The easily recognized Mannlicher stock is either loved or hated by shooters; there seems to be no middle ground. Popularized by the M1903/05 Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifle, it featured the design of Ferdinand Ritter Von Mannlicher. Nothing more than a gradually tapered full-length wood stock, it is nonetheless distinct. Today, manufacturers that offer this type of rifle/stock combination are few and far between.
If you want one, CZ-USA is one of the few that can fill that request. In the company's literature it's listed as the Model 550 FS--for full stock--and is available chambered for both short- and long-action cartridges, as well as either a detachable or a floorplate (fixed box) magazine.
The gun is fitted with excellent Turkish walnut, and it's superbly finished with a rich, oil-like finish that's smooth to the touch and devoid of air bubbles or dust bumps.
Specs: CZ USA MODEL 550 FS
ACTION TYPE: bolt action CALIBER: .243 Win. (tested), 6.5x55, .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06, 9.3x62 CAPACITY: 4 (short action) 5 (long action) BARREL LENGTH: 20.5 in. OVERALL LENGTH: 41.5 in. WEIGHT: 7 lb., 6 oz. STOCK: full-length Turkish walnut FINISH: polished blue TRIGGER: single set/standard SIGHTS: adjustable rear, hooded front PRICE: $790 to $815 MANUFACTURER: CZ-USA, 800-955-3386
Overall, the design is about as Teutonic as you can get. The stock has a classic German comb. On the other side is the German trademark cheekpiece found on many European hunting rifles. This part of the rifle really caught my eye. It is perfectly hand-finished; edges are sharp, true and without a ripple of any kind.
The pistol grip is cut at a rakish angle, which I found very comfortable. The grip and fore-end are checkered in a handsome point pattern complete with a single-line border.
Other fine points on the stock include a classic solid rubber recoil pad. Non-detachable European sling swivels grace the stock.
Up front at the muzzle, there is the ageless protective metal fore-end tip. It is so well fashioned that one would be hard pressed to find better craftsmanship on even a full-blown custom rifle.
The action is the tried-and-true Mauser design and has the characteristic Mauser claw extractor for positive feeding and extraction. The bolt has a rearward sweep for ready accessibility. The receiver and barrel feature a highly polished blue.
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