Probably, there are 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.
Manufacturing plant
CZ carbine produces the Czech factory Česká zbrojovka, which was founded in 1922. In 1936, a branch of the arms enterprise moved from Strakovice to Ungerski Brod. After him, many gunsmiths also migrated to a new place of work.
After the Second World War, the plant in Strakonice was converted for the production of motor vehicles, and never again had to deal with weapons. But the former branch of the converted factory in Ungersky Brod became famous throughout the world as producing excellent weapons for both civilian and military purposes. Today, there are 2, 000 employees in the production. And the enterprise’s capacities allow it to produce about 250 thousand weapons per year.
Varieties of CZ carbine models
At the moment, the Czech plant produces a number 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 several modifications:
- Model CZ 550 "Standard". She has a walnut box. On the weapon there is the opportunity to install optics and open sights. Barrel length is 600 mm. This CZ carbine uses 2 calibers: 308 Win. and 30-06 Spring.
- Model CZ 550 "Luxury". Equipped with German-style walnut lodges. 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 is also made in German-style walnut. The developers thought of a mount on the gun for installing optics or an open sight. The barrel length is 520 mm. The buyer can choose a number of calibers: 243 Win., 270 Win., 308 Win., 7 x 64, 6.5 x 55, 30-06 Spring., 7.92 x 57, 9.3 × 62.
- Carmine CZ Varmint model has a walnut box without a cheek. The barrel on a sport-type weapon is created with an enlarged contour, the barrel length is 650 mm. Available calibers: 308 Win. and 22-250.
- The Magnum Standard weapon model is similar to the CZ Lux. A distinctive feature of Y is the length of the trunk of the Magnum, which is 635 mm. Available calibres: 375 N & H Mag., 458 Win., 416 Rigby.
- The CZ 550 Hunter carbine has a wooden box. It is impossible to install an open sight on the sample because of its design features. His barrel is 600 mm long, 300 Win caliber. Mag.
CZ carbine design
The CZ 550 model’s carbine design is based on the famous Mauser 98 bolt group, the creators of which were the Mauser brothers.
The advantage of the legendary mechanism is accurate ballistics, a durable shutter, a store that does not protrude from the box, and a safety catch. In addition, the shutter is easy to maintain. The design flaw is considered to be the technological complexity of its production.
However, hunters found other flaws in the design of the army version of the bolt group. Firstly, the noisy fuse, which is designed for long battles, is not suitable for quiet hunting for the beast. Secondly, the box, designed for bayonet fighting and firing from a trench, is not at all suitable for firing offhand.
The weight of the CZ 550 carbine ranges from 3 to 4 kg, depending on the specific model and caliber. Given the weight of cartridges in the store and the impressive size of the optics, the gun becomes even heavier. Based on this information, the belt under the weapon should be acquired wide and soft, so as not to damage the shoulder in campaigns for game.
The classic rifle has a straight comb stock. It is equipped with an aiming device that must be adjusted manually. Also on the weapon there is the so-called dovetail for the possibility of installing the bracket under the optics. The magazine, depending on the caliber, holds 4 or 5 units of ammunition.
Appearance CZ
The appearance of the weapon is admirable! High-quality metal polishing and a pleasant-to-touch forearm made of expensive wood will not leave the hunter indifferent.
The notch on the handle and forend is carried out by machine, 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 via a rotary shutter. The cartridges in the store are staggered, which is why the chamber of the chamber does not protrude at the bottom of the forend.
Shops for guns are available in two versions: detachable and fixed. The first view, according to reviews, is somewhat inconvenient, since when installed in the trunk, you should push the store at an angle. The latch is located in front on the inner surface of the trigger guard. This is not a very good location, because during the shooting you can accidentally disconnect the store. The fixed view of the stores is closed with a lid. The latch is located in front on the outer surface of the trigger guard.
