ABOUT WEAPON
The CZ-550 is a bolt-action hunting rifle series manufactured by Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod (CZ). The CZ 5005 series is available with a medium or magnum sized action. The CZ 550 rifle resembles the Mauser 98 rifle series, though it is not an exact copy.
Since the CZ 550 magnum size action can be chambered for super magnum cartridges. Some elephant gun wildcat cartridges where tested (see .585 Gehringer) or where specially designed (see .600 Overkill) with and for this action.
The CZ's bolt is almost pure Mauser, utilizing a sturdy, rotating claw extractor to ensure positive feeding. It has two solid locking lugs up front and a single gas port at the bottom of the bolt body. The ejector slot is on the left side of the boltface. Both the bolt and extractor are highly polished, which undoubtedly contributed to the smoothness of the test rifle's action.
Near the smooth bolt knob, the bolt body is blued to match the shroud. The bolt handle is bent downward, with a slight backward sweep so that the bolt handle clears the scope without pinching the operator's hand.
The 550 FS's bolt shroud is more streamlined than other Mauser actions. The left side of the bolt shroud has a small cutout that houses the bolt release. Removal of the bolt is easy; simply push the button and pull the bolt to the rear. The 550's bolt release is much smaller than the Mauser 98's bolt release. This modernized part is a big improvement over the original, as it eliminates the cutout in the side of the receiver necessitated by the larger, receiver-mounted release.
The bolt shroud also features a red "Fire" indicator on the right side and a small disassembly button on the left side. This button allows easy disassembly. Push the button and turn the shroud to access the firing pin and spring. A small, recessed cocking indicator at the back of the bolt makes it easy to see and feel if the rifle is cocked.
The two-position safety is on the right side, just behind the bolt stem. The safety locks the bolt and sear. Its compact, grooved button is easy to manipulate; it's a big improvement over the original Mauser's oversized, counter-intuitive lever.
Operation: Bolt-action Repeater
Caliber: .243 Win.
Barrel Length: 20.5 inches
Overall Length: 41.5 inches
Weight, empty 7.4 pounds
Safety: Two position
Sights: Fully adjustable
Stock: Turkish walnut, full length
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Finish: Blued steel This article is distributed under the
Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. For information on the contributors, please see the
original Wikipedia article.
