CZ 550 or Remington 700BDL or Win. Model 70?

[Cig Zauer]

At the moment my hunting rifle is a Remington model 700BDL in .243 win.  It has been  great deer rifle but I want to look into something that can take elk as well.  I have already decided on the 30-06 but I am stumped between 3 rifles.  Between the Rem 700BDL, CZ550, and Win. Model 70, which would be the best choice in terms of quality, accuracy, smoothness of the bolt action, etc.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[PCAus]

I would get the cz 550 first as it's a closer copy to the mauser 98 than either of the other two. Next in line would be an m70 in there featherweight model......thatst here nicest looking rig to my eye, and lastly only if I had to a rem 700. I can only justify a rem 700 action in a varmint rifle not in a hunting caliber.

[Cig Zauer]

Thanks for the reply.  With the M70, I was looking at the featherweight models in particular so I agree with you on that.  I like Winchester's reputation.  I am very fond of CZ's line of hunting rifles but I read on a review somewhere that they had trouble with the CZ 550's bolt being somewhat heavy and hard to manipulate for quick follow-up shots.  Was this most likely a flaw in that particular rifle or is this common in many CZ 550's?  Thanks for your time.

[Radom]

I realize that you are referring to the 550, but a quick note on the 527s.  I have found that many of these rifles come from the factory so smooth that you can work the bolt with your thumb only.

The 550 bolts are heavier of course, but the actions are never that smooth.  They are much more "positive."  I have only fired one box of factory cartridges in my .270 550 American.  I fired one magazine from a sling, and I would say that the action seemed very stout.  I don't think it slowed my second shot, however.  I will let you know later in autumn.

[Cig Zauer]

Thank you very much for your replies.  The action doesn't have to be as smooth as a Lee Enfield or anything, I just didn't want a rifle that required me to be Mr.Universe to manipulate the bolt.  But your note on the 527 makes me think about that model a little more.  Thumb only huh?    Too bad they don't come in any larger calibers.  I think the 550 will suit me perfectly though.  I'm still stuck on the 30-06 Sprgfld caliber.

[PCAus]

Cig,

I am so fond of cz rifles that I have five now and a couple of Brno's had a 6th cz coming a while back but had some money woes  I am now trying to order to Australia a cz Varmint Kevlar in .308.......my Ruger 30/06 will be the trade in on it, I know the cz will shoot the pants off that ruger. Then I will have only 4 non cz/brno rifles;

Rem 700 vssf 22/250
Marlin 45/70 lever
Winchester/Mirouko 1886 custom 50-110 lever gun
Mauser 1909 .404 Jeffrey custom rifle (in the works)

If cz made lever guns I would get them

If the Kevlar .308 varmint cz shoots well then the rem 700 will be traded on the same in 22/250.

The cz's IMHO are that good, I own them in;

.22 Hornet
9.3x62
.375 H&H
.416 Rigby
.458 Lott
Brno Model 2 .22lr
Brno Model 1 .22 lr (my late fathers)
Brno 602 Custom .585 Nyati

They feel much more solid than any other factory gun on the market today and I like there integra mounts. I also love the set trigger feature !!

[Cig Zauer]

PCAus, I think I'll be going with the CZ 550 American then.  I'm sure you will love the .308 your trying to order.  It should be similar to your 30-06 but a little more accurate.
I was interested in the Ruger M77 but for a larger MSRP, it didn't come with the adjustable trigger the CZ 550 American did.  Feature wise, I would compare the CZ 550 American most to the Winchester M70.  Similar weight, adj. trigger, weight, bbl length, etc.  But the MSRP of the Win. M70 is about $100 more than CZ.  I think CZ just made a future sale.

[PCAus]

Cig,

you won't regret it. I am hoping that they bring there safari magnum rifle out in .338 Lapua as I have set of dies kicking around that need a rifle

[Cig Zauer]

My father just recently purchased some reloading equipment.  I'm not sure what dies he bought, he got it used from a friend in great condition for something like $100.  Hope he has the 30-06 dies.

[PCAus]

Cig,

I am not sure where you are from but Grafs and Sons have great value for dies and brass etc. there in the states and there service is excellent !!

[Cig Zauer]

Thanks, yes I live in the US so I'll look into it.  Thanks for your help.