I was all set for bying a CZ 550 Magnum in 375 H&H but now I've heard some complaints against it. The things I've heard are that the gun is VERY rough and need a lot of work to function smoothly. I can't expect a relatively cheap rifle to have a super finish but I don't wan't to have trouble with the basic things; working the action, feeding rounds from magazine, trigger-pull etc. I also feel that the stock should stand the recoil.

My gunshop only have the regular calibers in stock so I can't try one out for real before bying.

What are the experiences of y'all? I seem to recall a lot of good words said about the CZ 550 but is this only if you have the expertice to smooth the rough edges?

My CZ550 in .458 functioned flawlessly right out of the box. The stock is brutal for most to shoot due to its design - I think it's mostly related to the pitch angle at the butt and not the drop or hump-back Euro style of it.

On the first trip to the range with the rifle, I loaded up 5 factory rounds in the magazine and shot at a 12"x12" cardboard box at 50 yards; shot offhand rather quickly. I ended up with a round group of 5 shots about 4" in diameter. The bolt worked smooth enough, the iron sights were dead on and I was a happy camper.

The rifle has since been sent out for rechambering though to 460 G&A which was the original intent when I acquired it.

For the money, I don't think you can do better for a big bolt action rifle. If you want the action to work smoother, polish a little at home. The stock can be bedded just like any other too.

regards,

redleg

Wachtel,
I agree with redlegg155. Another example is the CZ 550 Magnum in 375 H&H that my gunsmith converted to 378 Weatherby for me. I kept the original stock on this one with a new recoil pad and pillar bedding. It works fine. That factory barrel shot 300 grain Sierra Gamekings into 3/4 MOA at 2900 fps with IMR 7828, 111 grains if I recall. Hammer forged barrels are O.K. as made by CZ.

I am having a CZ action with a Winchester Super Express take-off barrel and a custom Walnut (straight) stock turned into a 375 RUM now.

I got a synthetic stock for my CZ 416 Rigby from Bwana Nickudu.

I highly recommend the CZ action or factory rifle.

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RAB

Wachtel....I have a CZ 550 in .375 H&H. The trigger pull is fully adjustable. Recoil is like a 12Ga with heavy trap loads. Haven't had a misfeed or failure to feed in 250 rounds working the action both slow and fast, and even upside-down! I have only heard of 2 first hand instances of stock failure which occurred in early production. However, every time a CZ post is made, you hear the same story 15 times! Ain't the internet great!

The CZ's aren't cheap, they're inexpensive. You need to see one before you buy it, and if you know anything about firearms you will wonder "Where are these people coming from ?"

They are not a custom or "high grade" rifle, but then they don't cost and arm and a leg either. I feel they are the best value in their class and truly a "best buy". People who tell you they aren't either don't know or have their on aggenda.

Crash

Wachtel,
I don't have one yet,but two of my friends do. I've shot both a lot and they work and shoot GREAT! Ones a 375H&H, the other a 416 Rigby. The Rigbys stock cracked but i think that was a case of abuse. We were shooting 410s at 2600fps+. Under normal conditions I think they'll be just FINE!