CZ 550 FS or Lux in 9.3x62

C

canoetrpr

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Some folks here got me onto thinking about this caliber in the CZ which appears to be a fine rifle. Wish they were around locally for me to go and feel. This would be a moose rifle.

The FS really appeals to me. Great look, nice compact rifle.

Some research I did suggests that if one plans to scope the rifle (which I do; with QD rings so that I can use the iron sights when I want) the Lux version might be a better option. Also seemed to suggest that the Lux version has quite a bit lower recoil than the FS rifles.

Now I've never believed I was recoil shy but the largest rifle I shoot is a Win 70 FW in 30-06 but it has a great recoil pad and fits me well. I can shoot it all day.

The compactness and look of the FS really appeals to me but I wonder if I will regret the Lux version if the recoil isn't fun to enjoy a day of load development at the range.

So happens there is a Lux version for sale on Alberta Outdoorsmen (guy wants way too much for it I think $1125 +tax) and I'm in no rush.

Thoughts?
 
A 9.3X62 pushes back a mite harder than an '06, but certainly not to the extent of a .375 H&H which is generally considered manageable for even women who wish to try their hand at dangerous game hunting. The moderate velocity of the cartridge suggests that little velocity is sacrificed by choosing a rifle with a 20" barrel.

As to recoil, if you're doing load development, who says you have to load to the absolute pressure limit of the cartridge, or for that matter load 325 gr bullets? Mastering recoil is a three legged stool, you can name each leg desire, technique, and exposure. In order to master recoil you have to want to, if you have no interest, stick to a .223. To master recoil, your shooting technique must minimize the effects of recoil, don't start shooting prone for instance. But you can shoot off hand, and once you have the butt in the pocket of your shoulder, drop your elbow to close the pocket and provide more cushion to your shoulder. The more you shoot, the less you'll be effected by recoil, provided you never let the recoil hurt you. As soon as you feel like you've had enough, stop. Walk away for a while or even quit for the day, then come back later and try again. If you loose any of those three legs, and your ability to handle heavy recoil is diminished, and allowing the rifle to hurt you will negatively effect your desire to master it.
 
My CZ 550 FS in 9.3 has probably seen the very least load development of any rifle I own.
Bought new, unfired from an estate sale it came to me complete with Warne QD rings, all original papers and genuine CZ packing grease.
After a thorough cleaning and mounting a 1.5 - 5 Leupold I loaded up a bunch of break-in rounds, a load proven to be accurate in other 9.3s that I had played with.
I cleaned the rifle after every shot for the first 10 rounds and noticed that every three rounds with a cleaning patch or two between shots made a sub-moa group.
Next trip to the range with that same load gave me three groups again under an inch with the best being .55".... so much for load development.
A 285 PRVI over 4320 powder is more than adequate for what I hunt... I'm thinking.
As for the rifle itself, its a keeper...
 
My 550 FS is a pussycat recoil wise, they have a good recoil pad and a descent stock design, I believe the Lux model has the identical stock (rear portion) so I don't know why someone would say it has less felt recoil. I love 18-20" barreled full stocked rifles (in case you hadn't figured that out by now) and I don't notice them being any more violent or noisy than a 22 or 24" barreled rifle. They sure mount and point beautifully and are amazing offhand rifles for quick shots at close range, just up, point, and shoot. I think I've mentioned that I prefer the 270s in the 9.3, given the low velocities the Speer hotcore works picture perfect and penetrates very well while the lighter semi spritzer flattens the trajectory a bit, while still hitting like the "hammer of Thor". I personally don't care for the lux version but I love my FS...........waiting to see how Johnn makes out with his Zastava, it might be a good full stock option as well.
 
Gentlemen, what height rings are you using on the FS rifles? Are Warne QD rings the only QD that fit the rifle? Are you happy with the rings? I'm guessing medium height might be required to clear the sights? Where does one source Warne rings?
 
canoetrpr said:
Kevan, that sure gives me some confidence! What do you plan to hunt with it?

Man why don't I run into estate sales like this!
Click to expand...

I limit my hunting to Deer, Elk, and Moose... no longer hunt Bear, but the 9.3 would certainly work for them.
Full - stock rifles are my favorites as well and the CZ is a perfect rifle for me, I can hike around with it all day and have done.
The irons are sighted for 75 yds. and with the Warne rings it maintains its zero well.
Rings are medium height and the 1.5-5 Leupold works very well, has enough magnification for my hunting.
 
canoetrpr said:
Gentlemen, what height rings are you using on the FS rifles? Are Warne QD rings the only QD that fit the rifle? Are you happy with the rings? I'm guessing medium height might be required to clear the sights? Where does one source Warne rings?
Click to expand...

I'm quite happy with the Warne rings on my CZ, but another rifle I had ( not a CZ ) with Warne QDs they would not retain zero... when the scope was re-attached on that one the windage would always be off at least 1.5" mostly left.
As for availability I think my last set came from Epps, but I would think most shops could get them for you.
Regarding other QD rings, I'm not certain but there must be other companies making a QD for the CZ rifles.
 
Canoetrpr i own a CZ 550 FS in 9.3x62 that you are more than welcome to borrow it.
That might help you a little to make up your mind, now for some reason i do find the 9.3 to give me a sharper recoil than the 375H&H, the 375 is more of a big push than a sharp recoil in my opinion.
I'm located in Mississauga if you decide to take me up on my offer.
Cheers
Victor
 
Victor, it is simply mighty kind of you! I'd be thrilled to bring over on of my Coopers if you are interested in shooting them. Do you belong to a club where you shoot?

Curious, what rifle do you have in 375h&h?

I'd be happy to just try it out for size to see how it handles if we can't get together at a range.

I shoot at Sharon - about an hr away from you. You are most certainly welcome as a guest any time you like. We have a 100, 200 and 300 m range here.
 
Recoil is mostly a psychological thing. It's how you THINK about it, not so much how it actually pushes or "kicks" you. I've done mammoth reloading for .458 Win Mags, .375 H&Hs, .340 WBY, .338 Win Mags, .300 magnums (3 varieties), etc. All can be managed by how you think about it. There are relatively small women who can shoot true Big Bores with grace and ease. Learn how to do it and then stop thinking about it... you'll be fine.

Noise (muzzle blast) is item 1. Good ear protection, plugs and muffs, so you can't hear more than a "pop" does wonders for calming fears.
Item 2: Correct posture and control of rifle. DON"T use "bench rest" procedure, allowing the forearm to "bounce". Hold down on the forearm.
Item 3: Pull rifle into the shoulder, but don't grip it like you're a drowning man grasping a floating oar!
Item 4: Start with mild loads, i.e. - starting manual loads with lighter bullets if possible.
Item 5: Once the rifle is sighted at 50 m/y practice by standing on your hind legs!
Item 6: A good recoil pad AND shoulder protection (a large - folded terry cloth towel is as good as it gets over the shoulder, under a shirt, sweater or jacket.

Then, practice by increasing loads to wanted/needed levels.

Then, forget about recoil and enjoy shooting it till it becomes an extension of your mind and body.

Bob

www.bigbores.ca
 
Any decent cold-wise weekend is fine for me , you let me know where this place is and i will meet you there.

I can take my 375 for recoil comparison , the 375h&h is a Mauser M03, really nice rifle too.

Let me know when you are ready and i will be there, i'm a member at Silverdale but i wouldn't mind to check your place out.

Cheers

Victor.
 
c-fbmi said:
My 550 FS is a pussycat recoil wise, they have a good recoil pad and a descent stock design, I believe the Lux model has the identical stock (rear portion) so I don't know why someone would say it has less felt recoil. I love 18-20" barreled full stocked rifles (in case you hadn't figured that out by now) and I don't notice them being any more violent or noisy than a 22 or 24" barreled rifle. They sure mount and point beautifully and are amazing offhand rifles for quick shots at close range, just up, point, and shoot. I think I've mentioned that I prefer the 270s in the 9.3, given the low velocities the Speer hotcore works picture perfect and penetrates very well while the lighter semi spritzer flattens the trajectory a bit, while still hitting like the "hammer of Thor". I personally don't care for the lux version but I love my FS...........waiting to see how Johnn makes out with his Zastava, it might be a good full stock option as well.
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Kinda' anxious to get at it myself. Went to the gun show in Naniamo today and the only item on the 'menu' was bullets. Virtually anything for the ".366 Wagner" other than the 285gr Prvi's I already have. Also, looking for some 250gr RN for;) 'yours' and my 358 NM. Nada. Now, and possibly for the next few days, if I take the Zastava for a test, with the VOLUME of liquid sunshine coming down, I may have to test it as a canoe paddle.
 
Victor, sounds perfect. Would love to have you here at Sharon on a Saturday. My farm is only about 7 minutes up the road so we can drive up after for a coffee.

I'm travelling on business over the next few weeks. Switched areas at work and my team and boss are all in San Francisco so travel has gone up. So it will be early March sometime. Should get a tad warmer by then lets hope.
 
Kevan said:
I'm quite happy with the Warne rings on my CZ, but another rifle I had ( not a CZ ) with Warne QDs they would not retain zero... when the scope was re-attached on that one the windage would always be off at least 1.5" mostly left.
As for availability I think my last set came from Epps, but I would think most shops could get them for you.
Regarding other QD rings, I'm not certain but there must be other companies making a QD for the CZ rifles.
Click to expand...

Talley makes both screw-type and lever-type QD's for the CZ. Prophet River lists these.

Also, Alaska Arm LLC makes QD's for CZ and Ruger. Brownells lists these and there is no indication on their site that they won't ship them Canada.

http://www.alaskaarmsllc.com/
 
Mauser - thank you! I have Talleys on one of my Coopers and really like them. Interestingly enough PR does not have them in different sizes. I'm guessing they must be medium to clear the sights. Will ask Clay once I decide and pull the trigger on the rifle.
 
The Alaska Arms rings look to be well made.... and sturdy.
I have never had a problem with the Warne rings concerning durability, but I have read somewhere that other people complained about breakage,
And as for Talley rings, mine are not QD but I'd like to try a set since the permanent sets I have are very well made.
 
I have mediums on mine and that's as low as they go. I wish they went lower. I have the Medium Lux and love it. I took the open sights right off it and a Leup 1.5 x 5 on it. My only real complaint with the CZ is the safety. It's a loud click when you take it off. And I have an issue with that for my type of hunting. I like the model 70 style better.
 
Ive had four or five x62's in the past 15 years and the 550 medium lux is the one I kept. Its a nice balance of power/recoil and puts them in the dirt pretty damn quick.
 
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