Cz 550 fs 6.5x55

[swedishlaser]

I was thinking about getting this rifle, but since I won't be able to scope it anytime soon I was wondering how effective the iron sights are on it and what the maximum effective range would be (just informal target/water jug shooting). Also, I understand this model is a little more difficult to scope due to it's Euro stock. Does anyone have experience with scoping this rifle and is it really that bad? Would a leather cheek pad possibly help? I was thinking about putting the SS 10x42 on it someday. Thanks in advance for any advice/info!

[2fewdaysafield]

I don't have a 550 FS in 6.5 x 55,  but I DO have one in 30-06.  




A lot has been made of difficulty in mounting scopes on the FS guns and still getting a good cheek weld.  TO ME....it's all poppycock!!!!  Using the supplied CZ rings I mounted a Nikon 3x9x40 BDC with no difficulty and when I mount the rifle I get a natural sight picture and cheek weld with no difficulty.

I also own a 527 FS in .223 and a 452 FS in .22 LR.  Both guns also wear scopes and mount naturally for me.

My "Gun List" for this year includes a 550 FS in 6.5 x 55, though there is an expensive shotgun and an engraved levergun on the list, so it may be late in the year before I pick this one up.

Sorry I can't offer much advice on the supplied iron sights.  With the exception of one levergun with a Marbles Tang Sight, I just don't use irons any more.  The eyes just aren't good enough.

But the iron sights on the 550 FS are of good quality and adjustable, so if you have good eyes and are used to shooting irons they should do fine until you can mount glass.

On a scope....Unless you are wedded to one of the $300+ scopes, there is no reason you can't get very good quality glass on the gun for under $150.  My Nikon ran $109 IIRC and I recently saw some GREAT deals on Weavers on Natchez I think it was.  If you can live with something in the 4x16 or less range, then there is plenty of decent glass out there for very reasonable prices.

Best...2few

[painter]

I have a Nikon 3x9 scope on my 527 FS in .223 also and it seems to work for me.

BTW...beautiful wood on yours 2few.

[2fewdaysafield]

Thanks painter!  Up close, she is really special.  I was planning a .270, but when I saw the wood on this one...well, lets just say that an -06 seemed good enough! 

[swedishlaser]

Great info! Thanks for the replies thus far. So, the scope "issue" really isn't much of an issue. That's good news! Does anyone have much experience with the irons on the rifle? Or am I the only one poor enough to have to live with them for a while? 

[painter]

Great info! Thanks for the replies thus far. So, the scope "issue" really isn't much of an issue. That's good news! Does anyone have much experience with the irons on the rifle? Or am I the only one poor enough to have to live with them for a while? 

Or the only one with eyes that are good enough!

[2fewdaysafield]

Great info! Thanks for the replies thus far. So, the scope "issue" really isn't much of an issue. That's good news! Does anyone have much experience with the irons on the rifle? Or am I the only one poor enough to have to live with them for a while?  

Unless you have no neck or the neck of a giraffe, I don't think you'll have any problem with a scope.

On scopes....if you are stretching to buy this gun, there is nothing wrong with getting an inexpensive scope to start out with even if you eyes are good enough for irons.

Mueller makes a good 4x16 that runs about $120

There are lots of decent 3x9 scopes in the $80 to $100 range (3x9 is a brutally competitive market)

And there are 4X fixed scopes that are good in the $70 range.

There is always the Centerpoint line where you could get a 4x12 for about $60,  but I would rather have a better grade 4X than a 4x12 Centerpoint for about the same cash.

If you are used to shooting with irons, the ones on the 550 FS are excellent sights.

If my Dad (R.I.P.) saw me putting a scope on my 550 he would laugh at me.  He used a Remington 700 BDL for deer hunting for many years and never put a scope on it and he never had a problem taking deer out to 150 yards with the sights on his Remmy and those sights were not as good as the sights on the 550 FS.

Something to remember about the 550 FS rifles is that they are built by Europeans specifically to be used with open sights and the ones they put on them are good ones.

Its really only Americans that think a rifle isn't finished until there is a scope on it.

[swedishlaser]

What are some of the longest ranges any of you have made hits at with the rifle (either with irons of scope)?

[painter]

What are some of the longest ranges any of you have made hits at with the rifle (either with irons of scope)?

I only shoot to 100 yds. I'll try the 200 yd range in the spring.

Not very impressive...eh?

[2fewdaysafield]

What are some of the longest ranges any of you have made hits at with the rifle (either with irons of scope)?

I only have access to a 100 yard range, but I took my antelope at 218 measured yards.

Unless you are a serious competition shooter, you will find the rifle is more inherantly accurate than you can shoot it.

Don't know what you are being quoted for a price on this rifle, but I know where you can get one for $765 shipped to your FFL.

If that is a better deal than you are being quoted, let me know and I will send you contact info.

Best....2few.

[swedishlaser]

I've got manosteele looking for one at CZ USA for me right now for the same price. Was that who were thinking of by chance? Thanks for the heads up though.

[2fewdaysafield]

Jason would be "the man"!!!!!   ALL my CZs come from Jason! 

[swedishlaser]

Yeah, I just met him (via email) and I am really impressed so far. I can't wait to get it in! Thanks to everyone for your replies as well.

[Coltdriver]

I have a 550FS in 308.  These are not difficult to scope but it is possible to successfully mount the scope low enough (objective still clears the barrel) that the bolt handle will hit the back of your scope depending on your scope configuration.  Otherwise I agree with the second poster about the scoping issues being nonsense.  I started a post to get everyone to share actual working scope ring combination's that work.  It is the kind of thing you only want to do once given the price of rings. 

I also have a 6.5X55 American.  You can reach way out very accurately with a 6.5  The bullet flys very well as they have a nice high bc.

Never tried shooting mine without the scope.  I think iron sights are a function of your eyes more than anything.  When you are younger the iron sights seem to work better

[twopipes]

I have a 550FS in .243 w/ Nikon 3-9x40 and leupold mounts. A 527FS in.223 with CZ factory mounts and a 4-12x40 nikon, and a 452FS .17 hmr with millet medium mounts and a 3-9x40. No problems here.

A note on wood. If you strip the mud CZ uses for a finish you will be amazed at what is under there. I have stripped and Truoiled all of mine and they are different guns from what was in the box when they were purchased.