What is the best shape stock for a cz 550 in 458 lott or bigger from the MPI range of fiberglass stocks? Are the hanible stocks any good? Thanks for feed back.
Regards.
hjl

You might want to correspond directly with MPI on your options. Some people will rightly assume that a big bore stopper will not be shot with a scope, assuming it will be used for up close and personal hunting of dangerous game and therefore will be using it with the iron sights only. In that case you will want a stock that facilitates lining you up with iron sights. You might want to look under MPI website New Products at the Nitro stock. It has more drop than some of the others. Synthetic stocks aren't too pretty but the Hannibal is downright ugly IMHO. I have a McMillan stock on my scoped CZ 550 in 416 Rigby.

Wink, Did you weigh the two stocks to see if the McMillan was lighter?
Thanks

No. I bought my McMillan stock as a mail order drop-in. One of the problems of being in France is there aren't alot of examples of US made stocks on the shelves. Which is to say, there are none. However, I would assume that both manufacturers would be willing to give you that information. Also, in case that was part of your question, I had bought a barreled action so I have no idea what the factory wood stock would have weighed.

The McMillian stock for the CS 550 Safari is a very good stock. I had one on my 505 Gibbs and 416 Rigby until two of my guides talked me out of them for use on their 416 Rigbys. The stocks have a little more meat on them than I personally prefer but are comfortable, rugged and make a good handling rifle.
I have switched over to the Brockman laminated stocks mainly because I prefer their slim lines and handling qualities.
MPI stocks, if bedded well, also make good handles for big bores.

You should look at Brockman laminated stocks, they are great, I was going to get fiberglass for my 375 but got Brockman instead, glad I did.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
You might want to correspond directly with MPI on your options. Some people will rightly assume that a big bore stopper will not be shot with a scope, assuming it will be used for up close and personal hunting of dangerous game and therefore will be using it with the iron sights only. In that case you will want a stock that facilitates lining you up with iron sights. You might want to look under MPI website New Products at the Nitro stock. It has more drop than some of the others. Synthetic stocks aren't too pretty but the Hannibal is downright ugly IMHO. I have a McMillan stock on my scoped CZ 550 in 416 Rigby.

Hi Wink What is the name of the mcmillian stock you have? It looks good.Australia is the same ie no stocks to try out so you have to buy on faith. Thats why I am asking so many questions.
Regards
hjl

For those of you who live where these things are scarce I will give you my assessments and purely personal opinions. But before that I will say , from experience, that all three stocks mentioned for the large CZ will make good, reliable stocks.
My only "complaints" with the McMillian is that for a real big bore I found the grip a bit too tight and the entire stock has a bit of a blocky, oversized feeling. (but better in all aspects than the factory stock) Those are by no means bad things but more of a personal preference and I am certain that after carrying one for a few years one could learn to love them.
the Brockman laminated and the MPI are much slimmer with more of an open, laid back grip. The MPI is smooth and needs some type of rough textured finish on the grip. the Brockamn has it in the factory finish. The McMillian is well finished and has checkering.
Hope some of this helps.

hjl,

I have a McMillan on one of my cz550 rifles. I like the stock a great deal and it fits me very well.

Since you are not able to see & handle a stock before purchase I have included the dimensions McMillan sent me after I inquired about their cz550 Express stock.

The stock is a straight comb at ¾†at both nose and heel. The cast off is about ¼†and the toe out is about ¼â€.
The comb is a pretty good compromise height for both iron sights and low mounted scopes.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dave

My stock is called a CZ Express stock. If the link below works you will see it on the website.

http://www.mcmfamily.com/mcmillan/hunting/additional.asp

I opted for the grey paint which adds a rough texture as I dislike the slick synthetic stocks. I also asked for the Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad and asked to have the butt filled rather than left hollow. This adds some weight to the rear but with the long factory barrel it is still somewhat front heavy. I would bet you could get other options from McMillan like recoil reducers in the butt, aluminum pillars for the bedding, etc. Those are options worth considering.

Hi Wink,
Thank you for your reply. I like the look of that mcmillian stock.
Buy low sell high : are you a futures trader?
Regards.
hjl

MPI stocks hsould only be considered by advanced boat builders, and not stock makers... LOTS and LOTS of work required to make a working gun from them.

jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
MPI stocks hsould only be considered by advanced boat builders, and not stock makers... LOTS and LOTS of work required to make a working gun from them.

jeffe

You got that right! I put an MPI on a Dakota 76 African for the .423 Kifaru. Never again!
Neither Dakota action nor MPI stock: nevermore.

The 500 Mbogo is wearing the McMillan Express stock for CZ action. That is a great combo.

Every one has nailed various aspect of the problems raised.

1 The McMillan CZ Safari stock can be had in several fill weights. Talk to the tech wench (she is sharp). Give her the weight of your metal, scope (better have two extra in your baack), sling and a full ammo load. She can help you get the weigth right. Once assembled, check the balance, cleanliness of mount, and appropriat pace of swing. You can cut the barrel back a bit to move the weight rear ward. A mercury recoil reducer will move the CG aft as well. Get the stock inletted, but wait on the paint and recoil pad.

The issue stock are perfect. The stock of you dreams lies inside. You simply need to cut away everything that lies outside of the stock of you dream. With wood you can easily lighten here, add weight inside there. The American style stocks are pretty damn clubby. Their stock maker must have worked for Art Alphin in the past. If one fits you, go for it. Your body shape and especially your neck geometry determins what style will fit you the best.

My overall take is this: If I will be using a scope mainly, the McMillan is the way to go.

If I will primarily be using iron sights, I will whittle on an American or the hog back until it fits very well. Then it is time to instal cross bolts, bed in the front barrel "F" piece, add a threaded rod down through the grip, and get out the Devcon "Steel Bed".

See, piece of puss.

LD

quote:

Neither Dakota action nor MPI stock: nevermore

Rip: Not to hijack the thread, but what is your issue with a Dakota action? jorge

JFYI, I ordered my McMillian with the FACTORY CZ LOP, which is 13.7". When the McMillian arrived it was 3/4" shorter than the factory CZ Hogback's LOP!

For you tall fellas like myself (I'm 6'2"), when placing your order ask for a 14.25-14.5" LOP. I honestly think that you will be more satisfied. When I get around to it, a F550 Pad (it's almost 1/2" thicker than a Decelerator) will be epoxied on and the entire stock will get a treatment of Brownell's black "grip paint."

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:

quote:

Neither Dakota action nor MPI stock: nevermore

Rip: Not to hijack the thread, but what is your issue with a Dakota action? jorge

Jorge,
I could not get Dakota to build a rifle in any of their standard calibers on the 76 African action with a stainless barrel and a synthetic stock only. Only if I ordered a walnut stock, could I add a synthetic stock of unknowable make (secret private local synthetic stock maker). The synthetic stock would start at $800 as an add on.

They had not a single 76 African Action to sell, but Brownell's apparently got their rejects.

I bought one from Brownell's and then had to be inconvenienced by having it sent back to Dakota in Sturgis to get the action threads recut to a bigger/nonstandard size, because they were boogered at Dakota originally, and a barrel would not screw in until they were recut. I was only out $200 plus shipping to and fro for that courtesy by Dakota.

MPI was readily available for the Dakota 76 African, so I was ignorant enough to try one.

Like Jeffe said, you better be a major league boat builder if you want to use MPI stocks.

If you don't have the action for your 450 Dakota yet, a Prechtl Mauser 98 Magnum or Granite Arms will make a better rifle.

A CZ 550 Magnum or an old ZKK 602 fully tricked out would be as good as anything, and the same McMillan Express stock fits both of them.