Any thoughts on preferences. I have heard rumors that CZs have had some stock splitting problems like the old Model 70s did. What about handling differences, balance, apparent recoil, ets. Am looking at a synthetic stocked 70. TIA

You should purchase the one that fits you the best...

I do not think you should have any problem with the CZ stocks in 375 but I would bed it...I added one cross bolt in mine but I do not think it is necessary..

I did have a CZ 458 win. mag. that I did not bed or bolt...just went to the range...second trip to the range..on or about the 20th shot in this gun, my Leupold M8 2.5 compact gave up the ghost...a couple of shoots later the stock split!...

Thats how I came to own a CZ 375...since I already had a Lott (which I did send to the gunsmith before shooting) the 375 was a better choice...

I have both and I have likes and dislikes of both.

As far as the stock splitting is concerned; I think any of them would eventually break w/out the extra crossbolt to reinforce the webbing area between the trigger group and the mag box.

I like the two position CZ safety and dislike the factory Winchester 3 position safety. Many like the opposite.

I like the factory CZ rear express sight more than the Winchester adjustable Recknagel rear sight. Cutting the CZ down to 22" and matching a Recknagel hooded front sight to the factory CZ rear sight works well for me.

The CZ has high mounts to clear the bolt/handle which makes it a great iron sight rifle but a poor scope rifle or visa-versa depending on stock comb height. Mine is a fixed sight rifle w/ some scope use so I don't mind. In fact, I've grown to like the extra height of the scope when used as it makes for a better carry handle when hiking long miles. Also, it gives more access to the loading port when scoped.

I like the simplicity of the M70 trigger group. The CZ is more complicated having more things to go wrong.

The M70 can be done up very light whereas the CZ would be a bit heavier but both can be made well balanced so the difference in weight may not matter much.

Recoil of the 375H&H is not a factor at all in a middle weight rifle with an experienced big bore shooter. I've seen too many small guys and women learn to shoot and manage one well to put it in the same catagory of the bigger 416s and 458s. In the 375, I like a thin forearm and drop in the comb to use w/ the fixed sights. I do not like the factory M70 Super Express stock for this and find it better for scope use.

In the end, you will be the one to determine which one better fits and suits your needs. Either rifle will be or can be easily made to be very reliable and durable.

I have also had both (except a 602 not a 550) and agree with GaryVA's assessment of the two

The main thing is that, at the end of the refinements and modifications, the Brno will always be a bigger rifle than the M70 and will handle and recoil accordingly

quote:

Originally posted by jjs:


I did have a CZ 458 win. mag. that I did not bed or bolt...just went to the range...second trip to the range..on or about the 20th shot in this gun, my Leupold M8 2.5 compact gave up the ghost...a couple of shoots later the stock split!...

Hm! Times have changed!! My Brnos ( pre CZ) Had/have excellent Turkish walnut stocks. As a last resort I am pretty darn sure I can club the bear, with no worries of damage!

I've got a CZ in 375, nice rifle. Also mdl 70 in big bore but not a 375, but its a fine rifle. I'm a big fan of both.

I may be off base, but seems like some of the big guys like the CZ, they are kind of a big gun, or feel it to me, LOP is just a hair longer if I'm correct. A little more heavy than the mdl 70. If you can buy both......do it you only live once.

Just have to see which one you like, handle both and you can figure it out. I like the Mdl 70 trigger better than the CZ. It take me a fair amount of time to get a CZ trigger right, doesnt take long with a 70.