Author Topic: CZ or 70 . . . ? (Read 1436 times)

Old Griz · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 12:16:28 PM »

:cb2: Been kicking around the idea of a new 6.5x55 Swede. At first was considering the Winchester M70 Featherweight, but I have heard so many positive remarks about the CZ, I may have to reconsider.

What are the pro and cons with these two rifles?

Thanks!

Eddie in Delta · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2005, 05:35:19 PM »

Do you like detachable magazines or hinged floorplates? I like the detachable aspect of the CZ. Also, the CZ is probably cheaper. Just my opinion.

Eddie

foto · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2005, 07:16:52 PM »

A solidly built CZ with a mauser action and features including scope rings and a set trigger made by our friends and allies in the Czech Republic or sending your money to a company in Belgium, where the wonderful citizens who we freed twice in two world wars brought war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against the USA and its leaders in recent years. Let me think about it for a while.

pc · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2005, 12:45:06 AM »

I have had so much success with my cz rifles that although I love the m70 feather weights the cz wins out, I also like the integral base set up, heaps of good features and they shoot very well.

magnum308 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:53:57 AM »

Foto,

I have voted M70 but then I read your post and the uncanny way you put things into perspective. Ah, FN Herstal, the Belgian government conglomerate.

However, I rationalize my vote to myself from the point of view that I really meant a pre 64 M70 fwt. Made by the Winchester of that era that was as US as apple pie. I haven't bought a new Winchester but I have bought 2 pre 64 M70 fwts (in .308 Win and .270 Win) and love them.

I don't have any knowledge of the CZ550. My closest association with CZ is my 60s vintage Brno Model 2 rimfire that I wouldn't get rid of if my life depended on it (let me rephrase that).

Cheers,
Magnum308

Redhat · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2005, 03:46:12 AM »

Never owned or fird the M70, but I do have a .270 CZ550.

My vote goes to the CZ: I like the stock, way the scope rings mount, the barrel is a tad longer at 24" and is hand lapped at the factory. CRF Mauser action (bolt can be field stripped with no tools), and a nice single set trigger (although I wouldn't use it hunting...it's REALLY light). The normal is lighter and crisper than most out of the box triggers on American made rifles.

Price-I got the "Premium" model with jeweled bolt for $450

First time to the range it put 2 shots touching at 100 yds and is now zeroed at 200 yds.

Down side: the wood is hit or miss. I've heard some guys say they got beautiful stocks but mine is just plain (Turkish walnut which I hear is denser than American). Part of the problem is the tree sap stock finish CZ uses, but I have seen pictures of nicely refinished stocks...there is good looking wood under there after all. In the end it didn't matter because I'm more into how a rifle shoots than fancy grade stocks...the CZ was just what I wanted

Ramrod · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2005, 04:44:15 AM »

Quote from: foto

A solidly built CZ with a mauser action and features including scope rings and a set trigger made by our friends and allies in the Czech Republic or sending your money to a company in Belgium, where the wonderful citizens who we freed twice in two world wars brought war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against the USA and its leaders in recent years. Let me think about it for a while.

One thing you forgot to mention. The Winchester Model 70 still is made by Americans in New Haven Conn.

lilabner · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:10:12 AM »

Leaving international politics out of it, I would pick the CZ. This is based on my happy experience with a 452 American in .22 lr. They are strongly built, accurate and reasonably priced. My feeling is that the odds of getting a bad shooter may be a bit higher for the Winchester. CZ has a good worldwide reputation but they are just catching on in the U.S.

razmuz · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2005, 07:53:59 AM »

You got yourself a tough choice to make. It'll be even tougher if you throw a Tikka T-3 into the pot. What to do?

If others are worried about the made in America thing I suggest they shut down their PC's. :wink:

leverfan · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2005, 08:34:02 AM »

The Winchester may be in the lead simply because more folks have owned Winchesters. The CZ is making a good showing. I've been very happy with my CZ, and I expect my next bolt action rifle will be a CZ 550.

Questor · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2005, 08:45:35 AM »

The CZs are relatively heavy. Good gun for sure, but if weight is a deciding factor, then you need to realize the difference is significant.

Redhat · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:08:45 AM »

CZ lists them as 7.3 Lbs the Win is 6.8 Lbs...not much difference to me. Also the CZ has a 24" barrel.

I like both guns, and the best thing is always to handle and shoot (if possible) both before you buy

Good Luck

Old Griz · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:17:41 AM »

:cb2: Heck, after haulin' that 9.5-10 lb. Swedish Mauser around, a mere 7.3 lbs is gonna be heaven! My Marlin .45-70 weighs that much.

longwinters · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2005, 10:26:18 AM »

I have never owned either. But from looking at them in the gun store I would go with the CZ.

Long

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2005, 12:45:49 PM »

Winchester every time. I don't like detachable magazines on hunting rifles. I have had my problems with them(had a couple where the magazine dropped out after the release button got pushed accidentally). Lawdog

Old Griz · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:10:27 PM »

:cb2: No problem (for me at least)the 6.5 doesn't have a detachable magazine.

7x57mm · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:05:05 PM »

I have limited experience, but I highly recommend the CZ. Don't have a darn thing against Winchester Model 70s. I have never owned one, and probably never will. I do own two CZs. Might I suggest you also take a look at the 6.5x55 in the CZ 550 Fullstock. My brother saw my CZ 550 American in 7x57mm, fell in love with the wood to metal finish, the metal finish, the general neat looks of the little carbine and especially the set trigger. He had to have one. I talked him into a 7x57mm simply because it is a classic cartridge. He got one and it is a tackdriver. His buddy in El Paso saw Duffy's, and had to have its twin, so he too, bought a CZ 550 Fullstock in 7x57mm, and darned if it isn't accurate as heck as well. CZ has since dropped the 7x57mm from its entire lineup (that is something that really gets my goat) which goes to show you that even a good company can make idiotic decisions, but the fullstock is still made in 6.5x55mm. There's some dude on GunsAmerica selling the fullstock for in 6.5x55mm for $550 plus shipping. Well, that's my six cents on it. Tom Purdom

SR James · « **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2005, 09:19:18 AM »

I bought a new Featherweight in 6.5 almost 3 months ago. I like it alot. The factory trigger pull is a little heavy but its a joy to shoot nonetheless. I have no direct experience with the CZ, having only seen one, never shot one. But I'm very happy with my Win.

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #18 on:** March 18, 2005, 06:00:36 PM »

Old Griz,
I'd lay my money on the CZ out-shooting the Winchester. The CZ that will not shoot well would be a rare exception. Finish and wokmanship of the two is about equal from the ones I have experience with.
Best,
TnNuc

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #19 on:** March 19, 2005, 05:20:23 AM »

I would have to vote for the Winchester Featherweight. One, because something about the lines of the gun just really appeal to me. The other - and I profess ignorance - is because I know nothing about the CZ.

Which leads me to another question. I tried to pull up the website on CZ at www.cz-usa.com. No luck at all. Does anyone have another web address for this company? Or another way to find out about them?

The weapons and company sounds interesting and I would like to know more.

Thanks,

Matt

Redhat · « **Reply #20 on:** March 19, 2005, 10:13:43 AM »

CZ must be having trouble with their WEB site today...I went there yesterday, so I know it's usually up. Try 'em again later

Guns4570 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 20, 2005, 05:17:46 AM »

www.cz-usa.com no period after it.

Lawdog · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2005, 10:33:55 AM »

The CZ site has been down for about four days now. Must either be working on it(again) or moving it. Lawdog

Ghoster · « **Reply #23 on:** March 20, 2005, 12:36:20 PM »

I have one of each, a 6.5X55 CZ, and a SS 300WSM Winchester. I like them both. The Winchester is slightly lighter and more ergonomic (and it is accurate). However, I like the CZ iron sight (backup), and it is also very accurate.

The CZ is less expensive (not cheaper), and the Winchester has more options. The Winchester featherweights also look good.

Well, I can't decide which is better, it just depends on the price and what it is needed for. :twisted:

Big Paulie · « **Reply #24 on:** March 23, 2005, 07:36:29 AM »

Geez Redhat,

A half a pound difference in the weight of a rifle seems like an enormous amount to me!

I vote for a pre-64 Winchester Featherweight. They are pretty easy to find, light enough, accurate enough, and smooth as silk.

The CZ is a great rifle, but is heavy, and has a detachable mag (something else to loose).

The pre-64 will cost a few hundred dollars more, but if you take care of it, you will always get your money back. It is a classic, a collectable, a shooter, and a cult rifle, all in one.

Best Regards,

Big Paulie

Redhat · « **Reply #25 on:** March 23, 2005, 03:21:01 PM »

Big pauli,

Read back a few posts and you'll see the CZ does not have a detachable
magazine, and as for "heavy"...surely you jest!!!

Have you ever fired a CZ 550??? I'll wager the trigger is better out of the box and the 550 will blister the winnie on the range

hunt127588 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 23, 2005, 03:40:43 PM »

Yes, the CZ 550 (in short calibers only) does have a detachable mag. I have one in a .243 like this that I purchased about 2 months ago. I also have a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless .270. As for weight, they are pretty much the same. However, the CZ 550 has a much more squared off feeling on the back end of the forearm much like a Savage. I like both but the CZ has my nod for the $$.

Redhat · « **Reply #27 on:** March 23, 2005, 03:47:32 PM »

Yes but the caliber asked about was 6.5x55, which isn't a short action.

How did yours shoot?

ought6 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 29, 2005, 10:59:56 AM »

Griz,

I'd definitely go with the CZ. I bought a 30-06 Winchester featherweight many years ago. At the range, after about 2 or three rounds, the barrel started heating up and the rounds began to wonder. I never could get that rifle to group more than a couple of rounds worth anything.

If the CZ centerfires are anywhere near the quality of their rimfire, then they are superior rifles in the accuracy department. :sniper:

Lawdog · « **Reply #29 on:** March 30, 2005, 09:03:28 AM »

Quote from: db

Griz,

I'd definitely go with the CZ. I bought a 30-06 Winchester featherweight many years ago. At the range, after about 2 or three rounds, the barrel started heating up and the rounds began to wonder. I never could get that rifle to group more than a couple of rounds worth anything.

If the CZ centerfires are anywhere near the quality of their rimfire, then they are superior rifles in the accuracy department. :sniper:

db,

That has been known to happen on those "buggy whip" thin barrels they put on light weight rifles. They heat up fast and it doesn't matter what the make of the rifle is. Lawdog

Poll

Which would you rather own and hunt with--the Winchester M70 or the CZ 550?

Author Topic: CZ or 70 . . . ? (Read 1436 times)