I'm looking at a slightly used CZ SC 500 in .505 Gibbs... the price is great but it is a slightly older model with only a single cross bolt. Does anyone have any experience with this configuration, and is it anything to be concerned about? I realize newer ones have dual cross bolts (even my 9.3mm does).

Thanks in advance; trying to decide whether this is too good of a deal to pass up or not...

Without knowing the price (you didn't mention it), there is no way of knowing whether it is a good deal or not.

However, prudence would dictate that you spend the extra $100 or so to get a second cross-bolt installed. 'Steel'-bedding the action would be money well spent, too.

George

I had one of the earlier models-glass bedded but no crossbolts, and never had any problems. That being said, crossbolts on a rifle like this is never a bad idea.

As George said, it will only set you back about $100 to have another crossbolt installed, and I think that would be money well spent.

The rifle itself is $1500 from the original owner, including the fired 14 pieces of brass and another 6 cartridges...

compared to list price new, that doesn't seem too bad for a rifle that's been fired 14 times...

Appreciate the info/opinion on the second crossbolt... for another $100, it is probably worth it...

Well... just picked it up... no crossbolts at all after all, but in great shape. Look forward to trying it out.

I'll be looking into getting it bedded and get the bolts installed soon... thanks for the input!

By the way, ended up paying $1400 - given that it needs a little work, I hope that's a fair price...

send it to CZ and have it bedded, dual xbolted, and a rod down the wrist.. DO NOT shoot it otherwise..

I've had quite a few discussions with those guys over this... a gibbs WILL break a stock

the rear tang MUST be relieved.. there should be .050 clearance from the rear of the action..

or, send it to AHR, have them put a decent trigger, a new bolt handle, and a 3 position safety...

but, for the love of jove, have it bedded before you shoot it

jeffe

Congrats on your new rifle, sounds like you got a great deal

It will ultimately crack your stock the way it is set up. Have it steel bedded, tang relieved and double crossbolted. -Rob

good deal! now bed and crossbolt it before the stock splits. (mine did)

Ouch! How many shots before the stock split??

Looking at the CZ catalog, it looks like only $110 for the dual xbolts... not bad. Not sure if they steel bed or not; they are off for the holidays but I will be calling them as soon as they re-open... either way, looks like about $300 worth of work to be done... not too bad.

Also thinking about the oil finish for the stock (another $70) - has anyone tried this, and was it worth it? The pics in the catalog sure look a bit shinier than mine!