John Taffin’s CZ USA Model 550 FS 6.5×55 Swedish Mannlicher Bolt Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS088
Make: CZ
Model: 550 FS
Serial Number: A519938
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Caliber: 6.5×55 Swedish
Action Type: Bolt action, centerfire rifle, fed from internal box magazine, with single set trigger.
Barrel Length: 20 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade insert to a base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable U notch screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is dovetailed for CZ rings. There is a Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x with BDC reticle mounted on this rifle. We cannot guarantee optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece Mannlicher style checkered walnut, capped forend, semi pistol grip, European comb with cheekpiece, and rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 14″ from trigger to recoil pad. There is light handling wear. There is a ding on the grip cap. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. There is light handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope, Box, Certificate of Authenticity from John Taffin’s Estate
Our Assessment: The CZ 550 FS is a classic European-style sporting rifle combining a full-length Mannlicher stock with CZ’s robust Mauser-pattern bolt action. Chambered in 6.5×55 Swedish, this 2008 example features a 20 1/2″ barrel, single-set trigger, traditional iron sights, and a Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x scope. The full-length checkered walnut stock, European comb, and cheekpiece give the rifle particularly handsome continental styling. This example is further distinguished by its provenance to noted gun writer John Taffin and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from his estate.
The CZ 550 series earned a strong reputation among hunters for its controlled-round-feed action, integral scope-mounting dovetails, and traditional sporting-rifle construction. The FS, or full-stock, variation paired that dependable action with the classic Mannlicher-style stock and a shorter barrel for a compact, well-balanced field rifle. The 6.5×55 Swedish cartridge complements this configuration particularly well, combining mild recoil with excellent accuracy and proven hunting performance. John Taffin’s ownership adds meaningful provenance to an already desirable and now-discontinued CZ sporting rifle.
This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish, with only light handling wear. The checkered walnut Mannlicher stock remains in Excellent condition with a ding on the grip cap but no chips or cracks. The bright bore has sharp rifling with no erosion and rates an excellent 9.75/10 with only light fouling, while the action functions correctly. The Burris Fullfield II scope and documented John Taffin provenance further enhance the package. Overall, this is an Excellent CZ 550 FS with a superb bore, desirable 6.5×55 Swedish chambering, classic full-stock configuration, and notable collector provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF