The test rifle came with a single-set trigger that is engaged by pushing the trigger slightly forward. Set triggers aren't common on American guns, but they make accuracy testing a whole lot easier. The standard trigger on the test gun broke at a creepy four pounds, two ounces with a bit of overtravel. The set trigger also had a bit of creep but only required 15 ounces to trip the sear. Both trigger pulls are adjustable.

The Model 550 utilizes a detachable magazine, and the magazine release is located in the front of the trigger guard.

The full stock is carved from an attractive blank of Turkish walnut. The comb has a distinctive Bavarian humpback with a matching, angular cheekpiece. The wood is attractive but fairly straight grained. The forend and pistol grip are machine checkered, but the checkering is nicely done. The stock is nice and trim throughout, tapering down smoothly to a steel forend cap. A black, ventilated recoil pad and steel sling swivels are standard.

The stock is evenly inletted along the barrel channel and around the bottom metal, including the detachable magazine that is standard on short-action calibers. Since CZ builds all its big-bore centerfires on the same Mauser action, it had to use a detachable magazine for short-action calibers like the .243 Winchester, for which the test rifle was chambered. The release for the four-round magazine is an integral part of the front of the trigger guard.

Scoping The 550 FS
I first saw Leupold's new VX-7 line of riflescopes at the 2007 SHOT Show. Leupold's quality is legendary, but the new VX-7 has some pretty impressive new features. All VX-7 scopes feature rugged 30mm tubes and dual erector springs for greater precision and durability. I like the dual erector springs for their ability to hold zero on hard-kicking magnums and under harsh hunting conditions.

Leupold's new VX-7 scopes feature the SpeeDial adjustment system. It allows fast, accurate adjustments without the risk of lost turret caps.

The VX-7 line also incorporates new features like Leupold's Xtended Twilight Lens System, which employs ultrapure, lead-free, index-matched glass that is precision ground and polished to provide incredible resolution, clarity, and low-light performance. Leupold's new SpeeDial adjustment system allows fast, accurate adjustments without the risk of lost turret caps.

I ordered the 3.5-14X 50mm model for testing. It is probably not the ideal size for a full-stocked carbine like the CZ 550 FS, but it is perfect for the long-range rifle onto which this scope will eventually find its way. I mounted the scope in CZ's rock-solid steel scope rings and bore-sighted it with a Leupold Zero Point Magnetic Boresighter. The combination was attractive, classy, and distinctively European despite the gold ring on the front of the scope.

On the range, it only took a few rounds to zero the scope. Adjusting it was a snap thanks to the SpeedDial's assisted lift-and-lock adjustments that are used on the elevation and windage adjustments as well as the side parallax adjustment. To use them, simply unscrew the covers. After three or four turns, they pop up, revealing the adjustment scale on the turret. Once the turrets pop up, they adjust the scope 1/4 minute per click. Once it's zeroed, push down on each cap and tighten it back down. It's fast, easy, and there's no way to lose the scope caps.