Author Topic: Opinions on the CZ550 Safari Express-.416 Rigby ? (Read 1282 times)

kciH · « **on:** June 23, 2003, 04:38:58 PM »

I'm thinking of purchasing one of these rifles. I'd like to know what experience anyone here has had with them, caliber unimportant. I'm curious about the good and bad that has been experienced, especially how that funky "safari" stock affects the recoil handling of the rifle.

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2003, 09:34:56 AM »

kciH,

The actions seem to be fine but there is a problem with the "hog back" stock design. During recoil the design wants to let the stock slide under your armpit. If you got a scope mounted you can see what happens. Also the stocks are quite thin at the grip area and their stocks have a reputation for splitting there. A number of people have purchased this rifle and used it as a basis for a custom rifle. Lawdog

JACKNZ · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2003, 04:39:24 PM »

These rifles are very popular here in NZ.The classic stock is the most often seen.They are a heavy rilfe,The folks who own them around here
tend to swear by them.If I was in the market I would be looking at one myself.Cheers... JACK

kciH · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2003, 04:53:16 PM »

Lawdog, JackNZ,
thanks for the replies. I've got one on order, I'm still debating if it's going to get a McMillan synthetic or a custom laminate type stock to replace the factory issued unit. I had the opportunity to shoot one of these with the German type stock and it was not acceptable to me, it's a big time cheek slapper if it doesn't slip under your arm. I'm going to be using the rifle in AK, so it'll probably get the barrel cut back to 22" and have a specialty finish installed to help protect from the moisture. I'm hoping that shortening the barrel won't affect the express sights too much, or in a way that is difficult to correct.

njirilodge · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2003, 05:46:26 AM »

I have owned the 550 for 5 years now and bought it first as a back up rifle for big game .I stand under correction but I think that CZ only started making it just prior to that.If you wanted to buy a .416 then you were in for really big money. I have shot lots of Buff with it and have all the reloading specs if you are enterested. I dont think one has got to say to much about the .416 Rigby as a calibre as it has proven itself time and time agian. I find that for me the recoil is far less than a lot of 375's that I have shot and have had no problems with it at all.

JACKNZ · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2003, 02:12:39 PM »

The CZ is in fact the old BRNO with a new name.This came about after the
war they had over there a while back.I don,t know what caused that war,
they all look the same to me,but then what do I know.Enjoy your rifle it has a long history.I resently shortend a 98 MAUSER.The Gunsmith moved
the front sight back an it had no affect on any thing.I would go with the wood stock myself,But thats just me,Love a good looking peice of timber.
What ever you do you will end up with a fine arm..ENJOY.an don,t give em,a chance to bite back.. :grin: Jack.