Help save the CZ 550!

[Bwanabob]

I have just received the latest copy of Wolf Publishing 'Rifle' magazine and the cover article is about the new CZ 557 rifle, which is a bastardized 550 - intended to cut costs and generate more sales. This new rifle does NOT have the Mauser claw extractor nor controlled round feeding that have been a key feature of BRNO and CZ rifles for decades.

The really scary thing about this is that, and I have this information from a very reliable source, CZ intend to drop the CZ 550 entirely from production - that means no more controlled round feed CZs and no more 550 magnums!

This decision has 'over-enthusiastic' accountant/engineer involvement written all over it but would seem to be lacking in real hunter input.

Maybe I am just an alarmist but I think that this is a really, really bad idea and means that getting hold of reliable bolt actions, that are suitable for hunting dangerous game, will become even more expensive in the future. I, for one, will NEVER buy a push-feed CZ (nor any other push-feed rifle) as I am completely sold and convinced of the superiority of controlled-round feed rifles for hunting things that can fight back.

I intend to write to CZ and express my displeasure at this decision and maybe if enough people do likewise, they will see the light and NOT cease production of 550 magnums.

Any body else feel like writing to CZ and trying to change their minds?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I have just received the latest copy of Wolf Publishing 'Rifle' magazine and the cover article is about the new CZ 557 rifle, which is a bastardized 550 - intended to cut costs and generate more sales. This new rifle does NOT have the Mauser claw extractor nor controlled round feeding that have been a key feature of BRNO and CZ rifles for decades.

The really scary thing about this is that, and I have this information from a very reliable source, CZ intend to drop the CZ 550 entirely from production - that means no more controlled round feed CZs and no more 550 magnums!

This decision has 'over-enthusiastic' accountant/engineer involvement written all over it but would seem to be lacking in real hunter input.

Maybe I am just an alarmist but I think that this is a really, really bad idea and means that getting hold of reliable bolt actions, that are suitable for hunting dangerous game, will become even more expensive in the future. I, for one, will NEVER buy a push-feed CZ (nor any other push-feed rifle) as I am completely sold and convinced of the superiority of controlled-round feed rifles for hunting things that can fight back.

I intend to write to CZ and express my displeasure at this decision and maybe if enough people do likewise, they will see the light and NOT cease production of 550 magnums.

Any body else feel like writing to CZ and trying to change their minds?

I guess the folks making this decision never heard of pre-64 versus post-64 thru sometime in the 90's Winchesters. If they want to offer a less expensive rifle, then so be it. But I'd keep the 550 line going.

 

[enysse]

I think it would be the most stupid decision in company history. WOW, is all I have to say! Raise the price or something but discontinue, Oh Boy!

 

[Cliffy]

Sent a note to CZ Let's see if I get a reply!

 

[sestoppelman]

Would be great loss to shooters! Bean counters in action!

 

[Code4]

I have just re-read the same article and can find nothing that says the 550 will be discontinued. The 557 can be made reliably in-house due to irregular supply of the forged 550 action from the outside source. I'm assuming the 557 is a grab for more sales.

The 550 is described in the article as CZ's flagship model. I expect it to continue even though sales are falling. I am guessing that means premium prices.

 

[Bwanabob]

I have just re-read the same article and can find nothing that says the 550 will be discontinued.

Sorry if my original thread was unclear - you are right that the article in Rifle magazine says nothing about the 550 being discontinued - that piece of information came from another source who is in direct contact with CZ.

 

[Code4]

that piece of information came from another source who is in direct contact with CZ.

No problem. Who, where and when is the source ? I guess I'm just cynical when I see internet myths getting morphed into irrefutable fact, defended by all and sundry and creating a self perpetuation that is unstoppable.

 

[DOC-404]

Makes me even more chuffed that my youngest boy tells everyone that my four 550's - .308, .300H/H, .375H/H and .404 Jeffery - already belong to him.. :deal:

 

[enysse]

Makes me even more chuffed that my youngest boy tells everyone that my four 550's - .308, .300H/H, .375H/H and .404 Jeffery - already belong to him.. :deal:

Looks like you and bluey have the same problem, the kids are taking over the guns without dad's approval...lol.

 

[DOC-404]

Looks like you and bluey have the same problem, the kids are taking over the guns without dad's approval...lol.

..nope, not quite the same Eric. I'm only fifty-something-something and Bluey is...well, Bluey was buddies with Noah..! :biggrin2:

 

[spike.t]

..nope, not quite the same Eric. I'm only fifty-something-something and Bluey is...well, Bluey was buddies with Noah..! :biggrin2:

so now you are a transnamecrosser, Docman to Doc-404......:heh: and confess to how old you really are...if i had made the birthday party i could have put a photo of it on here with evidence :biggrin2: oh and i have just bought a cz 550 american kevlar in (sorry ) .416 rigby in an on line auction , just in case!!!! and the price seemed ok too......

 

[enysse]

Probably got a good deal too, because it wasn't a .404 Jeffrey (they seem to cost twice as much). Still, congrats on the purchase, should be one nice gun!

 

[spike.t]

it worked out to about usd $800.00 when i converted it. only price guide i could find over here was one brand new with exact same spec and it was being sold at $1998.00 after converting.........

 

[enysse]

it worked out to about usd $800.00 when i converted it. only price guide i could find over here was one brand new with exact same spec and it was being sold at $1998.00 after converting.........

That's a sweet deal for sure! You did well!

 

[spike.t]

:beer:

 

[DOC-404]

Docman to Doc-404

..had to do it Bud. Got a heads-up from two old friends, one in Great Falls and one in Hereford, that something using the same name is involved in bad things with children. Would dearly like to track it and give it a third nostril. Got no leave due so I will have settle for the name change in the meantime..

 

[spike.t]

..had to do it Bud. Got a heads-up from two old friends, one in Great Falls and one in Hereford, that something using the same name is involved in bad things with children. Would dearly like to track it and give it a third nostril. Got no leave due so I will have settle for the name change in the meantime..

hey Doc far better name anyway due to your undying love affair with this calibre, that is as nearly as old as you.....:biggrin2::beer:

 

[bluey]

..nope, not quite the same Eric. I'm only fifty-something-something and Bluey is...well, Bluey was buddies with Noah..! :biggrin2:

66 aint fifty something bud :clap:
me and noah would've been mates , until he raised that bloody sail :laughing:

 

[DOC-404]

hey Doc far better name anyway due to your undying love affair with this calibre, that is as nearly as old as you.....:biggrin2::beer:

..smartass..! :letsparty: