My CZ 557 Lux SA in 243

[The Kurgan]

It's got the handy short action (aka "SA" or "ZAS") with a detachable 4-round mag. I can see myself wanting a 10-rounder now! The 243 Lux SA models were only made in 2018 and 2019. This is an early 2018 model. This was the only CZ 557 SA model chambered in 243 offering iron sights. The wood has great grain and the stock's shape, along with the well designed sights, allow for super quick target acquisition. It's also equipped with an anodized aluminum trigger guard that's almost a green hue? I wonder if it's a leftover Cdn Rangers trial rifle part? My 557 in 8x57 has a black(ish) painted aluminum alloy trigger guard instead. I am going to have fun with this one!

 

[Buckmastr]

Looks good Kurgan. Are you going to scope it?

 

[The Kurgan]

Yes, eventually. Though I will give her a go with the sights for now. I am looking for a Meopta fixed x6 with a 50mm objective lens.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

Glad to see it was a SA with detachable mag!

Did the carbines in .243 have a standard action length?

 

[The Kurgan]

Yes, the Carbines (discontinued in 2018) and the 2015-2018 Lux models were offered in 243 but were all standard (long) action. I downloaded a bunch of CZ product catalogues of various years. It's interesting to see the different models and their specs.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

I received mine today. It has the same greenish trigger guard. It looks slightly out of place.

That being said, a few things I noticed right off the bat:
The stock design is nice. Although it has a hogsback/Bavarian stock, the drop is MUCH less pronounced than on my cz550. It's also not AS easy (though still easier than a straight comb) to align the iron sights as it is on other hogsback stocks I've handled. I suspect it will adapt better to scope use and still allow a decent cheek weld. I'd be interested to know what you think when you compare it to your other lux (pretty sure you have an 8x57 lux?)

Although it's thick at the pistol grip, it has some checkering/stippling on the bolt side above the pistol grip which is a nice touch. The cz557 range doesn't have this. Overall I prefer this stock to the beech range rifle stock.

 

[The Kurgan]

The bottom metal on my 557 Lux in 8x57 is aluminum alloy but painted (blackish colour to emulate bluing) and the floorplate is blued steel. The bottom metal on my CZ 557 in 243 is also aluminum but anodized and is a green hue which has already grown on me and I like it. Both stocks are identical in style and shape. For the record, I have never owned a rifle that gives me such fast target acquisition like the 557. A cheek weld is instantaneous for me on these rifles. The trigger is more polished on my 8x57. Aside from the action lengths, they are identical. I like them both alot. The bolt throw on my 8x57 is slightly smoother, but it's also been worked a bit. I also like the pistol grip feel. The palm swell and checkering gives me a comfortable grip. I guess the 557 just fits me well.

Yes, these stocks are much nicer than the bland beech stocks on the Range rifle. No question about that.

They are both keepers. One more "Synthetic S" is in my cards.

 

[The Kurgan]

When thinking about the 2021-only Ranger rifle without sights in the walnut stocks, I just don't get it. If CZ added sights I'd probably own one. But its far cheaper and easier to simply add a 10-round mag to my 243, and I happen to like the integral dovetails anyway... QD rings and you have the best of both worlds.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

Here is a pic to show what I mean about the lux stock design:
top to bottom: cz550 FS, CZ557 lux 243, CZ557 range. Note the shorter LOP on the range.



Left to right: cz550 FS, CZ557 lux 243, CZ557 range. Note the range is resting on the pic rail, so the buttstock sits a bit higher in the pic.


Left to right: CZ557 lux 243, CZ557 range, cz550 FS. The drop on the CZ550 is substantially more pronounced. The cheek weld height on the 557s isn't much ddifferent

 

[The Kurgan]

Looking good. Show off.

 

[AlbertaJohn]

That's a nice looking rifle.

 

[Marcos]

I received my 557 “range walnut” without sights today. Managed to have the original 10 rds magazine switched for a more practical 4 rds (also have a spare 4 rds). The bottom metal is also green-ish anodized. Will wait to see if the looks grows on me. Maybe an OD green sling would compliment the looks! Worst case I will have the bottom metal cerakoted. Very impressed with the quality of machining of the action. The trigger is also very easy to adjust. The safety locks the bolt also.

I followed your tips and treated the inlet with Verathane and will work the layers of Shaftol too!

Can’t wait to try it!

 

[The Kurgan]

You won't be disappointed. I am a total fan of the 557 series, and own three. A short action walnut Lux in 243, a long action Synthetic S in 8x57 and a long action Synthetic S in 30-06 on the way. These are the smoothest rifles I own and all shoot point of aim with the iron sights. Also love the 527 line too.

 

[dugasgunner]

Also love my sporter in 243. Great yote rifle!!!

 

[The Kurgan]

Here is a pic to show what I mean about the lux stock design:
top to bottom: cz550 FS, CZ557 lux 243, CZ557 range. Note the shorter LOP on the range.
View attachment 557190


Left to right: cz550 FS, CZ557 lux 243, CZ557 range. Note the range is resting on the pic rail, so the buttstock sits a bit higher in the pic.
View attachment 557191

Left to right: CZ557 lux 243, CZ557 range, cz550 FS. The drop on the CZ550 is substantially more pronounced. The cheek weld height on the 557s isn't much ddifferent

View attachment 557192

Curious to know which is smoother, your FS 550 or SA 557? Thanks for posting these side-by-sides.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

The bolt on the 557s is smoother than the 550 IMO.

 

[Marcos]

I have a 557 and a 550 FS. The 557 is built to much better tolerances, better finish and is much smoother. The trigger is also miles ahead. Not sure why people are hating on the 557.

 

[The Kurgan]

I have a 557 and a 550 FS. The 557 is built to much better tolerances, better finish and is much smoother. The trigger is also miles ahead. Not sure why people are hating on the 557.

They'll like them when there's none left in inventory. Great rifles. I have three. I also have a new 600.

 

[The Kurgan]

I found an OEM replacement bottom metal at Wolverine Supplies the other day, and it was labelled "Ranger, black", so I bought it. I decided to install it today as it seems to match the rest of the rifle better. Overall, I love this rifle and it is definitely on my 'do not sell' list!

 

[The Kurgan]

I received my 557 “range walnut” without sights today. Managed to have the original 10 rds magazine switched for a more practical 4 rds (also have a spare 4 rds). The bottom metal is also green-ish anodized. Will wait to see if the looks grows on me. Maybe an OD green sling would compliment the looks! Worst case I will have the bottom metal cerakoted. Very impressed with the quality of machining of the action. The trigger is also very easy to adjust. The safety locks the bolt also.

I followed your tips and treated the inlet with Verathane and will work the layers of Shaftol too!

Can’t wait to try it!

Looking forward to pics!