CZ Bolt-Action centire rifles

[Don McCullough]

Would any of you fellows care to tell me about the CZ center-fire, bolt-action rifles?

Been hearing good things about them.

My pick has always been the pre-64 model 70 Winchester or it's modern counterpart with controlled feed.  I am not a 3-position safety fan and prefer the Remington model 700 safety.

How reliable/durable is the CZ and why?

Thanks,

Don McCullough

[talon]

Like Don, I'd like to know, too, as I just ordered one, a m550 in  .416Rigby. From what I've read (I know there's danger here) it's not seriously disadvantaged, but its biggest attractor is, of course,  the price.

[Con]

Regarding the Big Bores, the older ZKK602 had a reputation for splitting stocks (mainly through the pistol grip) and the new CZ550s can too. A second crossbolt and bedding is cheap insurance. A CZ550 or ZKK602 in 458WM will more than likely have feeding issues using Win factory softs unless the feeding has been sorted out, this is primarily an ammunition issue as the big lead nose can easily catch feeding into the chamber. As a 375H&H, personally I feel the CZ550/ZKK602 is too heavy but its perfect for a 416Rigby or 458WM/458Lott. The weight and feel of the rifles make them extremely comfortable to shoot, even with the hogsback stock. The price is its major drawcard and the fact its made like a rifle should be with no plastic and CRF for those that value these features.
Cheers...
Con

[pc]

I won 5 cz's and have a 6th on lay away. I feel they are the best value on the market today, they are well built and shoot well, I can put up with the extra weight for the quality and durability.

[Don McCullough]

Thanks for all your responses to my questions about the CZ Bolt-Action centerfire rifles.

Trouble is, I can't see a reason to buy one when the Winchester model 70 with controlled feed can be had for about the same price.  Isn't that right?

What goodies does the CZ have the model 70 does not?

Don McCullough

[Con]

Don,
If both are the same price then base your choice on personal preference. If you ever have visions of building a real big bore thumper then the action length and bolt diameter of the CZ will be an advantage. If you feel you want a rifle that will hold 5+1 then the CZ is also for you. If you want a 416Rigby the CZ is cheap, if your after a 375H&H take whichever you prefer. I prefer dovetail mounts in a rifle that kicks as I feel that they're more likely to hold rather then trusting 4x little 6-48 screws.
Cheers...
Con

[Questor]

I would not buy one.

I own a .270 550 American and it is fine for my purposes, but I have had trouble with reliability of feeding. It's no big deal under a relatively stress-free situation like shooting prairie dogs or targets, but I'd prefer greater reliability from a dangerous game rifle.  I praise the .270 highly, and I would recommend it, but I have serious reservations about the same action for a dangerous game gun.

[talon]

That field grade CZ Rigby showed up today. I can't imagine how that firm can produce such a solid and apparently well constructed rifle for so little money! From the above comments I looked for but found NO stock cross bolts in the new "American" stock design. Now, I wonder just how much and how well of a redesign they went thru last Fall? I've asked their USA rep a question on that and am awaiting an answer. And, the cartridge feed ramp appears to have both Right and Left feeds into the chamber. I've never seen this before and I wonder if that will solve previous feeding problems in rush situations? I've just ordered some CZ rings and by the time they get here, the $1.75/ea brass from buffalo arms will be stuffed and ready to show me how it shoots.  

[talon]

Follow-up on my question to CZ on the newly designed American Magnum Safari's stock:  It is American Walnut, not Turkish. The engineers say that wood, a straiter stock and slightly thicker wrist area, will terminate further problems of cracked stocks even when no cross bolts are used. We'll see.

[Con]

talon,
I only trust those that have as much to lose as myself. Will CZ guarantee the stock for its life? Even if you've used reloads and effectively voided their warranty? If they answer "No" then have the crossbolts fitted, it is CHEAP insurance and prevents CZ making more money off you when you contact them for a new stock. If your CZ is like my Beretta shotgun (5 year warranty), it'll crack just after the warranty is over. :cry:
Cheers...
Con

[Lawdog]

When I was considering buying my .416 Rigby I tried the CZ and the stock cracked on the 6th. shot right behind the action and continued for over two inches.  This was the old "hog back" stock design.  The other problem it had was each time I fired it, it wanted to slip under my armpit during recoil.  Not a good idea when using a scope.  It was for these reasons I spent the extra money and got a Ruger M77 Magnum.  Sorry I just don't trust CZ big bores.  Lawdog
 

[pc]

I would definitely reccomend a cz big bore. At one time "Rigby" chose the 602 action to make there bolt guns with. Also the cz 550 has a better action lug set up than does the Ruger (there was a thread on this over on AR). I imagine ther are a lot of 602's and 550's in use in Africa. The Brno and cz's are some of the most reliable big bores one can buy.

[unspellable]

I have two of these in the Whitworth Mark X persuasion.

No problems with the 375.

With the 458, the front sight hood came off under recoil.  This is a push on fit so a dab of Locktite should cure it.  (A lot of people take it off anyway.)  It also shed the head on the through stock bolt.  This head seemed to be a cosmetic thing rather than a structural part of the cross bolt.  This sort of thing is why you want to shoot it a bit before you head for the boonies with it.

[talon]

Well, I've heard a lot about CZ's, and other rifles and .375s, .458s and 416s, but nothing on CZ's new american walnut stocked .416. As mentioned, CZ did recognize problems using Turkish walnut on those hard kickers, but, no, they won't warrant their new walnut stocks either. To much is beyond their control. I've spoken with two smith's and their consensus is the same advise I got here: steel bed and post the sucker so your retinas will detatch before the stock does. So, that job is on contract now, and another 2 weeks of down time. Shouldn't matter. The Bell .416 brass may never be delivered since that company is in the 'Sold' state and being moved to Sturgis. So Norma gets more of my money after all. Buying American is really difficult these days.

[talon]

Just got the .416 Rigby back from the 'Smith: took 7 weeks to do a 2 week job. Anyway, he said the strengthing job  (steel posts and glass bedding) took longer that usual as there was already several recoil lugs built in and getting the steel pillers in was a bit more difficult than on other rifles. So, that shows that the new off-the-shelf CZ 550 .416 American model is beefed up where it counts as well as in the style catigory.

[Bandito]

I had a CZ 458 Win Mag and it was a demo gun before I bought it. It was my second .458 rifle. I shot 237 + rounds before selling it. That includes three lead RB, 300 gr hp, 350 gr Hornadys, 405 gr FPs, 500 gr cast and FMJ, and 510 gr factory SP. No stock breakage occurred. It did not slip under my arm when firing it. And I am about five foot tall.  I use a 12 3/4" LOP but never changed the pull on this gun. I traded for a 35 Whelen as I had wanted one for a long time. I am about to trade back for my first 458, a Savage stainless with Adjustable Muzzle Break. I had it set up with a ghost ring rear and a Brockman front post with brass inlay. I will shorten this one and keep it. Next is the 600 Remington in 458 American. I have the Douglas barrel as a take off and just HAVE to own one. It will go well with the other three 45-70s in the safe.  Don't flinch. 'Dito