Author Topic: Remington CDL, or a CZ 550 (Read 5172 times)

Ponydog · « **on:** May 11, 2007, 03:31:00 AM »

I read a few other posts about bolt actions rifles, and what it is that a certain persons likes or dislikes....well I have kinda the same dilemma. I am wanting to get my son a nice bolt action rifle. He has a handi synthetic .243 , and has loved it since he first got it at the age of 10. I made a decision, for a variety of reasons....to go with a handi for his first gun. It was affordable...shot well....duarble, and a single shot...meaning , you better make this one count . He has made them count in his 6 deer seasons, he has harvested 4 bucks...and the experiences we have had, made gun type , or money , seem pretty meager in comparison . I have had Remington guns my entire hunting life. I am 47. My son is 15. This past Christmas, we both got CZ 527's in 204 caliber for long range varmint hunting..which we both enjoy.....now my Remmy 700 ADL .270 , is a tack driver...but these CZ's , in our opinions...are just unreal in the way they shoot. So for all of you who have more experience that me..or less experience too...I just wanted opinions between the quality of the CZ 550 and the Remington 700. Both are great guns...just wanted some feedback . Thanks

jeclif · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2007, 04:58:41 AM »

I like the single set trigger on the cz's and if I buy another rifle it will be a cz

Devy55 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2007, 06:46:08 AM »

Most people seem to like the CZ over other rifles in the same price range.

Here's a thread with comments on the CZ vs. other several other rifles:

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,112965.0.html

Myself, I'm looking at getting a CZ-550 American in .270 sometime this month, if I can find it at a reasonable price.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2007, 07:27:43 AM »

When I buy a bolt action rifle no thought has to go into it. I KNOW it will be a Remington either Model 700 or Model 7. They've never let me down and are the only thing I even consider.

7x57mm · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2007, 10:19:06 AM »

I buy what I feel most comfortable and confident with, therefor, I buy CZ. I like the fit, the feel, the finish, the single-set trigger and accuracy of the CZs I have been directly involved with. However, what I may be comfortable with may be the exact opposite from what your son feels. Besides, for some reason, you can badmouth many things, but don't ever badmouth someone's dog, or their rifle. I would highly recommend going to the CZ website, and the Remington website and go over all the attributes of each rifle. I would then take your son to a shop which caters to Remingtons and have him heft one or two of them. Next, I would go to a shop which caters to CZ and have your son heft one or two of them to see how they come to his shoulder and line of site. Then let him make up his mind on which one he would like as his big game rifle. If he still cannot make up his mind, then ask one of these "one rifle versus the other rifle" questions. I wish your son well in his choice. Tom Purdom

Warthog · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2007, 12:07:39 PM »

The last 4 (yep 4) Remingtons I've bought were all truly terrible pieces of junk. These were all new rifles. I swore off them completely. Well, a couple of weeks ago I was in my local gun dealer's shop and there was a drop dead gorgeous Model 7 CDL in .270 WSM up on the shelf. I need a new rifle like I need another hole in my head, but it had some of the prettiest wood I've ever seen on a factory rifle. As I wavered, I decided to check it out closer. The fit and finish was absolutely pathetic. The action and barrel were off center and the recoil pad and spacer were mounted crooked. The action was stiff and gritty and the trigger was extremely heavy. My dislike of Remington continues. I know nothing of the CZ and cannot help there, but I cannot in good conscience recommend a new Remington for even boat anchor status.

Ratltrap · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2007, 12:21:57 PM »

Depends on what it's used for. For my uses between the 2 companies various offerings I'd pick a Model 7 over either the 550 American or the 700. Between the 2 you posted the CZ pros are for stand and long range hunting or for a big bore. The set trigger is great for shots where there is lots of time on target, but that triigger isn't as good as the Rem. trigger for a walkaround rifle. For a big bore the CZ has a bit more weight, a CRF action, and an extra round in the mag, but for standard calibers I'd probably go with the lighter CDL.

Tikkabuck · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2007, 04:34:41 AM »

I've not had any luck with the newer Remy's,so I won't even look at them anymore after my last go around with customer service. Plus I like the Mauser style actions,so from those 2 the CZ would get my vote.

If it were me and I want to get my boys (3) one that will last and be proud to own it would be a Tikka. Just my $.02.

nofun1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2007, 10:38:32 AM »

You wont go wrong with either I have both and which ever one is in my hand is my current favorite. It isn't true in my opinion though that the CZ trigger isn't as good as the Rem. The rem is a fine trigger especially on older one. but the CZ is easier to adjust and can be adjusted down lower than is sensible I played around with one once and got a totally safe 3oz. I tapped it on the floor and flipped the bolt and safety as roughly as I could it never went off. (I set it to 6 oz right away though) on my Varmint- Bench gun.

hunt127588 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2007, 10:44:26 AM »

I have both Remington and CZ...Remington points and feels better but the CZ has better fit/finish than the newer Remingtons. If it were me, I would test drive each before buying. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

jimmyp50 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 28, 2007, 02:20:25 AM »

In my opinion there are pros and cons with both rifles. The CZ has a higher bolt throw (at least the one I owned 4 years ago did) and required higher scope mounting. The gun I owned in .308 Full Stock version had the European stock and I did not care for the drop at comb. It shot very well, but you had to wait a while between shots due to the full stock to avoid overheating, it was heavy for a .308. Then Remington has the J lock, but I guess that is a personal and subjective dislike on my part, but the bolt throw will be lower, you can mount the scope lower, and the trigger will probably be better. If it were me and I was looking for a light short action cartridge like 7-08 or .308 there is not doubt I would by a Rem. Model 7, to my mind the Model 7 is one of the best handiest short actions out there, even if they are hit or miss in quality these days. If you can afford a Kimber it would be the best choice but again we are talking about $600.00 rifles here, you might also shoulder a Howa, Tikka, or Weatherby SMOA Vanguard to see how they feel. The SMOA Vanguard has a very nice aluminum bedded stock and an accuracy guarantee. CZ's full length actions are one size fits all as far as I know. For a full sized cartridge 30-06 length it is a toss up if you are just considering Remington or CZ choose one that fits you best. My next rifle will be a 9.3 x 62 Mauser in the CZ and I will have the entire range covered...I tell my wife "this" is the last rifle that I will need....somehow she does not believe me.

Brithunter · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2007, 03:08:27 AM »

Well you already have the Remingtons so let your son try them for feel then let him try the CZ and choose which ever he likes best.

Although if you do decide on a new Remington then check it very ..................... very carefully as there as just too may reporting poor quality not to do this. CZ do not seem to have this problem. Greybeard will only consider remingtons but myself unless it's something liek an old time Model 30 then remington will not be found here as I dislike the model 700 and it's derivatives intensly.

Zachary · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2007, 03:22:34 AM »

I own several Remingtons, many Tikkas, and a sprinkle of Brownings, Winchesters, Kimbers, etc.

I do not currently own any CZ BOLT guns. However, I DO own a couple of CZ RIMFIRES, and I have handled and shot CZ Bolts guns.

I consider the CZs to be of similar quality and fit and finish to the Tikkas. While both guns have their pros and cons, I personally like the Tikkas a bit better than the CZs. Given that I normally buy stainless synthetic rifles, and Tikkas has them, but CZ does not, it's a no brainer and I buy the Tikkas.

As for the Remingtons, as I stated, I think that I (currently) own more Remingtons than any other make, and all of them are tack drivers. However, I personally think that the quality and fit and finish on both the Tikka and CZ are better than that of my Remingtons.

I have been disappointed in recent years with Remington's quality. And one example is that I got a BDL SS DM in 7mm-08 that had a trigger so bad and loose, that it was shifting left-to-right like a belly dancer. Given that I really needed the gun for a hunt out in Texas the next week, rather than sending the gun back to Remington to fix that defect, I just had the gunsmith install a Jewel trigger. As another example, it seems that the newer Remingtons do not have as tight of tolerances between the bolt and the receiver, whereas the Tikkas and CZ have tighter tolerances. Just my experiences. Again, I love all of my Remingtons, but I must say that the Tikkas and CZs have better quality and fit and finish, and they are shooters too.

As I am sure has already been stated, shooting comfort is also very important. Have your son handle both the Remington CDL and the CZ and see which one fits him best. You should definately take that into consideration.

Zachary

lilabner · « **Reply #13 on:** June 07, 2007, 12:55:59 AM »

The advice about handling the rifles in question is excellent. The rifle your son handles best has much in its favor. Nothing wrong with Remington and CZ, but in that price range, I suggest you and your son also check out the Tikka T3. Look at bolt lift, short and low for good scope mounting. Work the bolt back and forth. Pull the trigger, remembering that it can be adjusted by you down to 2 pounds and will still be clean and crisp. Consider TIkka's reputation for accuracy, which is up there with the best.

Ponydog · « **Reply #14 on:** June 07, 2007, 02:46:55 AM »

I thank you all for the input......on the last post, I can say he has handled the CDL Remmy, an ADL Remmy, and has held the Tikka T-3. The comment he made when comparing the Tikka to the Remington was kinda funny, only from a kids mouth I guess. He has an old Crossman 177 cal pellet gun....with the pump forearm...one day , he was pumping it up , just plinking at tin cans...and crack ....the forearm literally split in half...the simulated wood, was actually some type of molded synthetic wood look alike. As I said , only from a kids mouth , but he handled the Tikka and said...Dad..this stock reminds me of the old pellet gun I used to have...Now , we were at a Gander Mtn. in Paducah Kentucky...and they had several Tikka's, but , the stocks were indeed very ..well...cheesy. I know they are said to be fine walnut...but holding the Tikka next to the Remmy CDL , or for that matter , the Savage 114 American...well.....let's just say the Tikka is no doubt a great firearm...accurate, dependable, well made...but that stock looks like crap. It turned him off no matter of the reputation. The asethetics were not up to par. But the bolt action was satin smooth. He also held a very nice stocked CZ 550. The Tikka , simply because of the looks, was left on the shelf. I know, I know...but it is a toss up anyway ....I have heard countless stories of Savage owners saing , "she aint pretty..but she shoot great"....I know looks mean nothing....but , when comparing these three..with pretty close specs and tolerances....looks do come into play in the mind of a 16 yr old young man......and so it goes.
He and I will come to some conclusion before Christmas....and it'll be a great to see him open it up..whatever it ends up being.....

Brithunter · « **Reply #15 on:** June 07, 2007, 07:14:35 AM »

That's the thing with rifles, they have to appeal to the eye as well as the heart and hands.

Good luck with your selection.

Lou270 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 11, 2007, 05:53:10 AM »

I think they are both good rifles. The quality on the lower end Remingtons with the synthetic stock can be spotty, but the CDLs I have seen and own are pretty good. The fit & finish on the CZ 550s I have seen have not been any better. Both can suffer from the barrel off center in the stock, though in my experience it is more common on the CZs I have looked at. The wood on the CDL is better than the wood on the 550. The CZ550 is also a heavier, chunkier gun than the typical Remington 700. Not a big deal in heavier calibers, but I prefer something lighter & more streamlined in lighter calibers (say under 30-06). The 550 has some desirable features such as mauser style extractor & blade ejector, but I have never had or even heard of any problems with the Remington action except on the internet. The CZ550 I have is accurate and I have heard nothing, but good things from CZs in the accuracy dept. I have much more experience with 700s and they have all been extremely accurate. The best advice is to go try one of each. The CZ550 is a more substantial gun and has a bit different feel to it. The scope generally needs to be placed a bit higher than on a 700, but this is more important to some than others. In some areas, the 550 is a bit cheaper than an equivalent Rem 700, so is probably a better deal for what you get.

-Lou

jimmyp50 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 11, 2007, 10:33:15 AM »

Your chances of getting a very good barrel are better with the CZ, but again there are trade offs. The J lock puts Remington out of the question for me.

RaySendero · « **Reply #18 on:** June 11, 2007, 12:07:14 PM »

Get him one of these in 308!
Real good barrel and No j-lock

http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/700pltr.htm

saltydog · « **Reply #19 on:** June 23, 2007, 05:48:15 AM »

American vs foreign. Removable magazine vs box. Cost is about the same. New Remington owners are breathing life into a stodgy company that has been run by bean counters. They already have a new web site that is much improved. New designs and products. That said I would look for a 60's era Remington rifle in 270 or 30:06 in either and ADL or BDL in excellent cosmetic shape. I have looked at alot of them and many of the older ADL's have great wood for a "bottom end" rifle. A bit of hand work with 0000 and BLO will freshen rifle up. The larger for era caliber rifles are not typically shot out just shot a couple times per year and many moved to back of safe after first couple of years the lure of a magnum took over. The ADL's are usually cheaper - under $300 - don't pay extra for scope unless it is a Leupold (lifetime gurantee) as other brands have changed owners and there is no warranty.

Redhat · « **Reply #20 on:** June 23, 2007, 12:10:32 PM »

I have owned both; Rem VLS in .308 and CZ 550 Premium in .270. The Rem was a great shooting rifle topped with a Leupold 4.5X14 scope. Off the bench the Remington would shoot .75" groups at 100m with match ammo.

The CZ is my current hunting rifle and will shoot under an inch at 100 m with 130 gr Win. Ballistic Silver tip ammo. It is topped with a Leupold 3X9.

CZ's don't let you get the scope quite as low as the Rem because of the bolt throw, but the set trigger is a very good feature for range shooting ( I won't use it for hunting because it's too light!)

Just handle both and see which one you like, both should be satisfactory in the accuracy/reliability dept.

By the way, the CZ in .270 doesn't have a removable box magazine, it has a hinged floorplate.

Good luck

sabretip · « **Reply #21 on:** June 30, 2007, 09:54:01 AM »

I have a new CDL 35 Whelen that shoots really tight and a 7x57 Mountain Rifle that is a very good shooter as well. If I was to pick one, then it would be Remington because they have been good to me with little or no work needed on them.