CZ 550 Safari Classic Field Laminate .470 Capstick 26″ Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB260507FM013
Make: CZ-USA
Model: 550 Safari Classic Field Laminate
Serial Number: A172858
Year of Manufacture: 2006 (“06” Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: .470 Capstick
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “470 Capstick”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “MADE IN / CZECH REPUBLIC CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSIC CZ-USA KANSAS CITY, KS”, along with the CZ logo. The right side of the receiver is marked with a proof mark and the “06” date code.
Barrel Length: 26″ Stainless, Aftermarket, Unknown Brand/Gunsmith. Unknown Twist Rate.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold DeltaPoint reflex optic. The optic does not function, due to no battery installed. We cannot guarantee the functionality of optics. The optic comes with a rubber cover, and rates in Good condition, overall.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered laminate wood stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb with cheekpiece, black rubber Decelerator buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light handling wear, with a few light dings and a few light compressions throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the stock’s finish is intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. There is an intentional hole in the bottom of the forend for a a screw to go into a recoil lug, however, since the barrel is aftermarket, there is no lug on this barrel for the screw to go into. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless (Barrel), Blued (Receiver/Bottom Metal)
Finish Originality: Original to Build
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with some corrosion on the left side of the barrel, and minor freckling of corrosion starting to form on the inside of the trigger guard. There are light scratches scattered throughout the barrel and other metal surfaces, along with some light operational wear on the bolt. The stainless finish on the barrel is largely intact, as is the bluing on the rest of the receiver and bottom metal. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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: This rifle comes with the optic as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The CZ 550 Safari Classic is a substantial magnum length action rifle that provides a suitable foundation for custom large-bore sporting builds. This example has been rebarreled with an unmarked 26″ stainless barrel chambered in .470 Capstick, a cartridge developed by Col. Arthur B. Alphin, named for author and African hunter Peter Hathaway Capstick, and derived from the .375 H&H Magnum case for high-energy dangerous game hunting. Brass can be made necking up .375 H&H Magnum brass with a tapered expander, followed by fireforming, then trim, chamfer, and deburr.
This custom rifle is in about Very Good condition overall, retaining approximately 90% of its metal finishes. The laminate stock shows only light handling wear and remains tight and free of chips or cracks, while the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5/10 with some fouling present. The action and safety function correctly, though corrosion is visible on the left side of the barrel and beginning inside the trigger guard. The DeltaPoint is cosmetically in Good condition but could not be tested because no battery was installed. Most importantly, the aftermarket barrel lacks the secondary recoil lug corresponding to the stock’s forend lug screw provision; guidance concerning CZ 550 conversions to .470 Capstick specifically calls for a second barrel lug to distribute recoil through the stock. The bedding, recoil-lug arrangement, headspace, and feeding should be evaluated by a qualified gunsmith before firing. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.