CZ 550 Field vs Fancy

[Grouser]

Good day!

I see the prettier wood, what else am I missing??

Thanks,

Trent

 

[BeeMaa]

What you are missing is a host of threads about the CZ550.
Make sure you do your research.
Buying a CZ550 is a good deal, but it could be a fixer upper.
Most need some type of work straight out of the box.
Also, the CZ550 is out of production so there is no factory support.
But this could make it more valuable in the future.

In the end, if you want a CRF true magnum length action...
The CZ550 is the least expensive options even after the upgrades.
You just have to be willing to do the work, or pay to have it done.

 

[Grouser]

Thanks, BeeMaa.

Yep, I've trudged through many, many CZ 550 threads here. : )
From what I gather, there are fewer problems feeding the .375 H&H, etc. But my inquiry concerns the difference between the 'fancy' grade and the 'field' grade rifle. The fancy grade is about 50% more ($) and I am curious, aside from the pretty wood, what else would I be paying for.

These are out of production, but there must be upwards of a zillion about, and they are a very known quanity.

 

[Shootist43]

Grouser, depending on caliber that may have come from their custom shop, probably nothing. Even pretty girls go to a Beauty Salon. It all comes down to what is most important to you. If just having a working rifle floats your boat then the plain model will suffice. But if all of your "buds" are sporting fancy custom rifles you may have little choice but to cough up the extra bucks to "keep up with the Joneses."

 

[BeeMaa]

Thanks, BeeMaa.

Yep, I've trudged through many, many CZ 550 threads here. : )
From what I gather, there are fewer problems feeding the .375 H&H, etc. But my inquiry concerns the difference between the 'fancy' grade and the 'field' grade rifle. The fancy grade is about 50% more ($) and I am curious, aside from the pretty wood, what else would I be paying for.

These are out of production, but there must be upwards of a zillion about, and they are a very known quanity.

Same action, just fancy wood.

I'd recommend you get a regular grade one to save cost.
Spend the balance on a stock blank and have it custom fit.
While you are at it, have the rifle gone over and any issues fixed.

I'm not sure if American Hunting Rifles is accepting any new work.
You should contact Wayne there to find out.
If so, he does an upgrade #3 with AAA English Walnut stock.
So that's about $1K for the rifle and $4K for the upgrade.
Then you will have a true custom and beautifully stocked rifle.

Or contact AHR to commission a full custom rifle build.
A few members here have done so and are very happy with the results.

 

[BeeMaa]

Every now and then an AHR comes up for sale.
I've seen them on Gun Broker a few times.
Hendershot's (located in Handcock, MD) is also a good source.
They have an AHR CZ550 in 416RIGBY for sale now.

 

[colorado]

Thanks, BeeMaa.

Yep, I've trudged through many, many CZ 550 threads here. : )
From what I gather, there are fewer problems feeding the .375 H&H, etc. But my inquiry concerns the difference between the 'fancy' grade and the 'field' grade rifle. The fancy grade is about 50% more ($) and I am curious, aside from the pretty wood, what else would I be paying for.

These are out of production, but there must be upwards of a zillion about, and they are a very known quanity.

The Safari classic's with the pretty wood came from the CZ Custom shop. Actions still made in Czech, but typically McGowan barrels, barrel bands and mercury recoil reducers came stock with the 505 Gibbs and 500 Jeffery. Harlan Satrang at Triple River Guns did most of the CZ Custom work.

 

[Bonk]

375, 416, and 458 with the fancy wood are standard production rifles. The pretty wood is the only difference. All other calibers are from the custom safari series and the price will reflect that.