- Location
- Steel Town
Been eying one in 8x57. They look pretty nice.
What's your opinion on the CZ Lux models?
- Thread starter The Kurgan
- Start date
- Location
- Steel Town
I really like the simplicity and beauty of Euro-designed rifles, and every CZ I have owned has been absolutely exceptional. My experience with 8x57, however, has been limited to two RC Mausers and a lovely 1888 Ludwig Loewe 1888 Commission rifle. I want to try my hand in 8x57 for the field. I sold my last 30-06 (Sako 85), so this is kind of a replacement for that great cartridge. My single shot 308 (Brno Effect) is for very specific stalking applications, and my 7x57 (Brno Z) is with a Smith having a custom fitted ZG-47 bolt. I am a fan of CRF, but not a nessessity for hunting.
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- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
The CZ550 in general is a nice rifle and were good value for the money. Specifically for the lux the barrel is a bit long on them for some calibers. For example I much prefer the FS model in 9.3x62 and 223 since they're a couple inches shorter and handle better without giving up a lot in terms of ballistics. If you like using the iron sights, the hogback stock is quite nice. If you use a scope all the time then it makes getting a good cheek weld a bit harder since you can't get scopes very low on the CZ550 and 527. You end up with more of chin weld. You can always just get a little riser or change the stock if it bothers you. I don't know if they changed the overall "thickness" of the stock over the years but it seems to me that the more recent ones are really thick at the grip. Maybe they were always like that and I only noticed after getting some 527s. If you have small hands you may find the pistol grip part quite wide. [Edit: Apparently cz did make the stock thicker at some point. If the one you're looking at is an older version with a thin stock, go for it]
I can't comment on the 8x57 caliber specifically, but overall I don't think you'll be disappointed with a CZ550 rifle. I've had several calibers and all have been reliable and more than accurate enough for hunting.
I can't comment on the 8x57 caliber specifically, but overall I don't think you'll be disappointed with a CZ550 rifle. I've had several calibers and all have been reliable and more than accurate enough for hunting.
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dgradinaru
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- British Columbia
It would be pretty hard finding a 550 model in 8x57. The push feed 557 model is an option with free shipping from Tenda. I'd say the fit and finish is a bit better on the newer models than the previous 550's but it comes at a loss, no control feed and a 2 piece bolt. You get bottom steel instead of a plastic floor plate and follower.
As for the cartridge im probably the biggest advocate for the 8x57 on Canadian gun nutz. Its my main hunting cartridge and never once felt handicapped. Choose the right bullet for your application. 150gr @ 3000 fps for deer, 175/180gr @ 2750 fps for all-around, and 195/200gr @ 2600 fps for heavy big game. No different than a 30-06 in the field unless you start playing with paper stats, BC's,and SD's. Game wont tell the difference.
https://www.gotenda.com/product/cz-557-lux-ii-bolt-action-rifle-8mm-mauser/
As for the cartridge im probably the biggest advocate for the 8x57 on Canadian gun nutz. Its my main hunting cartridge and never once felt handicapped. Choose the right bullet for your application. 150gr @ 3000 fps for deer, 175/180gr @ 2750 fps for all-around, and 195/200gr @ 2600 fps for heavy big game. No different than a 30-06 in the field unless you start playing with paper stats, BC's,and SD's. Game wont tell the difference.
https://www.gotenda.com/product/cz-557-lux-ii-bolt-action-rifle-8mm-mauser/
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I have two 550 Lux rifles in 7X64 and .308, a 550 full stock in 9.3X62, a 527 Lux in .223, a 452 Lux in .22 LR and a 453 Lux in .22 LR... all are excellent rifles, great fit & finish, excellent accuracy. They are a little beefy in the grip and are not the trimmest design, but their attributes outweigh the flaws... I would not be interested in a 557 personally. As far as the 8X57 cartridge is concerned, it is an excellent hunting cartridge... I don't use it personally anymore, as I got right out of 8mm cartridges... but I do use 7X57 and .257 Roberts and also designed and made a couple rifles in 7.62X57 Hoytcanon (
)... which is the 8X57 necked down to .308... it has proven to be an excellent well balanced cartridge... both were made on Ruger M77 Mark II rifles, one walnut/blued and one Laminate/stainless.
)... which is the 8X57 necked down to .308... it has proven to be an excellent well balanced cartridge... both were made on Ruger M77 Mark II rifles, one walnut/blued and one Laminate/stainless.
dgradinaru
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- British Columbia
One of my Husqvarna M98's in action that i bought from Tradex, using factory 8x57 195gr Interlocks @ 2500 fps did the trick on this moose.
dgradinaru
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- British Columbia
I have two 550 Lux rifles in 7X64 and .308, a 550 full stock in 9.3X62, a 527 Lux in .223, a 452 Lux in .22 LR and a 453 Lux in .22 LR... all are excellent rifles, great fit & finish, excellent accuracy. They are a little beefy in the grip and are not the trimmest design, but their attributes outweigh the flaws... I would not be interested in a 557 personally. As far as the 8X57 cartridge is concerned, it is an excellent hunting cartridge... I don't use it personally anymore, as I got right out of 8mm cartridges... but I do use 7X57 and .257 Roberts and also designed and made a couple rifles in 7.62X57 Hoytcanon (
I'd love to get a hold of one of those rifle's/cartridge combo. If you ever plan to sell one, let me know!
New Camper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lurking in the woods near SFRC.
The 550 lux is very pretty and a very nice rifle. They come with open sights and shoot well. About the only complaint I have is the bluing is not very deep: just keep in mind (after you have used it in moisture laden environment) that makes them a bit less resilient to moisture than one with thicker bluing - not that blue is immune in any depth. It's a Mauser style action... sturdy - and if every grain of weight is important, not the lightest. I will always consider them when looking for another rifle: except for lightweight, foul weather hunting.
- Location
- Steel Town
The 375 H&H Safari 550's at Prophet River look inviting! Trajectory like a 30-06 with 300 grain bullets.... Hmmm
- Location
- Steel Town
I am so temped to buy the 8x57 557, but I worry about buyers remorse over a two-piece bolt and loss of CRF, though my Sako 85 had a similar bolt design as the 557, and I never gave it a second thought.
i think it s more 180 to 270 grains not 300 grains even if doable with some powders.
- Location
- Steel Town
Hoyt: I'll take the 7x64 off your hands.
While the CZ rifles are fine units, I [personally] abhor the lux stock design.
It is obviously a thing with me, since many like it.
I am a great lover of "classic" style stocks, and would simply replace the stock on the lux.
Dave
It is obviously a thing with me, since many like it.
I am a great lover of "classic" style stocks, and would simply replace the stock on the lux.
Dave
Shooter_01
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Durham Region, Ontario
Beauties.....especially that top one.
Lux stocks are Classic stocks, just not on this side of the pond. They tend to fit bigger people better, the drop at comb can be too much for a lightly/compactly framed person at least for scope use... they are generally very good for use with iron sights.
