CZ550 .375 Scope Questions

[ActionBob]

Thanks for the pictures! I love the Leupolds but might need to consider this for the price.. Wish I could see one in real life.

How long is the action on that 404 compared to a 375 H & H or 416 Rigby?

 

[npm352]

You guys have some great info and experience. Thank you

 

[colorado]

Those are good prices. Thanks for the link. I have to get through the trip to New Zealand in April before I buy any more toys!

Here are a couple pictures:

1 of what I traded along with $100 for the new Duralyt back in Fall 2013. I had not shot the 870 in 10 years, the Leupold scope was close to 20 years old, etc. The value of what was not being used for what might be used!

2nd picture is the Zeiss installed on the 404 Jefferey. It's a bit tight when working the bolt, but comfortable.

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Here's a Leupold 1.5-5x 20mm on my CZ 550 with Talley QR medium height rings. Still works fine after 400 plus full power 500 Jeffery loads. Good to hear the Nikons have gotten so good though

 

[Rob404]

I think Nikons for the Money are a great deal,,I shoot a lot of long guns in the summer and have a variety of scopes ranging from old Phoenix Redfields, Vintage Balvars, Vortex, Nikons and Leupolds I like them all but I lean towards Nikons, They gather Light very well and have proved to be very sturdy with my Heavy calibers. My M1A has kicked the Shit out of every scope Iv'e put on it but the Nikon holding up so far,,As far as using multi scopes on One rifle I have a 1x4 and a 4x12 on kwik release mounts on my 375

 

[thi9elsp]

Thanks for the pictures! I love the Leupolds but might need to consider this for the price.. Wish I could see one in real life.

How long is the action on that 404 compared to a 375 H & H or 416 Rigby?

I'm on the road for work. When I get home this weekend I pull both rifles out and takes some pictures and post them.

 

[thi9elsp]

Bob,

Here's the pictures of my CZ 550's in 375 and 404. I measured from the barrel to the end of the bolt on both rifles it is 22 cm. S0, to me that means the actions are the same length. Here are pictures of both from several different angles so you can see the clearance with the scopes: Leupold 1-4 and Zeiss 1.2-5. They are both mounted with Warne QD Medium Rings.

The third picture in each set shows the clearance. Definitely tighter on the Zeiss - I haven't had an issue working the bolt while at the range and don't expect to have any problems in the field (when I finally get a chance to bloody it).

John

 

[Code4]

I would go for a 2.5 x 20 Leupold myself. Had one on a CZ550 .416 Rigby with Warne Q/D mounts. Being a fixed power I had more faith in it than a Leupold custom shop 1-4.

For the price of the scopes you quoted OP, you can pick up a 2nd hand VXIII 1.5-5 x 20 if you feel you need a higher top end in magnification. The lifetime warranty will help get any problems corrected.

The scope handle can be modified by bending for more clearance (and easier initial grasp) by any competent gunsmith.

 

[8x68]

I wanted to put a scope on a 404 Jeffery I'm having built. I was considering a Leupold VX3 1.5-6x32. This is what the Leupold tech suggested: "First, Although it's an awesome scope, I would not recommend the 1.75-6x32mm to you for your application as it has a very limited elevation and windage adjustment range. You will most likely run out adjustment before getting your rifle properly zeroed and it you managed to get it zeroed, you may possibly have POI issues. I would recommend either a VX-3 1.5-5x20mm, Illuminated or Non-Illuminated, or FX-II Ultralight 2.5X20mm, or The Big Bore 3X that is available through the Custom Shop"

I have a 1.75-6x32 on my CZ 550 FS in 9.3x62 which shoots really well. This scope used to be on my 450 Rigby so it can handle the pounding.

I have several Nikon Monarch 3's. I have them mounted on magnum and non magnum rifles. These are excellent scopes. I would definitely recommend them to people. The thing I like about Nikon optics is that they make their own glass. It's the same quality glass that is used in their camera's. The glass is as clear as the Zeiss HD5 scopes I also have. The zoom magnification I believe is 4x per magnification level. It has a generous 4" eye relief
I will probably get the Nikon 1-4x20mm w/German #4 reticle to put on my 404.
I currently have a Bausch & Lomb Balvar 3-9x40 on my BRNO 602 in 375H&H. Scope choices come down to what people are comfortable with. You also need be to match the scope to the area and animal being hunted. Scope ring height is also a important choice. You wold have to "shoulder" a rifle or two with different rings to see what height suits you. Stock design could greatly affect ring height choice also.

I have never been a big fan of Bushnell (except when they had the Balvar line of scopes). Some people swear by them which their choice.
I find Vortex and Scorpion crosshairs too thin.

 

[JohannS]

I have the same rifle but with the hogback stock. I used the medium QD rings with a zeiss mc 3-9x40. Works well here in the US and everything in Africa as far as ive seen. Dont buy a new scope. Look in your local classifieds or on armslist for a slightly used leupold. Try tonget a 3-9 magnification. Looks well on the rifle and will take something easily from clase to far away.

 

[8x68]

Bob,

Here's the pictures of my CZ 550's in 375 and 404. I measured from the barrel to the end of the bolt on both rifles it is 22 cm. S0, to me that means the actions are the same length. Here are pictures of both from several different angles so you can see the clearance with the scopes: Leupold 1-4 and Zeiss 1.2-5. They are both mounted with Warne QD Medium Rings.

The third picture in each set shows the clearance. Definitely tighter on the Zeiss - I haven't had an issue working the bolt while at the range and don't expect to have any problems in the field (when I finally get a chance to bloody it).

John

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Is it me or are the cross hairs a little cockeyed? Looks like the rifle is on a bit of a cant but the cross hairs seem canted more....unless it's my eyesight! Pretty rifles!

 

[shuter]

Hi all,

I recently got a CZ550 in .375 H&H. It has the American stock but I think is called the Safari Classic. Love it. Looks good, feels good and shoots well with open sights.

I am headed to Zim in July for tuskless ele, buff cow, and hyena (and maybe some plains game depending on time.) I want to get a scope with QD rings (warne probably) with a Leopold scope. My hope is to have the scope off for the ele and on for other stuff. I am debating on which route to go. They have a VX2 in 1-4 power as well as a VX1 in either 2-7 or 3-9. These are in my price range. The gun is for this Safari, but maybe more buffs down the road and maybe a Leopard if I find gold buried in my backyard. Also, I'd probably just do one gun safaris with it in the future if anything dangerous is on the menu.

Questions: 1. Any thoughts on the scope options by guys that have been there and done that? 2. Would medium rings be the way to go. 3. Has anyone had issues with the front site guard blocking scope view?

I appreciate any advice. Thanks guys!

NPM352, I sent you a PM.

 

[thi9elsp]

Is it me or are the cross hairs a little cockeyed? Looks like the rifle is on a bit of a cant but the cross hairs seem canted more....unless it's my eyesight! Pretty rifles!

I think the rifle is canted. The 375 is the one I used in 2011 to take my buffalo in Zimbabwe. One shot at 75 yards, he went about 60 yards, dropped and bellowed. I haven't shot the rifle since then, and that scope was actually installed by a gunsmith. The Zeiss on the 404 is the one I did. Thanks for the complement on the rifles.

 

[8x68]

I think the rifle is canted. The 375 is the one I used in 2011 to take my buffalo in Zimbabwe. One shot at 75 yards, he went about 60 yards, dropped and bellowed. I haven't shot the rifle since then, and that scope was actually installed by a gunsmith. The Zeiss on the 404 is the one I did. Thanks for the complement on the rifles.

I'm looking forward to receiving my 404 when it's done.

 

[Ado]

I have a VX3 2.5-8 on my CZ550 in 375H&H and I am very happy... Although...I really want the VX6 2-12 as the shots past 250m are not easy with the 8 power. Just the price holding me back as the 2.5-8 works well.

Most new scopes from recognised brands are fine, but I am a Leupold fan as I have never had one fail me - EVER...

Ado

 

[shuter]

I have a VX3 2.5-8 on my CZ550 in 375H&H and I am very happy... Although...I really want the VX6 2-12 as the shots past 250m are not easy with the 8 power. Just the price holding me back as the 2.5-8 works well.

Most new scopes from recognised brands are fine, but I am a Leupold fan as I have never had one fail me - EVER...

Ado

Totally agree on Leupold as a brand. But I've found that 4-5x is plenty of magnification for accurate shot placement out to 300 yards or so. Think about it this way: If you had a 1x (no magnification) optic with crosshair, could you make an accurate shot on a big game animal at 75 yards? Of course. That's the same shot as with a 4x at 300. The higher magnification also limits field of view.

I do have a vx6 2-12 on a .300 mag, but honestly it's overkill, in my opinion. Now the vx6 1-6 that I've put on a .338 might be the perfect optic! Huge FOV at 1x, 30mm tube, super tough, and 6x on the upper end for use as far out as I'd ever take a shot. Good luck with whatever you end up with, however!

 

[bassasdaindia]

I also shoot the 375h&h safari clasic in CZ. I have a 1.5-5 vx3 on low mounts. On 1.5 magnification you see the fromt ring in your scope but there is no obstruction to the cross hair. If you zoom to 3,4 or 5 it is no issue as you dont see it!!
I must say this week i had some problems with the rifle not grouping on 100yards. Will go through everything to see if all is still tight!!

hope the recoil wasn't too much for the leeupold to handle? Bullets keep on hitting within 3-4" from the centre and it dies not adjust accordingly if you try and dail it!!

I will let you know what the problem was as soon as i get out to the range

All the best

hi

I recently had a similar issue with my CZ 550 also in 375 , I think I solved it last weekend , but I am keen to hear on what your problem is and if you have found the problem yet.

 

[bassasdaindia]

I also shoot the 375h&h safari clasic in CZ. I have a 1.5-5 vx3 on low mounts. On 1.5 magnification you see the fromt ring in your scope but there is no obstruction to the cross hair. If you zoom to 3,4 or 5 it is no issue as you dont see it!!
I must say this week i had some problems with the rifle not grouping on 100yards. Will go through everything to see if all is still tight!!

hope the recoil wasn't too much for the leeupold to handle? Bullets keep on hitting within 3-4" from the centre and it dies not adjust accordingly if you try and dail it!!

I will let you know what the problem was as soon as i get out to the range

All the best

after re- bedding the barrel and changing the rings on several occasions , I tried changing the scope and I think this has solved the problem, I will only be able to confirm on my next range visit .

 

[colorado]

What kind of rings are you using? I'm using Talley QR steel medium rings on my 500 Jeffery with a Leupold 1.5-5x. No issues so far (fingers crossed)

 

[William W.]

While I have never used my newly purchased CZ 550 in 375 H&H with its Nikon Monarch 2.5 x 10, with Warne Quick Detach "high" rings, this shows how I managed to use the lens hood in conjunction with the iron sights.

 

[gizmo]

Don't know if this helps but I just bought a Nikon 2-7 to put on my cz 550 in 375 H&H. My thought is that I want it to be a great all round africa gun for DG and PG hunting. It's the rifle of choice for the leopard hunt I hope to do in a few years.