.......

Maybe the 550 mag is going the way of the 550 standard with a push feed replacement. Have to wait and see.

Then I read more:


I think, not time to panic. Although anyone that did not have at least one, might want to shop around. Not panic - shop.

I'll bet they hadn't heard of what happened to Winchester in 1965.

Maybe they have some improvements to their present 550 action? The 550s I had in magnum and standard calibers were very accurate but worked better as clubs. I hated the stocks.

Sounds like maybe I better hang on to my 550 Lux 9.3x62 (been considering selling it).

Anything related to African hunting...big bore magazine rifles, double rifles, etc....is waning quickly.

Glad I have my 550 Safari Magnum 458 humpback.
My favorite rifle.

I got a 375 and 458 so kinda happy that this might bring the value up. Wouldn't be the first rifles in my battery that I would consider selling off though, especially the 458 - nice stock on that one plus the versatility in loads from subsonic to full house.

And they hold 6 rounds + 1 up the spout - gotta be happy with that.

My 550 AmSaf in .375H&H is my favorite sporting rifle. I love it and it loves me back with small groups on paper and tasty meat.

I have a 458 Lott with the synthetic stock. I think the synthetic stock turns it into much less of a club. It is still a large action, no doubt.
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The 550 standard length took anything from 243,308 upto 30-06. That was discontinued. I have a 550 with mannlicher style in 6.5x55. CZ calls it a full stock and seems to have beaten the stigma of old and sold quite a few. It is nicly finish with great walnut but heavy. The magnum length 550 action holds round like 416 rigby and 505 gibbs and the relativity small 375HH. Brno assigned different model numbers like 600,601 and 602 to these actions, But; CZ, in their infinite wisdom, calls them both 550. The smaller 550 that was chambered in 9.3x62 is discontinued and replaced with the 557 push feed. (just like 1965, with less uproar)

If you want a light weight hunting rifle in a standard caliber, I suggest Kimber or Sako. Neither the 550 std or the new 557 are light enough for calibers offered. The 550 magnum is IMHO perfect for the big bore rounds. It is heavy for a 375 unless they did a kevlar option and cut the barrel back a tad. I have 458 and weight is appreciated and again IMHO, appropriate for that caliber. As faf as I can determine CZ is still making the big gun. That gun, the big 550, which will hold 416 and 505 is unique and would be missed.

I always though the 550 std action in 9.3 would make a nice combination. CZ went and discontinued that entire line up. That is ok, I am sure I can spend my money elsewhere.

how come?

Jorge, a couple reasons. The people who grew up watching Tarzan and reading Ruark and Capstick are getting on in age, and those that are replacing us don't seem to have the same interest in Africa, or even hunting for that matter. Then there are the constant issues of terrorist threats, internal warfare, ebola, restrictive importing of trophies, rising costs, firearms restrictions, government "greening", etc. I'm glad I got to go, and as often as I did, but I don't think the opportunities will last that must longer.

Popularity may or may not be on the decline. I am retired, so: I fit the Tarzan demographic. I see that. I did read books. Not more than todays generation surfs the web. Books cost money, the web is free. That matters when you are 16yrs old. Tarzan or not, I am fascinated with big guns. During my early years, choices for big bore rifles were a limited: 375 or 458 and bad taste and borderline idiotic Weatherby options. When CZ reintroduced the 602 magnum, I stocked up big time. I doubt I am alone. Cabelas and many LGS had them stocked and restocked. Now, that initial void or demand has been filled and sales have leveled off. I read about the 416 and 505. I never though those would fit into my discretionary budget. I still see used 505 custom rifles from the bad-old-days at 20k! Mine was 3k. Some brag about better deals, For ~3k anyone can have one today. The 458Lott and 416 Rigby can still be found around 1k (or whatever). They were less, now a bit higher. You wont get any of those from Winchester. I bet there was a 5-10 year period where CZ could not supply the pent up demand. Now it is at a normal level, given all the associated costs. I have no interest in this business. I got mine. I think I could sell them all for what I got into them. I cannot say that about many other firearms.

Lets move on to doubles. If they were ever available new at anything close to current prices (adjusted to real dollars). I was not aware. Not talking H&H/British, but French or Italian options (maybe German). Over my budget, but; they sell and you are not paying the cost of a nicer suburban home to get a solid, classic, sxs double. There are a lot of companies in business for this to be a dying hobby. Maybe a few too many companies. A lot more than the zero, I recall from the bad old days.

Yes, hobby. I never been to Africa. I am certain the majority of 458 win mags sold in the USA never been out side of North America. History, romance or pure fun, IMHO only a small percentage leave the continent. My gut tells me, big bore rifles are more popular than ever. It has always been a nitch market. And, Look at all the 40 caliber options. That was a big goose egg back in the day. Talking fingers and toes!

Biebs: Do you think the waning of interest in Africa will reduce the cost of a hunting trip? The recession of 2006 certainly did but prices rebounded as quickly as the economy.

I snapped up 3 of the 550s in .308. Glad i did...last rifles i will ever buy....sold all my other guns. Love me some cz 550.

SIGH, thanks, Biebs. I hope to get back there at least one more time...

Will be interesting to see. Other than some extra metal, I find my 550 about perfect. Small groups and nothing but good things to say. I can't imagine why all rifles don't come with set triggers, IMO the best factory trigger.