I have other big bores including a 458 Win Mag, but I am getting a 458 Lott to add to my battery. What do you guys think of the CZ 458Lott? Other options? Any mods needed to make it a better rifle?

Question:
CZ in 458 Lott. thumbs up or down?

Choices:
Thumbs up. I think that it is a good rifle
Thumbs down. Don't waste your money.
It is OK with some mods

 

Yes, but I would add cross bolts and bed it. Otherwise I think it is a good rifle. In fact I took one to Zim last month to hunt elephant. I particularly like the large magazine capacity.

What Mjines said, and you'll have a good big bore bruiser.

However, if I were you, I'd just reem out that 458 win to 2.80, or 2.85 inches for $200-$300 and get the best of both worlds w/out having to spend money on a new rifle and all the necessary upgrades that a CZ will require in a Lott. I'm sure you know this, but you can always shoot the winnies in the Lott.

Folks love 'em or hate 'em. For $850.00 new, how much rifle do people expect? Yes, they are a bit rough from the factory and need glass bedding and cross-bolting, and they need to be slicked up, but it's a really good foundation and I think they offer the most bang for the buck. JMHO.

I love the cushy recoil pad; it makes it comfortable to shoot from the bench.

I love the single set trigger.

The negatives are:

1. Too many cases of cracked stocks. I had no trouble with mine but had it glass bedded as a precaution.

2. At least with mine, even the the tallest available front sight blade isn't enough to get the gun sighted dead on at 100 yards with 500 grain bullets.

3. I have heard that on some, the integral scope groves aren't exactly aligned with the barrel and thus, a scope mounted there on runs out of adjustment. Mine is fine shooting 350 grain bullets but I run out of adjustment with a Leupold scope when trying to shoot 500 grain bullets. A solution to my problem should be arriving by UPS shortly in the form of a Nightforce scope that has much more adjustment than the Leupolds.

Would I buy the gun again? Definitely!

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Folks love 'em or hate 'em. For $850.00 new, how much rifle do people expect? Yes, they are a bit rough from the factory and need glass bedding and cross-bolting, and they need to be slicked up, but it's a really good foundation and I think they offer the most bang for the buck. JMHO.

The new CZs are cross-bolted from the factory(the american-safari version, that is), so that saves a little $$$.

quote:

Originally posted by Teat Hound:
The new CZs are cross-bolted from the factory(the american-safari version, that is), so that saves a little $$$.

I was about to say ... my CZ American 416Rigby is dual crossbolted. I think they're fine with a few mods to make them even better. Damn heavy rifles too carry though.
Cheers...
Con

quote:

Originally posted by Con:
Damn heavy rifles too carry though.

Heavy isn't always a bad thing in a big rifle. If they made them lighter many people would probably stick mercury tubes in them.

Yes, I was expecting the cross bolt. I will bed the stock before the first shot. I really enjoy bedding a new rifle. Good advice on reaming my pre-64 458, but it was my dad's and I won't change a thing. I need a new project rifle to keep me busy this winter. Keep the advice coming, I may just have to get one next week!

I have one of the early Lotts from CZ that has the WIN MAG crossed out on the barrel and LOTT stamped above it. It is still in the box as I am too chicken right now to shoot it. It is a nice looking rifle with a nice balance. The target they supplied shows this rifle to be plenty accurate for its intended purpose.

I don't own one but the American Hunting Rifles (AHR) version of the CZ 550, especially with the in-line feeding modification, looks like a very nice rifle for dangerous game.

I made a .404 on one and it was OK, but the action is just too bulky for my taste, and it needs so much work that I would rather use a pre 64 or Mod. 98 Mauser. I like guns mean and lean.

As far as a working rifle, its fine if you tweek it like any other rifle. the price is right, like most things, you get what you pay for...

I think I would opt for the Ruger Safari, if I wanted a factory Lott, but that's just my personal choice.

I think that I will give it a try. Thanks for the input guys.

Check out the polished up version on Steve Barnett's site. It's listed under Dangerous Game rifles>>>>EJ Churchill .375. Only $7500!

I purchased three of the deluxe models when they are released. I sold two to friends and I still have one. They are crude at best but you cannot really expect more from a rifle that carries such a cheap price tag. The action is a good starting point but needs to be worked over to make it nice and smooth. The safety on the rifle i own takes two men and a boy to operate and needs to be stoned so it works easily and quietly! Like the other fellows mentioned, it needs glass bedding and cross bolts added. The wood work is rough but once again, you get what you pay for. I will have the one I bought worked over and restocked. Life is too short to use ugly rifles!

I bought a CZ 550 American safari magnum in 416 Rigby in February. It came with dual cross bolts, a decelerator pad, a very nice trigger, and better than expected wood. Overall, I was impressed. It is at the gunsmith's for glass bedding, shortening the LOP, magnaporting, trigger adjustment. I thought the front bead was too fine for my ageing eyes, so I emailed an inquiry to CZ and they replied that they offered a replacement front bead that was available in red fiber optics, larger and easier to see. I ordered it. I am fitting the CZ with Warne QD rings and a Swarovski 1.5x6x42 30mmPH, but wanted the bigger front sight for emergencies. I have not shot it yet.

Butch

I purchased a McMillian stock for my .375 H&H CZ550 Magnum. Whould this stock be enough to correct the cross-bolt and stock cracking problems?