CZ 550 Safari Magnum
Česká zbrojovka · Rifle · Discontinued · 2004
Also known as: CZ 550 American Safari Magnum, CZ-USA 550 Safari Magnum
Overview
The CZ 550 Safari Magnum is a large-caliber bolt-action hunting rifle built on Česká zbrojovka's magnum-length Mauser-pattern action. Chambered in dangerous-game cartridges such as the .458 Lott, it uses a controlled-round-feed claw extractor and fixed blade ejector for reliable feeding under stress, a cold-hammer-forged heavy sporter barrel, a single set trigger, and express iron sights. Marketed as an African safari rifle, later production examples were offered with a durable aramid-composite American-style stock in addition to the classic Turkish walnut.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4255 g (150.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1181 mm (46.50") |
| Barrel Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Set |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 7938 J (5855 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 356 mm (14.02") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Composite |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety, Controlled Round Feed
- Features: Mauser Controlled Round Feed, Fixed Ejector, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Single Set Trigger, Express Sights, Hinged Floorplate, Aramid Composite Stock
Variants
- CZ 550 Safari Magnum .458 Win Mag - Chambering
- CZ 550 Safari Magnum .375 H&H - Chambering
Production
Production years: 2004-2020
Part of the broader CZ 550 family produced from the 1990s until the platform's 2020 discontinuation in favour of the CZ 557.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod
Discontinued: 2020
Notes
Weight, barrel and overall length reflect the .458 Lott American Safari Magnum configuration (9.38 lb, 25 in barrel, 46.5 in overall). The 550 platform succeeded the CZ 537 and was itself replaced by the CZ 557 around 2020, though the magnum Safari actions continued under the CZ 550 name.
Background
The .458 Lott was developed by big-game hunter Jack Lott after a Cape buffalo nearly killed him when his .458 Winchester Magnum failed to stop the charge; the CZ 550 Safari Magnum is one of the few factory rifles chambered for the resulting harder-hitting cartridge.