Alright guys....need some input quick. I have the opportunity to buy a lightly used CZ 550 Safari in .375 H&H (not the "CZ American" model....but the traditional CZ style with hogback stock and schnabel forend). I handled the rifle today, and it seems to be in excellent condition (95%+) with a crisp, light trigger (feels like approx. 2 lbs). The person is asking $700 for it "out the door"....but I honestly believe I can get it for $650.

I already have a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless in .375 H&H, and I don't necessarily need another one....but it seems like a very good deal to me, and I actually would prefer the CZ over the Winchester if I had to choose.

C'mon AR experts....what should I do?? Should I jump on it??

Buy it

if you buy it i may be interested in the win.

I love my CZ .375. Shot some great MOA groups at 100 yds last week with nosler factory loads with 260gr partitions. Up in the air if I want to keep the hogsback stock or swap for one of the American safari mag stocks. My vote is buy it.

I actually like the hogback stock for shooting. Someone had shortened it beyond usability for me. I had to build it up or replace it so it got replaced. If you get the gun and replace the stock I would be interested in it.

Buy it and ream it to .375 Weatherby, McMillan stock, whatever else would be fun to play with. My ZKK 602 Brno was rechambered before I got it (used) and it's been fun.

I am not a fan of the hogs back stock. I have the same rifle with the American stock, I much prefer this.

If it is what you like then buy it and don't worry about what the rest of us say.

It's a good rifle. Buy it and have it restocked if you aren't happy with the hog back.

Buy It! Have one and would not part with it. Shot a LOT of game with it over the years.

At that price, buy it. You can probably flip and make some $. The hogsback stock is actually very comfortable. Plus, you could rebarrel it.

LWD

Buy it, at very least you can flip it and make couple hundred.

Or... buy it and have it rebored to 416 Rem Mag. Now you have a 416 with a 5+1 magazine (since you already have a 375).

buy it!!!! i just toured the plant on tuesday.
i knew that my cz550 .375 was excellent quality and after seeing their manufactring facility i am truly impressed. buy it!!!

Well guys, I'm not sure about it now. I went back and handled the gun again this morning....and there are a few things I'm not comfortable with.

First of all, it is apparently an older model. The owner told me he bought it for a Buffalo hunt (which got cancelled) and the gun has been sitting in his safe since 2007. The age of the gun isn't what bothers me though....what bothers me is the trigger. After doing a little research yesterday, I was under the impression that all the CZ 550 rifles used a "single set" trigger. This gun does not have a single set....but the owner swears it is the factory trigger. I'm not familiar enough with CZ to know if he is telling the truth or not.

I asked him if it is an adjustable trigger, and he said he couldn't even remember. I brought along my trigger pull gauge, and discovered the trigger is only 1 lb. 5 oz.....which is much lighter than I would prefer on a 375. I'm affraid it may be some mediocre quality "garage gunsmith" trigger job.

The front sight hood is also missing....and he would not budge a single dollar on the price. I have a hard time talking to someone who asks a certain price for a gun, and claims they really want to sell it....but refuse to budge even 5-10% on the price. It all just left a bad taste in my mouth...

Eland

You sound like a person who is buying it because it is a good deal, not because it
is the gun.

Most people who take 5 or 10% off the price
have added on 10 - 20% on in the first place because they know people like you exist.

What you need to understand is sometimes a good deal is a good deal even if you don't get your 5 or 10% off the price ! I've seen people lose good guns at great prices because they don't get a bit off. Don't fall in the same camp.


Trigger - sounds like it has been modified to me.


I'd still buy it at that price.

.

Eland I had the sigle set application on my trigger dissable, cant see the use of a hair trigger on a hard kicker. Had the same done on my CZ550 in 416 Rigby. Also had the standard trigger set at 3lb.

As others have said it is a good deal, buy it.

PS. price I advertise is the price I want that bloke may well be the same.

The trigger is the concerning issue. A 1997 CZ550 Safari Magnum should have the single set trigger. If it doesn't something is awry. It's either been modified/replaced or the gun isn't what he says it is. The earlier model of this gun would be the Brno 602, which had a backwards safety and, I think, an optional single set trigger. You might verify the model.

And even if it needs a new trigger, that's still a really good deal as long as it's in good shape. You'd be hardpressed to find even an okay used one for that price.

LWD

quote:

Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
....and he would not budge a single dollar on the price. I have a hard time talking to someone who asks a certain price for a gun, and claims they really want to sell it....but refuse to budge even 5-10% on the price...

Why? He said he wants to sell it, not give it away. If he has priced the gun reasonably (sounds like the price is VERY attractive) why should he drop his price further? What if he were asking $300...would you then offer $250?

Do you also expect to negotiate at the gas station, or perhaps the grocery store?

$700 still sounds like a heck of a deal for a magnum length action with double square bridges. If you have your M70 375, I'm assuming you don't actually want another 375. Why not save the action, then use it to build a custom big bore later in life. If you decide one day that you don't need an elephant caliber, you can sell the rifle again for probably double what you paid at the rate the CZ's have been appreciating.

quote:

Originally posted by LWD:
The trigger is the concerning issue. A 1997 CZ550 Safari Magnum should have the single set trigger. If it doesn't something is awry. It's either been modified/replaced or the gun isn't what he says it is. The earlier model of this gun would be the Brno 602, which had a backwards safety and, I think, an optional single set trigger. You might verify the model.

And even if it needs a new trigger, that's still a really good deal as long as it's in good shape. You'd be hardpressed to find even an okay used one for that price.

LWD

I'm sure it is not a Brno 602....

The receiver has "CZ 550 Safari Magnum" stamped on the left side....along with "CZ-USA Kansas City, KS".

Is it possible that it does have a single-set trigger....but perhaps the "set" feature has been disabled such as Rule 303 said he did with his? I am not very familiar with single set triggers.

quote:

Originally posted by Sevens:
$700 still sounds like a heck of a deal for a magnum length action with double square bridges. If you have your M70 375, I'm assuming you don't actually want another 375. Why not save the action, then use it to build a custom big bore later in life. If you decide one day that you don't need an elephant caliber, you can sell the rifle again for probably double what you paid at the rate the CZ's have been appreciating.

You have a good point...

It's a great buy. You can't go wrong, and if you don't like, turn it over and make some dough.

I never used to like the look of the hogsback stock, but after shooting my double rifles (both Merkels with hogsback stocks), I love the stock design now. I find it much easier to get a consistent mount of my rifles time after time.

Let us know how it shoots if you pick it up.

Mike

Well I took your advice fellas....and I now own two 375's. I am happy with the purchase, even though the gentleman wouldn't come down....it was still a great buy for the condition the rifle is in. It basically looks new except for a couple small "safe dings."

Here are a few pics of the rifle....

Can anyone recommend a good resource for detailed information on the CZ 550's trigger....besides just the user manual?

I am looking at the user manual online, and it doesn't seem to have much information on the workings of the trigger....or whether or not the "set" feature can be disabled/re-instated. This gun does appear to have a single-set trigger (it has a small vertical adjustment screw just in front of the trigger), but I believe the "set" feature has been disabled.

Any tips would be great guys. Thanks.

Dale Kimbrough (deceased now) set my Brno and CZ's to 3 lbs and the set trigger function went away -- very happy. Find a 'smith.

I figured it out. It is actually very simple to disable (or enable) the "set" function by adjusting the small vertical screw in front of the trigger. (Turning the screw clockwise disables the feature, and counter clockwise enables the feature)

I was also able to adjust the trigger to about 3 lbs....and currently have the "set" function enabled (breaks at 15 oz). I don't think I will keep the "set" function enabled, but since I've never used a single set trigger before....it might be fun to play with on targets.

I will probably adjust the trigger to 2.5 lbs and disable the "set" function for hunting.

Since you have both now, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on both rifles.

I love the single set trigger, have the same gun in .458. The first shot placement is everything why not make it easier? Practice with it it will become second nature and have the other at 3 lbs is perfect. I have 3 M70's and one CZ and my only complaint with the CZ was unreliable feeding and the factory sights were way off on elevation. 5+1 .458 lott is pretty nice i'd say or in any African caliber. Getting one more round in a M70 takes some serious work. That said the M70's actions were smoother, fed and ejected, I liked the stock design better and the adjustable sights you could regulate. But the trigger was harder to adjust but very nice when done. I had the CZ barrel chopped to 22" as 25 was kinda long. The 24" barrel on the wins handle great. I did end up going with a kevlar american style on the CZ. All in all both are great guns and after reading "africa's most dangerous" by Robinson the zim PH school found those 2 on the short list for PH backup rifles. Can't go wrong with either. Those SS classic .375 are hard to find I'd hold onto it Also if you want to slick that 375 up I sent mine to american hunting rifles for the #2 job should get it back next week should be everything I need/want in a DG rifle. And I kept the set trigger. And the points about reusing the action is a great idea as well.

Good luck!

Looks like a factory trigger. If I was you I would send it to Wayne at AHR and get it the way you want. Take a look at what his options are for your CZ. It's a great Africa gun and caliber if put into decent shape. Several of my "go to Africa" guns are CZs he has perfected for me.

I would also recommend AHR for any work you want done on your CZ (I've sent my rifle there twice because I liked the first mods Wayne did to mine). They'll do it right and in the time they quoted you.

I think first though you need to figure out what you want to do with the rifle though.

You can only shoot one gun at a time. The Model 70 is a better built gun. Save your money and go on that trip to Namibia you used to talk about.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
You can only shoot one gun at a time. The Model 70 is a better built gun. Save your money and go on that trip to Namibia you used to talk about.

How is the Winchester a better built gun? They both seem like very well-built rifles....but each have their own pros and cons.

The Winchester is smoother, with a heavier stainless barrel....but on the down side, it only carries 3 in the magazine.

The CZ is not quite as smooth and I also wish I could operate the bolt without disengaging the safety.....but it also seems a little more "solid" and is able to carry 5 in the magazine. I also love the hogback stock (which is one of the primary reasons I bought this gun). So each gun has it's advantages I guess.

I like them both....and plan to keep them both!!

Another recommendation for Wayne and AHR. I just sent my CZ in 416 Rigby to him to fix some of the items that were messed up on the first attempt to customize the gun by Match Grade Arms.

Wayne replaced the original trigger with his model, straightened / filled the bolt handle, installed a 3 position Win. M-70 type safety, found and repaired a feed issue with the last round, and gunkoted the entire rifle. Picture below. The action is now much smoother as well.

A note of warning on the original CZ trigger. I've mentioned this story numerous times on AR but I think it deserves being repeated as it put me in a dangerous position. After receiving the rifle back from MGA, while on Safari, several days into the hunt, I attempted to shoot a buffalo bull at about 30 yards. When I pulled the trigger, it loosely traveled all the way to the rear of the trigger guard. It had completely disconnected. Neither the normal or set feature would operate it. The smith that repaired it told me that a small screw had backed out and should have been installed with locktite. I never trusted the rifle after that.

Wayne's new trigger is very nice. No set feature but it breaks like glass at a very low weight and I'm more than happy with it. He did everything he quoted in a very timely manner and for a fair price. I'm still in the process now of ringing it out, but think I have reason to trust the trigger again at this point.

Looks like you got a really good rifle for a good price. At a minimum, I would have Wayne replace that trigger and install the M-70 type safety since you mentioned it getting in your way, (a common complaint of CZ's). I would recommend the upgrade No. 1 as it will also get the bolt filled and straightened.

Like you, I also have a SS Winchester M-70 in 375H&H with synthetic stock. I agree that both rifles have their strong points and there is a need (as if we want isn't enough) for both rifles, especially if you keep the wood stock on the CZ.

Nice. I have on with Wayne now. He mentioned no problems with the CZ trigger and said it was my preference to which to use, mainly that people don't practice or use the set feature so he sells you his, which I'm sure is nice. Did he do the paint on the stock? I like the green never asked if he had different colors. Thats a cool looking setup. I got the #2 and I guess replaces the 3 leaf express with a 2. I assume he will check and locktite it during the go-over

ES,

The way I see it, you got a heck of a combo there. You can set the rifles up for totally different hunting purposes, while still only worrying about 1 type of ammo to buy. If these were mine, I'd probably but the barrel down on the M70 a bit, put it on a better stock (like I see you are trying to do in the other thread of yours) and have that one set up for nasty weather. Leave the CZ with the wood, a "nice weather" rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by MileHighShooter:
ES,

The way I see it, you got a heck of a combo there. You can set the rifles up for totally different hunting purposes, while still only worrying about 1 type of ammo to buy. If these were mine, I'd probably but the barrel down on the M70 a bit, put it on a better stock (like I see you are trying to do in the other thread of yours) and have that one set up for nasty weather. Leave the CZ with the wood, a "nice weather" rifle.

Yeah, that is sort of my plan.

I already have my M70 in a different stock (a take-off from a Winchester Classic Safari). I didn't like the tupperware stock that it came with. But I plan on putting the M70 in a nicer "all weather" stock (either laminate or fiberglass) and using it as my Elk/Moose/Bear/Nilgai/Eland rifle with the 3-9x40 scope that is on it now.

Then I will probably cut down the CZ to 22" and put a 1-4x scope of some kind on it....and using it as a "dangerous game" rifle until I decide to buy something bigger. I might have to test it on another Water Buffalo

....it will probably get plenty of practice on hogs as well.

+1 for AHR. Had the #2 done to my Lott and it's nice. He delivers on time too.