CZ 550 Medium 300 Winmag.

[The Mechanic]

I am looking into getting another rifle soon. I have tried on all brands of bolt actions but the CZs, hope to in a couple of weeks, and I found aspects of each I did not like. I am fond of the Marlin lever actions for feel, but I want a long range rifle as I have an 1895 in 45-70 now. I can get a CZ 550 medium in .300 winmag for around $550 which is in my price range. What I am asking is there anything I should be looking for in this rifle to be aware of other than the minor issues of fit and finish. I have read here that some calibers may be prone to cracking the stock, is this something to go after with bedding right away or should I just keep a watchful eye out? As far as accuracy goes most rifles shoot better than me because of shake and I do not get enough range time. So if a rifle goes to an inch or so at 100 yards that's better than I can hold. Oh and I'm not wedded to only a .300 winmag for caliber it just happens to be one deal I'm looking at. I am rather partial to .308s but am open to suggestions.

[dubber123]

I have 2 CZ's., a 6.5X55 FS, and a .416 Rigby.  I can say the triggers on both were good out of the box, (and adjustable), and both shoot extremely well.  I don't consider them the best finished gun I've ever handled, but the price reflects that.  I'm not saying they are clunkers, just not 5,000$ customs either.  For the money I'm not sure CZ can be beat.  The 300 is a great caliber, and seems to have alot of accuracy potential, with a lot of factory loads available if you don't handload.

[Simple Man]

The CZ 550 is a great rifle and has a single set trigger which I absolutely love. I think CZ has good fit & finish, not the best but certainly good for the price. Sometimes you get real lucky and get a piece of wood that you would want to hang on your wall and I think they have some of the nicest bluing to boot. I have heard a couple of reports of people having a stock crack but I don't know all the details.  It could have been a bad run of wood or who knows. I would be confident in CZ's warranty if there were to be a problem though.  As far as the caliber goes it is usually best to go with what you want the most. There have been times I have had my mind set on one thing only to be talked into something different and then regret it later.
The CZ 550 Varmint in .308 sure is a sweet thing. 

What ever you buy be sure to post us a pic. 

[The Mechanic]

Thanks for the replies. As for a 'purty' gun I don't much care for but I do like good fiqure in the wood grain. Admitedly I have only sourced the gun in one place. So I do need to look around, CZ has the Varmiter and that fancy one with the holes in the forearm of the laminated stock, cann't remember the model. But it really looks nice. If at all possible I will look for a .308 but wanted some opinions on the .300 also. Like I told my wife I weigh opinions and try on guns before deciding, I never 'jump' into a purchase. So again thanks much.