Opinions requested...CZ 550 barrel cut down?

[Hooked Now]

Hi all,


Sorry. New guy asking a question that probably has lots of answers. I have a CZ550 magnum in .375. Standard 25 inch barrel. I'm going to add a barrel band sling awivek because as a taller guy my left hand always ends up right on the front sling swivel. No fun on recoil. So now I will need to remove the front sight to get the band on. Which gives me a chance to do two possible things. I can thread the barrel (no plans for a brake but might suppress one day) and/or take a bit of length off the barrel to shave a little weight on the front end.

Any opinions, experiences, string moral reservations on cutting down that barrel?

I'll happily take all you choose to share.

Thanks.

 

[USMA84DAB]

I absolutely love my 20" barrels on my Ruger Alaskans in .375 Ruger.

In order to not lose about 100 FPS from lopping your barrel to 20", you would want to ream the chamber to the Improved size. You can still shoot factory ammo, but would get the powder space to beef up your ammo back towards factory specs.

Don't know how much of a rifle nerd you are, so this may be out of your comfort zone. Just kinda musing about how I would improve things if I were in your shoes with this rifle. Some people would never bob the barrel.

I cuss a lot less still hating with a 20" barrel vs. the old-style long ones. What does 5" of .375 barrel weigh - 1/4 pound? But that adds up as age and time carrying it lengthens.

As always - YMMV - and it is your rifle, so do what makes YOU happy with it!!!!! My vote is bob it to 20"!!!!

 

[uplander01]

I'd cut 3 " off barrel, don't thread it, put on new banded hooded front sight and a barrel band sling swivel. I have a buddy that's a large fellow and when I watch his off-hand come up to a stock with standard stock swivel I cringe every time...

 

[Fatback]

I had one that had been cut down to 23 inches when I bought it, to do the same thing, add barrel band swivel. Barrel wasn’t threaded so I can’t comment on that. The rifle handled well and was very accurate.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

22” or 23” seems to be the sweet spot for me.

 

[dogcat1]

Depends on the balance you are after. I have 21" on a Dakota .416 Rigby and a 23" on a .375 HH. I strive for balance and ease of getting on target when I mount the rifle.

 

[CBH Australia]

There are clamp on barrel bands available as another option .

“Uncle Mikes” brand is one option I think.

If you get the correct diameter to fit where you want it you would still be able to remove it and have one soldered on later if you decide to go the whole way

 

[skydiver386]

At 6'3", I have no problem with the longer barrels, as a matter of fact I prefer the 25" of the CZ 550. Given that the CZ 550 Safari Magnum is no longer in production, I truly hate to see them modified from their factory condition. There are plenty that have had the barrel shortened if you prefer that, and others like me would be glad to pay a good price for an unmodified CZ 550 like yours.

Although it's never been a problem for me, I do see how the factory front sling swivel may be an issue. I think the clamp on suggested by CBH Australia is a great idea to see if it's what you want, and can easily be made solid later.

 

[Altitude sickness]

21” - 22” would be perfect.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I have a clamp on band and do not like it, it will not stay tight enough to not move. I might try using Loctite #620 and glue it in place. I cut my CZ 458 to 20 in and really like how it handles, if you cut the barrel to 22 in and add a suppressor you will hang 14-16 oz on the end and add 12 inch to the length, not good

 

[Ericedwinbates]

Those clamp on bands are worthless on a heavy recoiling DG rifle. Dont waste your time, money, and frustration on them. Murphy will make them fail on a Safari for sure.

 

[cajunchefray]

Hi all,


Sorry. New guy asking a question that probably has lots of answers. I have a CZ550 magnum in .375. Standard 25 inch barrel. I'm going to add a barrel band sling awivek because as a taller guy my left hand always ends up right on the front sling swivel. No fun on recoil. So now I will need to remove the front sight to get the band on. Which gives me a chance to do two possible things. I can thread the barrel (no plans for a brake but might suppress one day) and/or take a bit of length off the barrel to shave a little weight on the front end.

Any opinions, experiences, string moral reservations on cutting down that barrel?

I'll happily take all you choose to share.

Thanks.

I would cut the barrel to 22" as personal preference.
I understand bigger men can appreciate the 25" barrel.
My CZ 550 416 Rigby American Safari had a 25" barrel, a bit long.

My CZ 550 .500 Jeffery had a 24" barrel, every bit appreciated for recoil.

I find that 22–23-inch barrels work for my stature, and a barrel band, soldered, and a NECG Masterpiece banded front sight is the best setup.

Keep us posted with pictures of the modifications.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

I have cut various rifle barrels down amd never been unhappy about any of them
Cut it down redo the crown amd thread it and keep the thread cover on, you dont need to suppress now but then the threading is done and its an easy option for future

 

[KCSafari]

I did something similar with my CZ 550 in 416 Rigby.
Treaded barrel length with cap is 21 3/4.
Also put a recoil rod in the stock. Love shooting the rifle.

 

[coreydb]

Keep the length as is and thread the muzzle. The 375 is already heavy, but it helps mitigate the barrel rise. I thought of doing the same with mine but didn't . I'm glad of the decision because (in my mind) when I shot both my buffalo and sable, I was quick to chamber the next round and return on target.

 

[Luvthunt]

Cut it to 22/23 you will not be sorry.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Hi all,


Sorry. New guy asking a question that probably has lots of answers. I have a CZ550 magnum in .375. Standard 25 inch barrel. I'm going to add a barrel band sling awivek because as a taller guy my left hand always ends up right on the front sling swivel. No fun on recoil. So now I will need to remove the front sight to get the band on. Which gives me a chance to do two possible things. I can thread the barrel (no plans for a brake but might suppress one day) and/or take a bit of length off the barrel to shave a little weight on the front end.

Any opinions, experiences, string moral reservations on cutting down that barrel?

I'll happily take all you choose to share.

Thanks.

Have cut down both my 375 and 416 Rigby on the CZ550's. Without checking, If I recall correctly, my 375 is down to a 22, and the 416 is down to a 21" barrel. Completely changed the dynamics of the rifles for the better, in my opinion.