CZ 550 American

[pennlineman]

I just picked up a new deer rifle yesterday. I got it in my head a long time ago that a rifle chambered in either .260 Remington or 6.5x55 would be perfect as a deer gun. So when this CZ in 6.5x55 showed up at the gun store I snagged it up.

The rifle is in like new condition. It came with a BSA huntsman 6-18x40 which I'm not too excited about. I think I'd be better served with a 2.5-9x40 scope. I've never been much of a rifle guy but I've heard good things about Bushnell elite, Nikon and Leupold scopes. Any imput on some new glass for this rifle would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[chud333]

Nice rifle my friend. Should do a number on the deer. I agree,
ditch the BSA scope. I prefer Leupold scopes. All i shoot on guns
that i hunt with. They are a little pricey but in the world of optics
you get what you pay for. I've used Leupold on my rifles for 30 plus years and have had no issues. The features i like are the adjustable
objective lens and a larger objective lens for added light gathering.
Leupold seems to be more consistent when making adjustments as
well. There are better/higher priced optics out there, "swarovski",
"zeiss" etc... but they are way out of my price range usually and i can't
see beating the clarity of Leupold.


chuck

 

[tomtheturner]

You will love your CZ550. I have two of them. One in .308, and one in .243. They are both sub-minute of angle rifles.
I have a Nikon on the .243, and a Bushnell elite on the .308.
I am pleased with both scopes. That said: Leopolds are better scopes IMO, but the ones that I have work well for me.

You should have no trouble putting them through one hole at 100 yds with that rifle in that calibre with any quality scope.
Once you get used to CZs set trigger it will spoil you!

Best Wishes,
Tom

 

[pennlineman]

Thanks for the imput guys. I have been leaning towards a Leupold. I was curious what others had to say about the other brands. I have an old Tasco That has worked well over for me the years. It has held a zero ever sonce I bought the gun in the 80's. But after looking a Leupold a couple weeks ago I realize what a dog it is.

 

[35Rem]

There are better scopes in the same price range as the Leupold Rifleman and VX-I series scopes.
If you go Leupold, nothing less than the VX-II line.

Nikon and Burris make some good stuff.

 

[chief38]

GREAT RIFLE! I've got a CZ 453 American and LOVE it!! I hate to say it, but for the money it's all but impossible to beat a CZ Rifle these days.

I would however go for a Leupold or Burris scope if you can swing it.

Enjoy.....

Chief38

 

[Texas Star]

I have used Swarovski and Zeiss, and they are like looking out of a picture window on a bright day.

But I think the best scope VALUE may well lie in the realm of the better Leupolds, especially if you find a discount price.

Probably their Duplex reticle is the best for most conditions, but I really like the thicker three crosshairs of the Euro No 4 reticles. They allow very fast target acquisition. And they show up well in dimmer light.

I think you will like the CZ-550 and the 6.5mm is a real killer in the right hands. I know a Swede who uses one for moose. He bought a 9.3X62mm only after bears started showing up where he hunts.

BTW, this man (Peter Hjortberger) founded Fallkniven, an outstanding knife company. His products are available here through a few dealers, and they may well be the finest production knives in the world. www.fallkniven.com They are emphatically NOT typical cheap Mora knives. No connection at all.

 

[ColbyBruce]

The problem with a CZ rifle is simple

They grow on you, one is not enough. The rifle in the photo below is my latest CZ #527 in .222 Remington.

The top rifle is a Brno ZKK601 .243, forerunner of the CZ #550. The third rifle in the photo was traded and replaced with a HS Precision stocked #527 Varmint .223. I really like these guns.

 

[blackdeuce]

Nice rifle. I have a CZ550 in .270. My three sons all have CZ452's.

 

[M29since14]

Colbybruce has a point. You will probably get to like that rifle and want another one. I have a couple of them myself, in .221 and .223, and while I prefer the Lux pattern, my .221 is an American and it is a very nice little rifle - certainly preferable if you are going to walk very far with it.

In case you don't know, your rifle has an excellent trigger. I have used single set trigger rifles before (other manufacturers) but was never pleased with them. I always had trouble with keeping them in adjustment. Admittedly, these triggers were on rifles that kicked a lot more than .221s and .223s. In any case, I have had no trouble with the CZ triggers - very satisfactory, just as they are. No adjustments or tuning necessary. The rifles seem to be built and assembled by people who understand the importance of the trigger in accurate rifle shooting.

I think these guns have pretty good barrels too. I have not shot mine enough to wear a barrel out, but I am keeping a close eye on the .223 (it gets shot the most). So far, things are going in the right direction. It shoots better now (at about 700-rounds downrange) than it did when new, and it handles a variety of ammunition very well.

It is too bad we are not making rifles like these here in the U.S. I can see how I may need one in .30/06 before too long.

 

[boatbum101]

Very nice rifle in a great caliber . A 140gr 6.5mm bullet has the same sectional density as a 200gr 30 cal bullet . They penetrate like no tomorrow . In Scandiniva they use them on moose & polar bear have been killed with them too . The cartridge also holds numerous 300m target records over there too . I too am a fan of the 3 post recticle ( German # 4 ) . For low light & fast aquisition in a hunting situation they're hard to beat . For around $ 500 you can get a Leupold VX3 3.5-10 X 40 matte blue or a Ziess Conquest 3-9 x 40 both 1" tube . A 30mm tube will run as much as $ 200 more . I've got both scopes to me the Zeiss has better optics . Leupold has the best warranty . Check out SWFA & also their " Sample List " . Quite often you can find salesman / demo models for a significant discount . 99% of the time I buy from them as they stand behind their products 100% unlike the camera places . Congrats & enjoy your new rifle .
Andy

 

[raisedin99]

I am sure that I will pelted by others, but I have a warm spot for the old steel tube Weavers, I can just imagine an old 60B series K6 or a K 3x9 on that beautiful rifle. Simplicity at its finest.

terry

 

[pennlineman]

Thanks for all the compliment and advice guys. BruceColby that is an awesome collection. I've always been a Remington 700 fan but I'm really liking this rifle. I'm planning on adding a CZ rimfire at some point.

 

[mwtdvm]

A 30mm tube will run as much as $ 200 more .

Don't for get the 30 mm rings..

Warnes at optics planet from ~50. to ~100.

CZ has a chart but no prices other than their own SRP

www.cz-usa.com/download/126/

I have been picking up Burris Eurodiamond (discontinued) at Natchezssat some deeply discounted prices. Heavy post n crosshairs.

 

[Smithhound]

Very nice. Good to see another fan of the 6.5 Swede. I was lucky enough 20 years ago to get a great example of a M96, all matching numbers and just recently thanks to a fellow member a CZ 550FS in 6.5x55. I put a Leupold VX-II with German #4 reticle on it and it looks like a race horse now.
Load up on brass and bullets and you'll be amazed at how accurate it is.
RD

 

[Rule3]

I am sure that I will pelted by others, but I have a warm spot for the old steel tube Weavers, I can just imagine an old 60B series K6 or a K 3x9 on that beautiful rifle. Simplicity at its finest.

terry

Weaver still makes excellent scopes. For the money they are hard to beat. They are still Japanese Glass. The Classic line is excellent.

Another under the radar is Sightron (they are also all Japanese glass)

 

[K.38]

Excellent rifle! I bought one just like yours about 3 or 4 years ago and I love it. I have a Leupold 3-9x40 on the rifle. A CZ rifle and a Leupold scope, it just doesn't get much better than that.

The last two deer I've got have been taken with the 6.5 Swede. I use a Hornady 140 grain interlock and IMR 4350 powder. Both deer were about 100 yards and both were hit behind the shoulder neither went far no meat damage and no recovered bullet.

If I draw an elk tag this year I'm going to use the CZ and 156 grain Norma Alaskan ammo should do the trick.

Congrats again on the CZ. Like others have said these CZ rifles tend to breed in the gun safe.

 

[pennlineman]

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to taking it out this fall.