I'm still cipherin' the differences between a synthetic stocked, stainless steel Model 85 Sako (in either 9.3X62, or in 9.3X66 Sako, and a CZ in 9.3 X 62.

I like synthetic stocks for our backcountry, and if I go for the CZ (which I gather, is about half the price of the stainless synthetic Sako) I could use the saved money to spring for a McMillan stock - perhaps even the Edge variety, to bring down the heavy CZ to a weight more like the Sako.

Anyone done this - what are your thoughts.

I know this isn't a "good reason" to avoid a certain rifle - but I hate the looks of the hump-backed CZ's and would have to either put up with wood (not what I want for B.C.s wet regions) or get the "American" style stock - if I don't re-stock it with a synthetic stock.

What do y'all think?

Sounds like a good enough plan to me. I think the CZ 550 is one of the best values in rifles today. I also happen to think Mc Millan stocks are at the top of the heap as well. Put the two together and you have a world class rifle.

BCBrian-First off, if you are talking about the long-rifle version of the CZ 550, then you are not looking at a CZ 550 American. These 23.6-inch barrelled rifles do not have a humpback. If you are talking about the CZ 550 Full Stock, which is the one with the 20.5 inch barrel in the mannlicher style, then it does have a euro humpback style stock on it. McMillan does make a stock for the CZ 550 American, but not for the CZ 550 Full Stock. I do not know if the McMillan stock can be adapted to the full stock model. I am told that the McMillan stock weighs just about the same as the wood stock currently on the CZ 550 American stock, about 2.5 pounds. There is a Hunters Edge McMillan stock at 21 ounces, but it is not produced for CZ rifles. Also, the weight of the Sako Stainless synthetic is 7.75 pounds and the CZ 550 American is four ounces more, or an even eight pounds. Tom Purdom

My McMillan CZ AHR stock will be here sometime this week, and will be put on my 55 in 9.3x62... stay tuned...

There is no difference in the barreled action between the FS, American, and Lux models of the 550 besides barrel length.

I had a McMillan AHR stock on a CZ 550 FS. IMHO that is the way to go. Although, I've been told that McMillan no longer offers the AHR pattern. If not, I would check with American Hunting Rifles.

Just FYI, I had someone scale a new sako 85 stainless/syn in 30'06 for me yesterday, it came in at 6lbs-10oz. As per usual beretta doesn't know the weight of their own guns.