I have a CZ 550 Safari Mag in 416 Rigby. It appears this action is larger than other Mauser long magnum actions like FN & Zastava. I'd like a CZ in 375 but I believe the action is the same for all models in CZ's Safari Magnum line and the stock setup is just too bulky. Having a 6 shot 375 is not my goal but a 4 shot version is. It doesn't seem like the current CZ can be fitted with a slimmer stock, like one for the FN action, and have all parts of the magazine be compatible. Is my thinking correct on this? I can accept a little bulk in the 40 cals but would even like a slimmer stock for those without having to spend thousands for a custom.

The CZ550 is not a Mauser action, although it does have a claw extractor. No parts for a Mauser 98 are compatible with the CZ. If you want a smaller .375, the only thing to do is sell the CZ and find a rifle more to your liking.

Yes, I figured as much. I guess the CZ is a Mauser inspired/style action. I'll keep the 416 but will find a true Mauser for the 375 H&H. Maybe a Zastava/Daly with the 24" bbl and oiled stock and then have sights put on it.

A Belgian Browning Safari grade would be the ticket if one could ever find one.

It may be heresy but I truly dislike the M70 3 position safety so that rules out Winchester for me.

Anyone know of an aftermarket stock for the CZ mag action that is slimmer than the factory stock?

Interarms 375

http://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/none/_976840403.aspx

Thx, Dan. Yes I've seen it. No porting for me. Or some PH's for that matter as some won't allow brakes on clients rifles.

Weren't there some issues with the barrels on the Whitworths?

quote:

It appears this action is larger than other Mauser long magnum actions like FN & Zastava.

The only "long magnum" Mauser actions were the pre-WW2 Oberndorf square bridge actions (with the exception of the current custom made and expensive actions by Hein, Prectl, Granite Mt., etc). The FN and Zastava actions, regardless of caliber are the same length (except the Zastava Mini-Mauser). You certainly may have a Mauser of any manufacture in a .375 but, it does require cutting the magazine well longer than standard. Both FN and Zastava have done this but the usual complaint is that they cut the magazine well only at the forward portion of the receiver, weakening (albeit how much) the lower locking lug recess. Good custom smiths will cut very little forward and most of it aft of the magazine well thus, reducing the risk of failure of the receiver at the lower locking lug recess. All that said, I've never heard of a commercial Mauser in .375 H&H failing to hold together. If I were to do it, I would purchase either the 3 rd. or drop box version of Pete Grissel's or a Sunny Hill custom magazine box and do it by cutting the majority of the magazine at the rear. Just my $.02.

Kimber is a possibility. Here is a Kimber .375 that I had lopped off and put NECG sights on.





However, they come with a M70 safety.

Here is a good looking .375 at Hallowell's:



If you are willing to waive the CRF requirement, then Sauer 202, Blaser, Mauser 03, Mauser 66, Sako and others become possibilities.

DAMN DAN, THATS A NICE RIFLE...

did anyone ever tell you it is a simple process to make a rifle stock thinner...? As opposed to making it thicker...! Chuck the stock in a mill and get to thinning. The topic has been discussed with regard to thinning CZ FS stocks.

Rich
DRSS

Showbart,
Is your .416 from CZ USA? The 550 Magnums sold in other parts of the world including Canada have a slightly slimmer and lighter stock than the American stocked versions. There is more drop at comb though, the stock seems made for iron sights. A Brockman stock I handled felt bulky and thick compared to my two CZs. My .416 weighs exactly 10 pounds with Warne rings and a 2.5X Leupold.The .375 is about 1/4 pound more with the same rings and a 3.5-10 VX111.

Here a Whitworth on Gunbroker. Unported.

Auction 1

The ported one could be shortened to 20 or 21 inches which is perfect for a .375. And the sights can be changed over to NECG. Add Talley bases and rings. Smooth up the bolt and rails, change to a Blackburn trigger and put on a Decerator pad. Then you are ready to go.

Showbart

Having a couple of Ruger No 1's Magnaported in the past, I found that noise level from the trapezoidal EDM ports was no more than a non-ported rifle. Whereas a true muzzle brake is really LOUD. Muzzle brakes are usually attached to the barrel with many ports. Magnaporting has only 4 ports. Magnaporting only reduces muzzle rise and the rifle comes down a bit quicker.

The CZ550 is from CZ USA. McMillan's stock is just over 2 tenth's an inch slimmer at the bolt handle notch. They had to re-enforce the stock at the barrel lug with a steel bar to prevent shattering. I found a NIB Daly/Zastava in 375 H&H, one of the last imported I think, for $699. Not catalogued, it has a 24 not 26" bbl, an oiled not gloss stock without the faux ebony tip and grip cap and butt spacer, and a matte finish on the metal instead of the glossy blueing.

If I can't find a composite stock for the 416 thinner than the McMillan then I'll leave it alone. I'll let you know how the Zastava works out. Can't afford not to buy it. Great elk gun too.