back with which flavor caliber I like. I'm more than excited to shoot an "elephant gun". Thanks for your help (especially you 475guy).

Sevens

Sevens,

Good Show! This really is the ideal solution.

I was fortunate enough to have a local person that let me shoot a range of calibers larger that the .375 I owned. It sure helped me understand that I'm probably OK with things through the .470 NE level ... but larger rifles may not be my cup of tea.

As a result of the real life experience, I have acquired and really enjoy rifles in .416 Rigby and .470 NE.

If you don't reload get a 375. Any 416 factory ammo will be too expensive for just about anybody.