If you had the chose between the cz 550 458 lott or the ruger m77 458 lott for quality which would you choose. I here that the cz needs some work when you recieve it ..

Ruger is a better made rifle but costs about $500-$600 more than the CZ. Just depends on what you want, both are good rifles in my opinion.

The Ruger is a better looking rifle (more classic looking I think) with the quarter rib. Usually the wood is nicer too. It is not a rifle to use as the base for any custom work in my opinion. If you want to personalize your rifle (custom stock, different barrel, a particular set of sights, etc) then go with the CZ. If you don't intend to change a thing then I think I would go with the Ruger. There are of course some nice sight options sold by NECG for the Ruger so you are not stuck with it as is. Also, mounting scopes is a breeze with perhaps more options for rings on the Ruger.

If both are "slicked up and worked over" (especially the CZ) such that they are truly DG rifles, then I would consider it a dead even heat.

I've got CZ's (416 Rigby and 458 Lott) largely because when I did the "closed eyes" test at Cabelas with an M-70, a R-77, and a CZ550 (hogback) the CZ felt and fit best for me; however, this could vary to someone else.

I have no beefs with Rugers other than their triggers. Most would probably consider the Ruger Safari a higher end rifle, though it is not the right choice for me.

Your results may vary.

ruger is the better rifle..

weighs more, though

jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
ruger is the better rifle..

weighs more, though

jeffe

Rugers are very nice..................I don't own one I am a cz owner and am happy with them, if your goping to some nice custom work I think the cz would be the better choice. The Rugers bedding systym all though it works is not as good as the cz's and I think the cz is a closer copy of a true m98 mag mauser. The Ruger is no doubt finished better and it should be it's 1k more in Oz.

I Looked at both, alot, bought the Ruger and love it. Have run close to 100 rds through it.
I put a little oil in the action, sit in front
of the tv and work it. That alone has slicked
it up. With the Q-rib Ruger rings are QD rings.
I vote Ruger.

quote:

Originally posted by capebuf:
If you had the chose between the cz 550 458 lott or the ruger m77 458 lott for quality which would you choose. I here that the cz needs some work when you recieve it ..

As far as quality is concerned, my RSMs are head and shoulders above my CZ Safari Mags. In a 458 lott, I cannot see how you can buy the CZ and bring it up to speed w/ the RSM for what the Ruger costs on the street.

I would guess you're looking for an African Rifle; therefore, I wouldn't worry about the extra weight of the RSM.

Gary

GaryVA is correct in saying don't worry about the extra weight of the Ruger. When you shoot a few rounds through the Ruger you will be very thankful that it doesn't weigh less.



465H&H

I'll go along with that, if the Ruger seems heavy, go fire a few rounds and tell me you want it lightened up. I don't think so. The RSM's all seem to shoot good, mine will just almost one-hole for three on a good day and always MOA.

I have the Ruger and I LOVE it. The wood on mine is first rate, and I got a killer deal for it on Auction Arms. After shooting it with the stock recoil pad and no scope... I can assure you that yo uwon't want it any lighter than it already is!

What is the actuall "clean" weight of the two guns respectively?

CZ says 9.3 lbs
Ruger says 9.75 lbs

ruger might SAY 9.75, but I am saying closer to 11 than 10, and a pound more for a scope and steel rings

jeffe

Wonder if the local Kroger will weigh it. will
Ck today.
Gene

Kroger was busy but Mail Boxes was not.
Ruger RSM with Tasco Titan 1.25 X 5 30mm rings
11.5 lbs
Rings- 4 oz Scope- 1 lb
so scope and rings 1. lb 4 oz(1.25)
so RSM wt 10.25 lbs

You may have one of the older models with the bull barrel. The newer ones weigh in at 9.5-9.75 lbs.

Geronimo

quote:

Originally posted by snowhound:
What is the actuall "clean" weight of the two guns respectively?

Weighed on a digital scale accurate to .05 lbs:
All current models:
- RSM 10.05 lbs
- CZ 9.25 lbs
- M70 9.00 lbs
I would suspect the most variation in the RSM due to the stock wood.

Gary

I think the Ruger 77 express is one of the best buys for the money today.It is very beautiful and built like a tank.I didnt pay them much attention until I finally saw a 375 in one.Its very smooth and a first class Dangerous Game Rifle.Its only fault they dont make it in 416 rem mag.I am still thinking about reboring a 375 into 416 rem mag.I wonder if the 416 Weatherby would also fit in it?Its alot of gun for the money.I could kick my butt for not buying a 375 H&H in it for $750 and it was unfired.

Of course the 416 Wetherby could be chambered in the Ruger as the factory already chambers the 416 Rigby and the Wetherby case is bassically the 416 Rigby with a belt and different shoulder. some feed work may be required because of the belt, but maybe not

I've been very impressed with my RSM in .375 after nearly 2 years now. IMHO it's perfect as-is, just a trigger is about all it needs and then function check it with lots of shooting to be sure it feeds, ejects, etc 100%.

Even if the Ruger is $600 more don't forget most guys (nearly all I see on here it seems) do alot of upgrades and mods on their CZ's to get the "just right" and end up with probably MORE money invested in the CZ when they're done. That still doesn't give them an integral quarter rib or the excellent wood the Rugers have out of the box...

Yes the Ruger is about a pound heavier than I would think "ideal" but she's near perfection as-is.

As mentioned above though, if you want custom gunsmithing done on it though then you're better off with a steel Mauser or M70 type action rather than the Ruger cuz it's cast. Personally I'm not into that sort of stuff and the Ruger out of the box has what I want almost to the last detail.

Every gun needs a bit of tinkering and fine-tuning but some need alot more then that to get them at 100%. Individual guns vary too of course...

Let us know what you decide and how you like it!