What is the difference in the CZ550? One rifle sells for around $2700 and another just like it is $1100. Must be a big difference somewhere? Please help as I am looking at a 404 Jeffery.
Thanks

Unfortunately, the 404J is only available in the Safari. These are hand produced in the USA by the CZ custom shop. With the economy as it is, check around. You might be able to get one for $2,400 new.Or get a 416 Rigby in the regular model.

The regular is mass produced overseas, the 404 and such are made with McGowen barrels, custom built at triple rivers here in the states, and generally are a better gun than "stock". Exceptions happen.

But you could buy a 375, send to McGowen, and have the same gun for 600 less

The standard CZ550 American is as you see it for sale on the auction sites. It comes with just a hooded front sight and sling swivels in the stock in .375 H&H, .458 both Win and Lott, and .416 Ribgy. The Safari Classic line has an upgraded wood stock, pachmayr decelerator, front barrel band sling swivel, some have a mercury tube, and they come in all the cool calibers that let you take a step back in time.

You use to be able to order a regular "American" .404J from the custom shop you just had to ask. They were between the two price wise.

quote:

Originally posted by viperidae:
they come in all the cool calibers that let you take a step back in time.

almost ... except the 450 rigby .. which was SAAMIed in 1995 or 1996 by rigby of california... the historic 450 Nitro express (developed by rigby) was a flanged round ...

i've had a chat with CZ on this ... its as bad a statement as dirty harry asking if he had shot 5 or 6 rounds from a 5 round gun ...

quote:

almost ... except the 450 rigby .. which was SAAMIed in 1995 or 1996 by rigby of california

With the way the safari industry is ever changing and ever more restrictive each year, 1995 is a step back in time.

I can see the confusion though. I forget which book, but I actively recall hearing one famous ivory hunter making mention of his brand new 450 Rigby (in reference to the 450 NE) that was delivered to him right before he was supposed to leave on some hunt or another. If I remember correctly, his neighbors chimney was used as a target to test the sights before he hurriedly departed for his trip.