Ok so here is an update of what has been going on with this build. The gun will be an ultralight Mauser 98ish action, (I know not a true 98 but pretty close), 6.5x55 with a 24" bbl, Leupold lightweight 4-12 scope (13 oz i think). I will use it in CO for the occasional elk (I go maybe every 3-5 years) and my backup deer rifle to my Sako 75 varmint 223.

I bought the CZ550 30-06 length action from guns plus in georgetown tx. Cost was 700-750.

My good friend and mentor Randy had lent my some lapping stones, and a Mauser 98 book.

Work done on the bolt:
I first built a jig to keep the stone square to the back of the lugs (all 3) and squared them up with the coarse stone. Then I used a fine stone to polish the gouges left behind. I used a micrometer and prussian blue to make sure that they where all engaging at the same time. Either I got really lucky or CZ actions are that good. I dunno but I had to take off about 3 thousanths of the rear lug and they all lock up at the same time. Even though they are offset a wee bit, the lug recesses match up so I'm not going to mess with that.

I then turned the jig to get at the side of the lugs and did the same thing, first coarse then fine stone to square them up.

Bolt work to be completed:Square the bolt face (gunsmith is going to do this)
A little work on the cocking pieces to smooth them up a bit more. I want to be extreamly carefull here.

Work completed on Action:
Same course and fine stone work on the rails. I had to pull the ejector, bolt stop ect, out as not to damage them.

Then I experimented a bit. I put toothpaste on the lugs, rails and worked the bolt about 20-30 times. After cleaning the paste off, I could notice a huge diffrence in the smoothness of the action. It aint a Dakota but it is close. Much better than any other action I have. I was like WOW, so I did it again. The bolt will almost open and close by gravity alone, A slight push to get it moving is all it takes. This is with no lube at all. The lugs and rails are approaching a mirror finish.

Work to be completed on Action:
Square up the reciever (gunsmith is going to do this)

I have all but decided to go all in on the polishing and see if I can get the lugs and rails to a mirror finish.

Barrel:
Krieger barrel crome moly #2 contour 24" finished length 8.5" twist. (about 200) Came in Friday, and Richard called me to drop the action off. So gunsmith has it now. (a month ahead of schedual)

Misc
We decided on a black satin finish, similar to the original finish of the CZ action but a little rougher and a little flatter in sheen.

Stock:
MPI supposedly has a 9 oz stock but they have not answered their phone, so I don't know. The lightest stock I have found so far is CZ's own kevlar at 2.5 lbs. That seems way to heavy for a kevlar stock. I would like to convert it to a blind mag well instead of the floorplate and loose that weight as well.

Bansner [High Tech] makes a nice Mauser stock that might [?] work on your CZ. They typically weigh about 21 oz.
Aloha, Mark

quote:

MPI supposedly has a 9 oz stock but they have not answered their phone, so I don't know.

I ordered several MPI stocks years ago. Was not impressed with their quality and have not use one since. I would suggest finding someone else.

I bought a stock from McMillan for the CZ 550 not long ago and I'm happy with the feel and weight. I'm sure for an additional price they will use kevlar and lighten it up for you.

KB

quote:

Originally posted by Bohica:
Bansner [High Tech] makes a nice Mauser stock that might [?] work on your CZ. They typically weigh about 21 oz.
Aloha, Mark

Definately the route to take IMO.

I have yet to reconcile the concept of "might [?] work" with "Definately", especially since Bansner doesn't show a stock for the CZ on their web page.

If you want definately, for real, get a McMillan.

KB