Cut back barrel on CZ 550 in 416 Rigby?

28 May 2006, 11:56

Hi guys,

I really like my CZ in 416 Rigby. I trimmed my stock (hogback) some, and it looks and feels even better to me (the "American" style just doesn't fit me well).

I am tempted to cut the barrel back to 22", as BMR discussed doing with his 375 H&H in a nearby posting. Has anyone done this with this caliber? If so, did you notice any problems with the ballistics or balance?

Thanks for the input.

LD

28 May 2006, 17:07

GDOG

LD,
I LOVE the 22" barrel on my .416R. I think it's the only way to go! I like handy rifles and going from 25-22 helped mine a lot.

28 May 2006, 17:11

GDOG

Sorry, to fully answer it dramatically improved balance. Ballisticlly( if that's a word)You lose a little velocity, but nothing that will make a difference under 200yds or so. For me, the balance was well worth it.

28 May 2006, 18:02

Wink

I'm going to get around to doing the same thing, that is, cutting back the barrel to 22" or 23". The factory CZ barrel is just a little too long to handle quickly.

28 May 2006, 21:28

465H&H

I haven't done it on a 416 CZ but have on a 458 Lott. With mine after the barrel circumsion it shot over 2 feet high at 100yds. I ended up having the rear sight recess cut down a couple of tenths and a new rear sight mortice cut. I thoiught it did feel and handle better after the barrel was shortened.

465H&H

465H&H

28 May 2006, 22:01

Paolo9,5x73

Sure, if you want to waste money and time. That 25" length tube seems ok to me,

well, some of those larger bore WR magazine rifles with 28" barrels, now that's looney tune! So much for that legendary English know how!

28 May 2006, 22:11

AnotherAZWriter

I have a Win70 that I cut down to 22 inches and love it. 24 is too long; doesn't do anything for the ballistics. I shot mine on game at over 300 yards without a problem.

29 May 2006, 03:18

Michael Robinson

With the rather light for caliber profile of the CZ barrel, it probably won't make a hell of a lot of difference.

But I should say that, in all my rifles, especially DGRs, I like heavy profile barrels that are loooonnnng. So, if I were you, I wouldn't cut it back in any case.

For me, fast handling, quick pointing, etc., and all the rest of that theoretical and overrated jazz, have always taken second place to a sure and steady hold and hang, to a sure swing and a solid offhand shot.

Let's not forget that military rifles for eons have been long barreled and heavy, and for good reasons, too. And I was no fan of the M1 carbine, and I'm no fan of the M4 carbine, either, in case anyone had any doubts.

And for those times when a fast mount and shot are needed, the long, heavy barrels on my rifles have never hampered me in the least. Quickness comes with practice and from a good technique, far more than from using a short-barreled rifle.

But I find myself in the minority on this subject, more and more. IMO, The old-timers knew their stuff. And by old-timers I mean those to whom a 24 inch barrel was fit only for a carbine!

29 May 2006, 06:33

zimbabwe

My 550 in 416Rigby has Barrel cut to 21" and barrel band swivel with N.E.C.G front ramp with red fiber optic bead. The front sight is adjustable for elevation. It has a Brockman laminate and to ME the handling is perfect. The Elephant I took with it thought it was adequate also. I have a pic posted somewhere on here with it next to the tusks. Scope is a 1x4 Swarovski Professional in CZ mounts. Bolt handle has been straightened (the small bend removed). Easily groups 1" with Woodleigh solids. I personally like short barrel guns both in shotguns and rifles and also in handguns. No reason I why just LIKE them that way. The only drawback to the 30 carbine was the round not the rifle. My TO&E weapon was a Thompson or a Greasegun and I much preferred the carbine both for weight and accuracy. It wasn't much longer than the grease gun with 'stock' extended and not very much longer than the Thompson. Shot better then either one.

29 May 2006, 08:32

lawndart

Thank you for the input guys!

MR got me thinking.....

I used to have some shorter barreled shotguns, and traded them off for longer barreled examples of the same models.

I have the Golmatic dovetail cutter to convert the CZ front sight to take NECG/Recknagel/ERA front sight beads.

I'll spend the money on a new bolt handle and safety.

I wonder if there is a way to put on a barrel band without taking off the front site?

Thanks for all the answers; it really clarified my thinking.

LD

30 May 2006, 01:04

SDhunter

I have the exact same rifle as you.

It is going to gunsmith for the following:
1. Cut barrel to 22-24 inches. I prefer 23.5, but I will let the smith make that call to balance the gun.
2. Barrel band
3. Three position safety
4. Extra recoil lug
5. Cut the forend down 2 inches
6. Action work

30 May 2006, 01:36

jwp475

quote:
Originally posted by jwp475:
quote:
Originally posted by mrlexma:
With the rather light for caliber profile of the CZ barrel, it probably won't make a hell of a lot of difference.

But I should say that, in all my rifles, especially DGRs, I like heavy profile barrels that are loooonnnng. So, if I were you, I wouldn't cut it back in any case.

I agree with you as I like long barrels on rifles that balance well,and do not find them to be slow

I am with you as I agree totally
For me, fast handling, quick pointing, etc., and all the rest of that theoretical and overrated jazz, have always taken second place to a sure and steady hold and hang, to a sure swing and a solid offhand shot.

Let's not forget that military rifles for eons have been long barreled and heavy, and for good reasons, too. And I was no fan of the M1 carbine, and I'm no fan of the M4 carbine, either, in case anyone had any doubts.

And for those times when a fast mount and shot are needed, the long, heavy barrels on my rifles have never hampered me in the least. Quickness comes with practice and from a good technique, far more than from using a short-barreled rifle.

But I find myself in the minority on this subject, more and more. IMO, The old-timers knew their stuff. And by old-timers I mean those to whom a 24 inch barrel was fit only for a carbine!

I agree as I do not find them to be slow

30 May 2006, 05:50

Robert Duncan

There seems to be a lot of folks that want to chop off the barrels down to 20 or 21 inches for "better handling". Then we see the efforts to reload the cartridges to higher pressures to regain the lost velocity. Seems to me like we are defeating the original designs when we take this route. I seriously doubt that many shooters will even notice the difference between a 24 and a 20 inch barrel when the sights are on the buffalo and the heart is pounding. I would leave it alone.

30 May 2006, 22:07

.366torque

quote:
Originally posted by Robert Duncan:
There seems to be a lot of folks that want to chop off the barrels down to 20 or 21 inches for "better handling". Then we see the efforts to reload the cartridges to higher pressures to regain the lost velocity. Seems to me like we are defeating the original designs when we take this route. I seriously doubt that many shooters will even notice the difference between a 24 and a 20 inch barrel when the sights are on the buffalo and the heart is pounding. I would leave it alone.

I agree!

01 June 2006, 07:54

sharps54

I just got back from a hog hunt here in North Carolina. I used my 7mm Weatherby Magnum with the 26" barrel. I am 5'4" and didn't find it bad for walking through the woods or up/down hills. When stalking I kept it "low ready" (the same way we patrolled in the Army) muzzle down to my left and buttplate to the outside of my right bicep. I have always liked short, handy rifles but have to admit that the longer barrel was NOT a problem on this hunt. I have a .375 CZ on layaway and although I was going to cut it down I will now wait until I can do at least one stalk hunt with it before deciding.