Czech CZ 550 Magnum .416 Rigby 26″ Bolt Action Hunting Rifle, MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $2,825.00
LSB#: LSB260406SB021
Make: CZ-USA
Model: 550 Magnum
Serial Number: E2233
Year of Manufacture: 1999 (99 Date Code).
Caliber: .416 Rigby
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “CAL. .416 / RIGBY”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, the CZ logo, and “MADE IN / CZECH REPUBLIC / CZ 550 MAGNUM”. The right side of the receiver, and the right side of the barrel are marked with a proof mark and the “99” date code.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned to a checkered ramp, screwed to the barrel. The front sight ramp is notched for a sight hood, but the hood is not currently present. The rear sight is an express style sight, with 2 more flip-up leaves for 200 & 300 yards, dovetailed to the boss on the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered Turkish walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, red rubber Decelerator buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The front sling stud has been relocated from the bottom of the forend, to the tip of the forend. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. There is adhesive residue on the left side of the buttstock from where a cheekpad used to be. There are small patches of worn and/or chipped finish throughout. The checkering is mostly well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no structurally compromising chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light to moderate wear, with thinning finish at the muzzle, on the floorplate, trigger guard, and bolt knob. There is light freckling of surface corrosion starting to form on the floorplate. There are light scratches and dings throughout all of the metal surfaces. There is some light operational wear on the bolt and other friction surfaces of the action. The bluing is mostly intact, otherwise. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The set trigger has a light, crisp, and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The CZ 550 Magnum is built on a true controlled-round-feed Mauser pattern action scaled for dangerous game cartridges, and in .416 Rigby, it stands firmly in classic safari territory. The .416 Rigby, introduced in 1911, earned a reputation across Africa for deep penetration and reliable stopping power on thick-skinned and dangerous game. By the late 1990’s, CZ’s 550 Magnum offered hunters an accessible yet serious big bore platform with express sights, robust extractor, fixed blade ejector, and a single set trigger, combining Old World influence with modern production.
This 1999 example remains in Good overall condition, retaining approximately 85 percent of its original blued finish with visible thinning at the muzzle, floorplate, trigger guard, and bolt knob, along with light freckling beginning on the floorplate. The 26 inch barrel shows a bright bore with sharp rifling that rates 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The Turkish walnut stock displays honest field wear with scattered dings, finish loss, and adhesive residue from a previously mounted cheekpad, yet remains structurally sound and tight to the action. The express rear sight with additional flip-up leaves and the relocated front sling stud reflect practical hunting use. The action and safety function properly and the set trigger breaks cleanly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.