I've searched AR and the web but have not found a definitive answer. As background, I have highly figured stocks on my WBY Lazermark and others! So, I'm no novice to pretty guns, but on most other gun stuff I'm unlearned.

So, I just bought from an online sales site a used CZ 550 Safari in 416 Rigby for $850 which, judging by its pictures, has a jaw dropping, eye popping, gorgeous stock with whirls of contrasting colors in all directions in the butt and bold horizontal stripes down both sides up front.

Here are my questions:

1.Could this happen "by chance" or is this more likely a "fancy" for which CZ charges several more hundreds of dollars?

2. Other than the stock's appearance, is there another way to determine whether CZ sold this as a fancy or a field grade?

Thank you,

Bill

A lot of the early CZ Safari American's had Safari Classic on the receiver. Mine did and has a beautiful stock, though I had the CZ Custom shop build my 375 H&H and later rebarreled it to 500 Jeffery. I asked them to pick me out a "good one"

and you got a "beauty"!

Bill,

The guns from the CZ custom shop in StLouis have a barrel mounted sling swivel. This could be done later, so its not definite, the a gun could be restocked too. But that is one more thing to look for. Also barrel shorter than 25 inches.

The custom shop guns run about $3,000 so its nice if you got one for the price of the basic American model. I guess the 3,000 cost might be debated as to value in some calibers, but it the lowest price best value for a good solid 505Gibbs.

Anyway its not hundreds its thousands. Usually its the other way around, common $1000 guns get passed off as custom shop guns. I think you got lucky.

Here is a link:
http://www.cz-usa.com/products...-550-safari-classic/

I dont see a 416Rigby, but I am sure they would build one in 375HH 416Rigby or 458Lott if someone asked. For 3,000 no problem.

The other possibility and this is more likely - is that the gun was sent to AHR for custom work. That runs typically 500-1000 per gun , more/less. THat is in addition the the $1000 purchase price. In that case you also would have got a great deal. Either way would be a lucky deal.

AHR offer a lot of services (note all optional) you can look for: three position bolt safety, jeweled bolt, forarm tip, fancy grade replacement stocks, slick up feeding.

Here is their site:
http://www.hunting-rifles.com/CZ/CZowners.htm

Both have telephone # you can call with your serial number.

Edit: I just looked again at the website and see they offer the basic CZ550 American with a fancy stock at 2x price just under $2k. These are listed in 416Rigby and it appears those retain the sling stud in the forearm.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products...rican-safari-magnum/

I bought my CZ 550 in 375 H&H through Sportsman's warehouse but asked for a couple of extras (barrel band, recoil reducer and action job) from the CZ "a la carte" menu. Total cost was $1100 with all of the extras. Because I ordered the extras the rifle was built in the USA by the CZ Custom Shop. Later I had AHR do their CZ #1 upgrade and then had Harlan the CZ Custom Shop rebarrel it to 500 Jeffery. So all told I have about $2100 in the rifle. Very happy with it.

Chuck, that is interesting you got the best services from both. That sounds like a great gun at good price. In fact to get a 500Jeff for 2k you really snaked a deal from St Louis.

Wow, I wish I went that route, instead I dropped 3k and dont have any AHR upgrades

I had a feild gade cz in 458 whh had really nice grained wood. I've seen others that are plain jane. I just bougt a new 458 lott fancy grade cz 550 and it has beautiful wood. One f the nice rones I've seen. Its a keeper. If you got the factory box with the gun it wil state on the side if its feild or fancy.

I've owned 3 ZKKs with fancy factory Turkish walnut stocks, and seen a couple others. Most however look like pine or maple.