Probably, there is no more controversial weapons in the world than the CZ 550 carbine. If we combine all the opinions of gun lovers, we can conclude that the rifle is very reliable and convenient, but too expensive.
Manufacturer
The CZ carbine is produced by the Czech factory Česká zbrojovka, which was founded in 1922. In 1936, a branch of the arms company moved from Strakovice to Ungerski Brod. After him, many gunsmiths migrated to a new place of work.
After the Second World War, the plant in Strakonice was converted to the production of motorcycles, and never de alt with weapons again. But the former branch of the converted plant in Ungersky Brod became famous throughout the world as producing excellent weapons for both civilian and military purposes. To date, the production has 2,000 employees. And the capacities of the enterprise allow to produce about 250 thousand weapons per year.
Varieties of models of carbines CZ
Currently, the plant in the Czech Republic produces a range of weapons of the CZ 550 family of carbines, which are the most popular civilian weapons in the Czech plant. This type of gun has severalmodifications:
- Model CZ 550 "Standard". It has a walnut stock. It is possible to install optics and open sights on the weapon. The barrel length is 600 mm. This CZ carbine uses 2 calibers: 308 Win. and 30-06 Spring.
- Model CZ 550 "Lux". Equipped with a German style walnut stock. Barrel length - 600 mm. If desired, the owner can install optics and an open sight. Available calibers: 30-06 Spring., 6.5x55, 308 Win., 243 Win., 7.92 x 57.9.3 × 62.
- The FS also comes in German-style walnut. The developers have thought of mounting on a gun for installing optics or an open sight. The barrel length is 520 mm. The customer can choose from a range of calibers: 243 Win., 270 Win., 308 Win., 7 x 64, 6, 5 x 55, 30-06 Spring., 7, 92 x 57, 9, 3 x 62.
- CZ carabiner model Varmint has a walnut stock without a cheek piece. The barrel on a sports-type weapon is designed with an enlarged contour, the barrel length is 650 mm. Available calibers: 308 Win. and 22-250.
- The weapon model "Magnum Standard" is similar to the CZ "Lux". A distinctive feature is the barrel length of the Magnum, which is 635 mm. Available calibers: 375 H&H Mag., 458 Win., 416 Rigby.
- The CZ 550 Hunter carbine has a wooden stock. It is impossible to install an open sight on the sample due to its design features. Its barrel is 600 mm long, caliber 300 Win. Mag.
The design of the carbine CZ
The design of the CZ 550 carbine is based onthe famous action group of the Mauser 98 rifle, the creators of which were the Mauser brothers.
The advantage of the legendary mechanism is accurate ballistics, a durable shutter, a magazine that does not protrude beyond the stock, and a lever safety. In addition, the shutter is easy to maintain. The disadvantage of the design is considered to be the technological complexity of its production.
However, the hunters found other flaws in the design of the military version of the bolt group. Firstly, a noisy fuse, which is designed for long fights, is not suitable for quiet hunting of an animal. Secondly, a stock designed for bayonet fighting and firing from a trench is not at all suitable for point-blank fire.
The weight of the CZ 550 rifle ranges from 3 to 4 kg, depending on the specific model and caliber. Given the weight of the cartridges in the magazine and the impressive size of the optics, the gun becomes even heavier. Based on this information, a weapon belt should be purchased wide and soft so as not to damage the shoulder when hunting game.
The classic rifle has a straight comb stock. It is equipped with a sighting device that must be adjusted manually. Also on the weapon there is a so-called dovetail for the possibility of installing a bracket for optics. The magazine, depending on the caliber, holds 4 or 5 rounds of ammunition.
Appearance CZ
The appearance of the weapon is admirable! High-quality metal polishing and a pleasant to the touch handguard made of expensive wood will not leave you indifferenthunter.
The handle and fore-end are machined, the production process of this type of weapon is perfectly adapted to mass production.
Store design
The carbine is equipped with a magazine with manual reloading by means of a rotary bolt. The cartridges in the magazine are staggered, which is why the chamber body does not protrude from the bottom of the forearm.
Shotgun magazines are available in two versions: detachable and fixed. The first type, according to reviews, is somewhat inconvenient, since when installed in the barrel, the magazine should be pushed at an angle. The latch is located in front of the inner surface of the trigger guard. This is not a very good location, because during the shooting you can accidentally detach the magazine. The fixed view of the stores is covered with a lid. The latch is located on the front of the outer surface of the trigger guard.
Reviews on rifles of the CZ family
Reviews about the CZ carbine from shooting enthusiasts are many. Mostly they are positive and filled with enthusiastic praise, but there is also a share of criticism. For example, experienced hunters note that this weapon is designed for calm and unhurried shooting. When driving a target, a long barrel is inconvenient to handle, and besides, there is not sufficient structural strength of the gun in conditions of active hunting, in extreme conditions. The gun requires careful handling.
In addition, hunters note that after firing the CZ 308 carbine with a cartridge and 30-06 Spring., the weapon seemstoo noisy, and the reverse force of the recoil hits the shoulder noticeably.
