RUGER RSM 458 lott vs CZ 550 458 lott

[Luvthunt]

here am asking opinions on the rifles as to reliability and dependability not on the 458 lott cartridge. Taking into consideration as is factory rifles. No upgrades.

 

[Paul Miller]

Don’t have a lot of experience with the CZ 550. The rifle I took to Mozambique for Cape buffalo was a Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby. I had a fine custom gunsmith and custom rifle maker, Bobby Pitchford, coach me on dangerous game and go over the gun to make it Africa ready. Bobby slicked up the feed and after about 200 full bore 400 Gr Federal Safari grade loads, epoxied a small crack that started behind the front recoil lug. He also put an aluminum pin through the grip to run the retaining screw through.

Only problem I had was with a Blaser style red fiber optic front sight Bobby installed. It broke with some rough handling. A shield would have prevented that. I had him replace it with a bright bronze sight and have had no more problems.

Cannot emphasize enough the importance of shooting in any gun going to Africa and having it worked over by someone like Bobby.

 

[flat8]

I own a 550 in .375 H&H and an RSM in .458 Lott. Both are reliable and shoot well. That noted, your question was clear about ‘no upgrades.’ If that’s the standard, the RSM needed much less to get it where I wanted it than the 550.

 

[Luvthunt]

Thanks 458 that helps.