CZ 550 safari mag

[KDM]

Hey, all...I think Santa is gonna deliver this year!  I'm expecting a CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 375 H&H, something I've been drooling over for quite some time.  Couple questions for ya...

First, which stock design is "better" for recoil, the euro hogsback or American?  I've got a feeling the euro would be a little kinder to me, but not sure.  Looks as though that American stock'll send it all back at me.  As a side note, I've held an American-style at my gunshop.  Fits real nice.  LOP seems right on, sights are "right there" after shouldering. 

Second, how liable is the stock to cracking?  I've read a few reports of stocks breaking at the wrist.  Also read that glassing the action would resolve this.  Anyone have experience of this kind?

Lastly, how do I get rid of the "recoil butterflies"?  Haven't fired anything bigger than a 303 British (except 12 gauge slugs), so I'm experiencing a little trepidation at the prospect of touching off a 375.  I know...why get a 375?  I've always been enamoured of this round.  Something about it has held me in thrall.  I've read other posts about recoil...guess I'll just need to feel for myself.  Does anyone have any pointers regarding techniques of firing?  I'd appreciate them all.

Thanks,
KDM

[gwindrider1]

KDM,

Valid questions!  I'm surprised no one has given you any input yet.

It's a fine rifle, that always needs a bit of tuning up.  The actions can be slicked up with some JB bore paste, and about a thousand cycles back and forth.  Don't get the paste in the locking lugs, or turn the bolt as you work it.

The .375 is not as prone to crack it's stock as the larger bores, but it still deserves to be glass bedded, and a section of steel "all-thread" down through the wrist of the stock is a good idea.  Leave a little clearance between the end of the tang, and the stock.  Not much, just enough so the tang doesn't hammer the stock during recoil.

As to recoil, no big deal.  It is a large rifle, with sufficient LOP, and good ergonomics.  It is more of a big push, than a sharp jab.  If you reload, and I suggest you do, start with some light bullets, maybe a Speer 235 grn., and a light powder charge.  Get used to that, then work your way up to full house loads with 270 or 300 grn. bullets.  You are going to enjoy this rifle!

By the way, in my experience with these rifles, they always shoot high.  You can contact CZ at, gunsmith@cz.com to order taller front sight inserts.  Chances are that you will want the tallest one, which is a number 14.  It may, or may not be high enough for you.

Good shootin' to ya!

[dubber123]

I have 2 CZ's both with the Euro stock, kinda funky looking, but really pretty comfy.  My largest is a magnum in 416 Rigby, like you just one of those calibers I had to have.  My handloads safely beat normal Rigby ballistics by a healthy margin, and I haven't busted the stock yet.  Maybe I'm just lucky.  I have not had the zero problem with iron sights, in fact both shot PERFECTLY with my accuracy loads.  I don't doubt others will have different problems.  Yes they are a little gritty out of the box, but not bad, and even the Rigby will shoot under 1" at 100 yds.  There is not a better buy for the money.  I don't think th 375 will bother you, especially if you can shot 12 ga. slugs with no problems.  Enjoy your new toy!

[Redhawk1]

I have the Euro stock on my 416 Rigby and it looks good to me. I have shot quit a few rounds through it and the accuracy is outstanding. I also get 1 inch groups at 100 yards with it. The recoil is not bad, my 12 gauge slug gun has more felt recoil to me.

As far as stock cracking, I have not had a problem, I had my stock glass bedded and the barrel floated. The gunsmith did not think I needed another cross blot so I did not get the cross bolt done.

Now to get over the recoil fear, just go out and shoot it, once you see that it is not so bad, you will be OK. 

[nasem]

As far as recoil goes..... no body in thier right mind would seriously tell anyone that a 375 h&h has little kick and form my experience, its going to be the hardest recoiling gun for ANYONE if the biggest they ever shot off was a 12 ga slug or 303 brit..... turst me I would know, I shot my 30-06 for 3 years straight before shooting my next caliber.... guess what my next caliber was?  Was my friends A-bolt 338 win mag.... At first I didn't notice the recoil difference between it and the 30-06, then after 4 or 5 rounds...... I started to feel the push getting heavier and heavier

Remember the recoil of the 303 brit ? well with the 375, its going to be more than 2x that and thats a fact...
Now, don't get me wrong here, I also do think that a 375 h&h is "managable" when it comes to recoil..... and if it starts to bother you, start either with light loads or heavy loads but limit your self to only 4 or 5 rounds every time your at the range.

As far as the gun goes, its a great gun, I know more than a few of my friends that love thier CZs, theyr very accurate and I love the mauser auction.... Its the best action in my opinion.

I have never shot one of them Euro stock versions, Only the american safri version, I can't comment on what is the different between the 2 but I am defenetly interesting in knowing how they both compare

[KDM]

Hey, thanks for the input you guys.  When I finally get it, I'll have it glass-bedded.  As far as the recoil goes, Redhawk1 has it down...fire it.  You've got me thinking though, nasem...think I'll invest in a PAST shooting pad.   Stock style, I'm still debating.  Since I've shouldered the American, and it feels good, I'll probably stick with that.  I'll let you guys know how it goes.  Can't wait to get it!

[nasem]

I wouldn't spend anything on a recoil bad....
Its not going to hurt you bro... its just recoil.... If youve ever played high school football.... you get banged up alot more there than you do with a 375 H&H

However, the reason why I tell people not to over look the recoil of magnums is becuase I have seen ALOT OF youngers come to our gun ranges and think thier 30-06 don't kick hard... they shoot it once and hold the gun wrong and BAM... bloody nose becuase the scope punched thier face in the wrong spot...

[KDM]

Thanks, nasem.  The reason I mention that PAST pad is twofold:  one, it'd be a little bit of a physical crutch until I learn how to fire it properly; two, it'd be a little bit of a psychological crutch, until I learn (rather, get convinced) the recoil ain't as bad as I've expected.  No doubt it'll recoil, just I'm probably overstating the recoil in my mind.  Doing that makes for a poor shooter.  Once I've fired it a couple dozen times, my confidence should increase to the point where I can stop wearing it.

gwindrider1:  Reloading is in the near future.  .375 is expensive!  Don't have a press yet...deciding whether to go single stage or progressive.  Thanks for the info on the front sight, by the way. 

[Redhawk1]

As far as recoil goes..... no body in thier right mind would seriously tell anyone that a 375 h&h has little kick and form my experience, its going to be the hardest recoiling gun for ANYONE if the biggest they ever shot off was a 12 ga slug or 303 brit..... turst me I would know, I shot my 30-06 for 3 years straight before shooting my next caliber.... guess what my next caliber was?  Was my friends A-bolt 338 win mag.... At first I didn't notice the recoil difference between it and the 30-06, then after 4 or 5 rounds...... I started to feel the push getting heavier and heavier

Remember the recoil of the 303 brit ? well with the 375, its going to be more than 2x that and thats a fact...
Now, don't get me wrong here, I also do think that a 375 h&h is "managable" when it comes to recoil..... and if it starts to bother you, start either with light loads or heavy loads but limit your self to only 4 or 5 rounds every time your at the range.

As far as the gun goes, its a great gun, I know more than a few of my friends that love thier CZs, theyr very accurate and I love the mauser auction.... Its the best action in my opinion.

I have never shot one of them Euro stock versions, Only the american safri version, I can't comment on what is the different between the 2 but I am defenetly interesting in knowing how they both compare

Well I guess I am not in my right mind, I don't think the recoil of the 375 H&H is bad, I have a Sako in 375 H&H and I shoot it a lot. I have a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby and I have shot it a lot. My Remington 870 with a 3 inch slug has more felt recoil than either of my 375 H&H or 416 Rigby.

Recoil is perceived differently from person to person. If you personally thing it is a lot, then it is a lot (TO YOU) but to me it is not.  I do own a 375 H&H and a 416 Rigby. I also shot a 416 Rigby in a light Encore without a past pad, but I did have a Simms recoil pad installed. Matter of fact I took a Asian Water buffalo with my 416 Rigby in the Encore. And as for the 338 Win Mag, I have one of them also, it is a Browning A-bolt and the recoil is less than the 375 H&H and also a pleasure to shoot in my opinion.

KDM, get the past shooting pad, it helps when you are sitting at the bench for extended periods of time. 

[KDM]

Hey, Redhawk1...you've mentioned the Simms pad.  Is it comparable to the Decelerator?  I seem to remember the 550 comes with a Decelerator.

[Redhawk1]

Hey, Redhawk1...you've mentioned the Simms pad.  Is it comparable to the Decelerator?  I seem to remember the 550 comes with a Decelerator.

Yes they are comparable, I put the Simms pad on my Encore.  If you don't like the recoil after you shoot it, you can put a mercury recoil reducer in the stock and tame some of the recoil also. They work great. 

[jrhen]

Hi KDM,

I own a hogback model and love it.  Hopefully you reload so you can shoot a lot.  Forget about finding much for this caliber at the local gunshow, they cater to the .30 crowd and down. lol  I use a 250 grain bullet and found it shot a little bit high and the 270 grainers to be right on the money.  Another challenge of owning a hogback is finding a gun case for it if you put a scope on it, a plano air-glide worked out for me.  Recoil...I do not reccomend shooting this from the bench until you get used to it.  Standing or sitting have been the most comfortable for me.  When dialing in a load from the bench I strap on a past re-coil pad.  I have shot hundreds of rounds with out the stock breaking, so don't worry about that.  My advice is to clean the rifle you purchase thoughly before shooting it.  I stipped mine and was amazed at all the grit, gunk and crud that I got out of a "new" rifle.  I took the time to wax the inside of the stock at this time, put it all back together and worked the bolt one night watching tv until it smoothed up.

Welcome to the club, you will love it.

[KDM]

jrhen...oh, yeah.  Clean it I will!  If anything, it'll get me familiar with my rifle.  How's your cheek weld with the scope?  I'd think the hogsback would put your face a little too low, precluding comfortable scope use. 

Redhawk1...I'm keeping the mercury reducers in the queue...first a recoil pad, then PAST, then the reducer.  From what I've been told, I might not need them as much as I'll need to practice.  Nice to know they're available though.

[nasem]

As per Redhawk’s comments regarding recoil, it is true that people accept recoil at different levels.  Some folks can tolerate more than others.

But Im betting that if someone is going to ask a question about “how a certain recoil of a certain caliber is”  he or she is more trying to understand the typical norm of how MOST people preserve the recoil….. Maybe to you the recoil of a 375 h&h is not a whole, nothing wrong with that, however, If you take a sample of 100 people, and have each one of them shoot 10 rounds of 375 h&h, I bet a margine higher than 50% will tell you its not comfortable to shoot….. and that’s the norm people try to understand when buying a new and more powerful caliber….

In other words, if you have a 18 year old son who wants to buy his first ever magnum, will you start him off with a 375 h&h because YOU feel its recoil is light?   I wouldn’t….

Recoil is also a matter of “getting used to”…. The more often your around it, the more you learn to tolerate it just as long as you don’t beat yourself up to the point of developing “flinches”….. I don’t think I have ever developed a flinch, but sometimes when I get tired of shooting, it starts to appear (the sudden jerk of the body to the left or right JUST an instant before you pull the trigger)…. When you get to that point,,,,, stop for the day, or pull out your .223 or 22 LR.

[Redhawk1]

nasem, also the weight of the gun and other factors can make a difference in felt recoil. My son at 15 was shooting my 50 BMG like it was nothing, why because it weighed 30 pounds and had a muzzle break, felt like I light 12 gauge in the recoil department.

Sure larger caliber rifles should be worked up to, but don't try to scare people to think the gun is uncontrollable. I know guys that have shot 30-06's far a long time and shot them well, but when given a 300 win mag, they flinch or close there eyes on there first shot, just because people have told them the 300 Win mag kicks real bad. After they shot the 300 Win mag, they say, it was not as bad as I was told it was.

Recoil is going to happen, it is how you deal with it and handle it that matters.

[KDM]

Thank you, gentlemen, for the input/opinions/observations.  Can't freakin' wait to get it!  I'll clean it up for a couple days, then take it out and try it.  After that I'll have the action bedded, then add any further recoil-reducing doohickeys as might be required.  Hopefully I'll be able to quickly learn proper shooting techniques with the "bruiser".  I'll let ya know how it turns out.  

[KDM]

Just a quick update on the CZ...the main gunshop here in town said there's a 6 week lead time on a new 550 safari mag.  Contacted another, lesser-known, shop...they can get one right away for $800.00, tax and DROS not included.  Price doesn't seem bad, as CZ's website lists $875.  At least the $75 savings'll pay tax and DROS.  BTW, the "main" gunshop would charge $875 not including tax, DROS.

Only issue is he's out of town until 08Jan07.  Still quicker than 6 weeks...not too big of an big issue.  I expect to have fired it by the end of January.  Who sung that song, "waiting is the hardest part"?  My theme song, it seems.   

I'll let ya know how things are coming, hopefully without turning this into a blog. 

[7x57mm]

KDM: If you are going through a gotta-have-it-now spells, you might see if someone in your area has an FFL and can order one from Whittaker Guns. The CZ 550 Safari Magnum in .375 H&H is listed for $737.99. You can expect an additional $20-$25 shipping and handling from Whittaker Guns (www.whittakerguns.com) and then a $15-$20 transfer fee for your FFL holder. Whittker has them in stock now. Sometimes your local sheriff's departments have a list of gun dealers who hold FFLs. Some FFLs charge a percentage of the cost of the rifle, but that is way out of line. Usual cost is between $15 and $20. Depending on where you live from Whittakers, shipping can take up to 10 days. It is just a thought, though I would not seek out the two gunshops you have already talked with about getting the rifle from Whittakers, they have already quoted you a price and it appears as if they have included their profit margin in the deal. Whittakers deals in volume sales and it is from those volume sales from which it makes its money. Good luck ... Tom Purdom

[KDM]

Thanks for the heads-up, 7x57mm.  I don't have to be going thru the "gotta-have-it-nows" to realize a savings!  Where it gets thorny, though, is will the area gunshops (excluding those already polled) be realistic in their charges.  Knowing these guys, they'll rationalize their $50+ profit..."At $825, you're still getting it at less than MSRP".   I'll investigate and let ya know.  Thanks again.

[nasem]

whatever CZ magnum rifle you get, MAKE SURE you tell your dealer to get the one with the new 2x cross bolts in the stock.... the price didn't change between the old CZs (without the cross bolts) and the newer once

[harley101]

I hope I'm doing this right.  When did CZ start putting 2 crossbolts in the 550 american safari; saw a new one the other day with the bolts.
                                  

[Redhawk1]

I hope I'm doing this right.  When did CZ start putting 2 crossbolts in the 550 american safari; saw a new one the other day with the bolts.
                                  

A few months back. They listened to there customers and made a change for the good. 

[jrhen]

KDM sorry about taking so long to reply its that time of year where my time is not mine...things will quiet down as soon as I get the decortations put away.

Cheek weld, you are correct the "hog back" is made to use open sights.  I just raised my face a little and got used to it.  This was a mistake the first time I took the rifle hunting.  I live in Phx Az where the low temp is 50 degrees I got drawn to hunt South of Williams in Dec 05 where the high temp is 40 degrees and down to 12 at night.  I never shot the rifle while all bundled up in my many layers to keep my thin blood warm.  I got to where I wanted to sit and had time to range find and look though my rifle scope.  I found out that I needed to change to ocular setting to see the cross hairs clearly due to the added distance caused by the clothing.  I got lucky the next afternoon and took a cow elk and got a nice bruse on my cheek from the recoil either from the added distance or my bad case of animal fever causing me to not sit my face onto the stock correctly.  Small price to pay. 

[KDM]

I hear ya, jrhen...this is a very busy time of year.  Thx for responding.  Finally decided on the American stock.  I still haven't test-fit a euro style, but the American style I tried fit real well.  Unless I run across a hogsback to feel and compare, I'll get the American.

7x57mm...I'll be heading out to the area gunshops tomorrow (26Dec) to see what their 'net purchase policies and fees are.  Worst case scenario is a purchase on 08Jan07.

[KDM]

Well, I polled the area shops...the average is $100.00 for 'net orders using them as the FFL.      Freakin' Vacaville! Looks like I'll be waiting 'til the 8th.   While I was at the shops, I picked up a couple boxes of Federal 260 grain VitalShoks and one box of Federal's 300 grain PowerShoks.  Also got one of those Limbsaver recoil pads.  That'll do me 'til I get the hardware.

[jrhen]

WOW $100 to process an online order!  It run's $25 to $30 here in Arizona.

$800 for this rifle is not out of line after a quick search online at gunbroker ($760 for the rifle + $25 shipping + $30 processing fee = $815) See if your local dealer will give you a break on the reloading equipment...

You stated reloading was in the near future due to purchasing this caliber.  I have a Dillon 550 and it is not tall enough to load 375 H&H unless I use flat or round nose bullets and then you are limited by the powders that will feed through their measure.  I perfer the Sierra 250 or 270 gr gamekings due to price.  I pulled out my Lee Challenger press blew off the dust and put it back into service.  I used the plastic powder throw with IMR 4895 and there are Lee dipper loads for this caliber to for different powders.  I bought one of their crimper dies due to the Sierra's not haveing a cannelure.

Happy New Year

[KDM]

Well...plunked down the dollars today.  I can pick it up on 22Jan!  Now comes the hard part of waiting those 10 days.  And I do mean a 10 FULL days.  Ya gotta wait 'til the exact minute before you can take it out of the store.  I hate Cali-freakin-fornia.   

Anyway, I checked it over.  No scratches, no dings.  Right purdy.   I used that Davidson's gun locater thingie and had it shipped to a local shop.  That's pretty trick!  Real fast (5 days), no fuss, no muss.  I'll have to remember it for those hard-to-find items.

There are 2 crossbolts...one slightly forward of the trigger pivot, one slightly aft of the front scope's dovetail.  Thanks for the earlier heads-up, Nasem. 

It's got a nice, solid, heavy feel to it.  Not used to the stock finish, tho...the manual calls it a Dedecryl lacquer.  Looks good, but it's so "perfect", so unvaried in its texture, that at first glance/feel it seems thermoplastic.  I'm accustomed to a little wood grain, if you know what I mean.  Slight imperfections give character.

Anyway, enough blogging.  I'll see how it shoots soon!

[KDM]

Finally picked it up today!!!  Rushed home, took it out of the box, and commenced fondling  .  I noticed it feels lighter than 9.5#; could be adrenaline.  Suppose I'll have to buy a scale and verify.  Second thought, maybe I'll borrow one.  The wife might think I'm implying something. 

Feels real good coming up to the shoulder.  I closed my eyes a few times, mounted the gun, then opened...the sights were right there.  Right thumb (I'm right-handed) is couple inches in front of my nose when the gun's up.  Seems like a relatively perfect fit, for an off-the-shelf rifle.  I'm sure the Decelerator recoil pad it's fitted with will be appreciated.  Even though it's got what looks like 2 crossbolts, will still have it bedded.  Just makes it more complete that way. 

Couple questions, for those of you who have a 550 or are familiar with them...first, on the left side of the bolt sleeve, is a button called a "disassembly catch".  What does it disassemble, and how is it used?  Second (and this might tie in with the first question), how does one unscrew the bolt sleeve?  The manual states this is unscrewed to gain access to the firing pin.

Gonna run a boresnake thru it a few times in preparation for firing...certainly by this weekend, maybe sooner.

[KDM]

And now, the moment I had been waiting for: shot it today!  I was expecting a recoil monster, and boy was I wrong.  I need to listen to you guys more often! 

Brought a box of 260 grain Federal Premium Vital-Shoks.  Box has them listed as 2700 FPS at the muzzle, with 4210 ft-lbs.  Put my Limbsaver recoil pad under a light jacket, loaded 2 in the mag, and fired from standing.  Rolled with the recoil, but no real "kick".  Fired again, same thing. Took the Limbsaver off, fired 5 rounds.  No big deal.  Shot the remaining 13 off the bench...noticed a difference there, but certainly nothing that'd make me stop.  The recoil is, in a strange way, rather pleasant...shove-y, not punch-y, if ya know what I mean.  What really kicked was me.  I was kicking myself for bringing only 1 box of ammo. 

Rifle worked perfect; fed and extracted without a hitch.  The set trigger is real nice.  Breaks like the proverbial glass rod to me.  The sights need a little work...all my shots (50 yds) were low, so I gotta get a lower front sight post.  The American stock was very comfortable, with no cheek whack.  The Decelerator made a huge difference too, I'm sure.

I see many, many more range trips with this baby.  Ultimate goal (unrealistic?) is to cloverleaf at 100 yds.  Bottom line is this: I'm
pleased as can be with this rifle.  It's comfortable, accurate, and loads of fun to shoot.