I have seen a good condition used 602 with pop up rear sight for sale . How does the older 602 compare to the newer 550s. The 602 is a 458WinMag which I will get converted to 458 Lott. Is the 550 so much better,safer,stronger,more reliable?. It will be used mainly for play but hope to use it on water buffalo in OZ this year and maybe cape buff in a year or two.(when finances allow)

As far as I know, the only difference between the 550s and the 602s are the trigger and safety (and the peep on some 602s). The 602 uses either a regular or a single-set trigger mechanism in which the trigger itself is mounted to the bottom metal, and the safety is "backwards" from most rifles. That is, you push it forward for safe and pull back for fire.

The current CZ 550s have a single-set trigger mechanism with no parts mounted in the bottom metal, and the safety works in the regular way. Unfortunately, the pop-up peep is long gone

I've also been told that the current guns are more nicely finished, but it's been a while since I looked at one of the old 602s so I can't confirm that personally. My memory is that they were a bit crude.

I really doubt that there's any difference at all between the two in terms of strength and safety. They're virtually identical.

Best,
Joe

The 602 you have is just as good as the CZ550. The CZ550 is a better finish and a better trigger, but that's it. Build your Lott on the 602 and enjoy.-
BTW, I've hunted water Buff in the NT with Simon Kyle Little. I had a blast. The Lott should do well on them.-Rob

[ 06-16-2003, 08:12: Message edited by: Robgunbuilder ]

Buy it. I actually prefer 602s over the 550s. Look more like classic old Mausers. Yes, they're a little rough but make great field guns and take on lots of character with use. Wish I could find a 602 with peep sight to convert to Lott.

I think you should buy the 550 and let me know the name and address of the seller of the 602 so that I can contact him about buying it. Seriously, get a Wisner safety and trigger added to the 602 and, with the pop-up aperture rear sight you will have a better action than the 550. As strong but with better features.

All the best.