Smooth 550 action

[Buckfever]

I have noticed something thought I would share.  I have a Tikka T3 in a 6.5x55 and the action is very smooth and easy to load ammunition.  When cycled without a cartridge it seems the best action I have seen in a moderately priced gun and quite a bit smother than a CZ 550 which I have in a 9.3x62.  But alas when the CZ 550 is cycled with ammunition it is silky smooth just like the Tikka.  Therefore I have drawen this conclusion that the CZ seem rougher without ammunition but is excellant with cartridge.  It feels just great and is smoother with ammunition.  So I guess we can't draw conclusions about how smooth actions are without using a clip full of cartridges!   Hard to do at the big gun shops!!!  I am very pleased with my CZ and my Tikkas.  I think the best looking gun in my gun case is the CZ 550 FS, has a very international look to it.  But, then again I am a sucker for old school Wood and Blued!!!        Buckfever

[7x57mm]

Thanks for that report Buckfever. I have cycled my CZ 550 American so many times that it is smooth as I want it to get. It would be nice if someone with a brand new CZ 550 who feels the action is a bit rough might give it a try and see. Again, thanks ... Tom Purdom

[victorcharlie]

I've got to agree Buckfever........the Tika is butter smooth, but is a push round feed........the CZ is a controlled round feed with the external mauser "claw" extractor so I wouldn't expect it to be as smooth as the Tika......

I love the set trigger on the CZ, and the Tika has a great trigger as well.

Both are very nice rifles, and my favorites in there price range.....

I looked at a Remington mountain rifle yesterday...in a .280.........it had the most beautiful wood that I've seen on a rifle in that price range........the fit and finish on that mountain rifle was fantastic.........I hope this is going to be the norm with remington in the future.  The mountain rifle was about a hundred dollars higher than the tika......and I was very close to buying that particular mountain rifle.

[Buckfever]

I also hope Remington gets things back to what they were as far as quality.  I think the Mountian rifles and especially the CDL are very good looking.  Might have to have one in the future but it has to shoot little groups like they did and when they did they were some of the best out there.  Buckfever

[gwindrider1]

The 550 action can be slicked up with very little effort.  I use JB Bore Bright on the bolt.  This is a mildly abrasive paste.  Slather up your bolt with the JB, and spend a bit of time working the bolt fore, and aft.  About 500 cycles did wonders for mine!

One caution though, do not turn the bolt handle down while doing these cycles.  The abrasive paste could work it's way onto the back of your bolt lugs, and therefore alter the headspace.  It would be very minor if this happened, but it is something to be avoided!  And, of course, flush the action clean afterwards with a good crud cutter type of cleaner.  I think you will be very pleased with the results.