CZ550 ?? Opinions ?? What else compares ??

blueflash

blueflash

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I am thinking about getting another rifle for big game. I will probably choose a 308, 30/06, or 300 win mag. Its purpose will be for Whitetail Deer, and probably Moose eventually. Ive have several under $1000 rifles, such as Remington model 700, Tikka T3 lite, Browning Bar, just to name a few. Ive never owned a "mid priced" rifle that I could be proud of. I have a couple CZ firearms, so I already know they built a good firearm. I was checking out a CZ 550 American in .308 detachable magazine the other day, and I was impressed with the rifle, and I liked the idea of trying out a single stage set trigger. I was'nt a fan of the finicky magazine however, so I may look at a fixed magazine model. Just wondering what other CZ 550 owners have to say about there rifles ??

Also was wondering about what else in the $1000-$1500 price range was out there that I could shoulder for myself to compare ?? Ive looked at the Kimber rifles online, and they look beautiful, but I have heard of a few problems with them ?? I also know that Sako 85 is just a little bit out of the price range, but I am willing to spend a little bit extra if the rifle is worth the extra $$..

Would a Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe be in this class of "mid priced" rifle, or would perhaps a Weatherby Mark V sporter be the rifle I should be comparing a CZ550 to ?


Any other suggestions of rifles in the "mid priced" rifles, that I should be looking at ??

( I'm not interested in the usual Remington, Savage, Winchester, etc, rifles, although I know there are decent, I want a step up from the same old, same old )
 
The CZ is a good value and pretty good quality from all the reports I have read.

I owned and liked a Sako 85 in .308, it was the grey wolf version, laminated/SS. I really liked that rifle. It also was equipped with an excellent trigger that could be used set or unset. The magazine was the best detachable magazine that I have used, with only one small flaw - when loaded with four cartridges, it had a very small rattle, The third cartridge would fit a touch loosely in the magazine. Loaded with three or five, no rattle! That was the worst flaw in the rifle. It handled very well, functioned flawlessly, and was accurate.
I have considered buying another after my brother in law talked me out of mine, but I would also consider buying the CZ550, or possibly a new Win model 70.
 
I much prefer the convenience of a detachable magazine, for when I'm driving down a logging road in the truck, or riding my ATV. Its nice to be able to get ready fast, and slam in a magazine. Ive fumbled around trying to load a internal magazine in a hurry, when I'm excited to quickly get a shot off, and although I can load 2 rounds fast, its still not as fast as a detachable magazine....just pop and lock.

With that being said, a detachable magazine is'nt a deal breaker for me in my next quality firearm purchase. There pro's and con's for each....like most magazines cost around $100, and I like to have a couple if I'm using them. I also find some detachable magazines are'nt that slick either.....example= CZ550 detachable magazine is'nt slick, or atleast the floor model I was handling was'nt slick....Maybe its because it was'nt broken in, but I found it finicky, and I had to press the release button to get it to click in properly....However, my last Tikka rifle, had a very slick magazine that clicked in easy and smooth, although its still beyond me why a $10 piece of plastic costs $100 when it says Tikka on the side...LOL.

Another rifle I have been reading about that seems like a good rifle from the reviews Ive read is the T/C Icon ?? anyone have any experience with these ?? would it compare to a CZ550 ??
 
I have a CZ550 in 9.3 x 62 and really like it except for the safety. I think it's too loud when disengaging. I think the 3 position wing safety that the Ruger Hawkeyes and Win Model 70s have are a better system. Where I hunt, spotting a moose or deer in the bush at 30 yards is not uncommon. A safety that makes a loud click is not favourable in my opinion. The rifle cycles as smooth as butter and the single set trigger is sweet.
 
heavyBullet said:
I tried one at the range last year, was a real tack driver. Loved the set trigger for range use.
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What caliber was the one you shot ? Was it a American or Lux model ? I'm not sure what the Lux version would be like with that different "hog back" stock ? Its definetely different, and will be noticed...although, I'm not sure if its everyones cup of tea. It may look beautiful in person, but from the pictures I have scene of the Lux model, its not ugly, but its a little odd looking IMHO...I may fall in love with it in person though. All of the CZ's I have ever scene in person have been the American.

I really like the looks of the FS....Full Stock model. Atleast on the computer it looks nice. That looks like a kind of rifle that would really get noticed at the range.
 
If you want to use iron sights, the hog back is more natural. Your head can be lower and the sights align better.

I have a few in the hogback that I use with scopes - your head will not be down on the stock as far as with a straight stock. You would shoot with a more upright head position. I like that position when I am hunting dangerous game or moving through bush and looking for the fast shot.

For long range or deliberate shooting from a rest, I find the American style gives you a better cheek weld.

For me, the hog back feels like less recoil - but thats me - some say the opposite.
 
Do all of you CZ550 owners feel that the quality of a CZ rifle is as good as a more expensive Sako 85 ?

From what I have read, and witnessed in person from the CZ550 rifles I have scene, I get the feeling that a CZ550 compares to a Sako 85, except a Sako may have nicer wood.....and they cost $600+ more money.....It seems like a CZ rifle is the best bang for the buck in a "mid priced" rifle ?

Anyone have any experience with Kimber rifles ? They look beautiful on the internet, but I have'nt ever scene on in real life ? I have read a lot of bad things about there quality, however I think these problems have been resolved ?
 
Are you looking for a wood stock, synthetic, mid-weight sporter, lightweight, etc?

The Kimber problems have largely been resolved. Although I have a very early 8400 Montana in 7WSM that feeds like butter and shoots 0.5-1MOA routinely...

If you're looking for a lightweight, high-grade killing rifle, you would be hard-pressed to beat the 84M. It even comes in .308, like you wanted ;)

BTW, if you want wood, you could always go with the Kimber classic, but the Husqvarna rifles are equal in quality (or better) to many of the CZ rifles, and a used one won't hurt your wallet too much, either.
 
I curious - nobody commented on the Weatherby as a possibility

blueflash said:
Would a Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe be in this class of "mid priced" rifle, or would perhaps a Weatherby Mark V sporter be the rifle I should be comparing a CZ550 to ? Any other suggestions of rifles in the "mid priced" rifles, that I should be looking at ??
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Im looking for a wood stock rifle. I'm not 100% sure of the caliber, but I am leaning towards 30/06 because thats as classic as it gets. I want a classic big game rifle. I hunt with a ATV, so a heavy rifle is not a problem. I know synthetic is more practical, but i have enough plastic stocks now, and i want something that looks nice. I really like the looks of the kimber 84M classic stainless, because it seems practical for hunting, because its light, and weather resistant. Im just not too confident in spending $1500 on a gun that does'nt have a good track record, no matter how nice is looks........Kind of like marrying a trophy wife with the intelligence of a 6th grader.

Another rifle i have heard alot of good things about is the T/C Icon walnut stock. Ive never scene one, although i have asked several shops. I'm not sure if the Icon is in the same league as a CZ, and Kimber, because I have'nt scene one yet.
 
blueflash said:
What caliber was the one you shot ? Was it a American or Lux model ? I'm not sure what the Lux version would be like with that different "hog back" stock ? Its definitely different
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It was a .308 550 American. I'd love to have a 550FL, beautiful rifle. I have heard some people complain about not being able to get a good cheek weld and sight picture using a scope, and just as many people saying its not an issue. I guess it depends on the person. I keep hoping to meet someone at the range with one so I could see for myself.
 
blueflash said:
Another rifle i have heard alot of good things about is the T/C Icon walnut stock. Ive never scene one, although i have asked several shops. I'm not sure if the Icon is in the same league as a CZ, and Kimber, because I have'nt scene one yet.
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I have handled a T/C Icon at my local gun shop, it was really nice wood he had jus got it in and wasn't even priced or put into his computer yet, but it felt very good and it seamed to be well made, surely its worth a look it comes in .308 and now in 6.5 creedmoor
 
I think the Icon ultra wood is in the $1000 price range. Seems cheap for its performance, and looks. The only thing that worries me with this gun, is that its a 3 pc laminate stock. Then again, with wood that nice in a 1 piece, it would probably be in the $1500 price range.

Can any comment on the 3 pc laminate stock ? Its not a true laminate looking stock, nor is it a 1 piece solid stock.

Ive actually found a T/C Icon ultra wood in 30TC on sale for under $1000 taxes in, within a couple hours drive from me. That caliber is perfect for big game, but its not really catching on, so i dont feel comfortable owning it unless it were to catch on like a wsm.

I'm still leaning towards a CZ550.....unless i can be swayed differently.
 
Just a thought but if you a "classic" get the cz550 300hh. It wood stand out in the crowd and will get the job done. It has its cons with ammo availability and price but its worth it if you wish to differ from the crowd. 9.3x62 is also a classy big game gun

Cz550s have a great reputation and the kimbers I've shot have all been flawless with very happy owners. I've seen some nice looking weatherby rifles as well tho I haven't shot many they felt well balanced and well made. The stock is instantly recognizable but the high gloss finish may not be wanted on a hunting arm. To me if I were to buy a wby it wood be a 257wby/270wby or the 340wby not a standard round but that's me.
You won't be disappointed with the cz
 
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