Description
The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum .458 Win. Mag. 5 rd fixed mag is a purpose-built, controlled-round-feed bolt-action rifle designed for the world’s most dangerous game. It’s a serious tool for serious hunters, built on a Mauser 98-style action to deliver absolute reliability when facing Cape buffalo, elephant, or grizzly at close range. When it comes to stopping a charging threat, this rifle is engineered for one job: delivering a massive, decisive payload with unwavering mechanical certainty. The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum .458 Win. Mag. 5 rd fixed mag is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Key Features
- Controlled-Round Feed Mauser Action: The claw extractor grips the cartridge rim as it leaves the magazine, ensuring positive feeding and extraction under any angle or stress—a critical feature when you can’t afford a malfunction.
- .458 Winchester Magnum Chambering: This cartridge is the benchmark for dangerous game, capable of driving 500-grain bullets with over 5,000 ft-lbs of energy to penetrate thick hide and bone.
- Fixed 5-Round Magazine: Provides a flush, secure fit that won’t snag in brush. The capacity is sufficient for a follow-up shot, which is the practical reality of dangerous game hunting.
- American-Style Walnut Stock: Features a classic straight comb and checkering for a solid, traditional grip, even with heavy gloves or in wet conditions.
- Single-Set Trigger: Allows for a crisp, light pull for precise shots, or a standard pull for general use. This is a feature you’ll appreciate when making a careful, off-hand shot at a stationary target.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .458 Winchester Magnum |
| Action | Controlled-round feed bolt action |
| Magazine | Fixed, 5-round capacity |
| Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Overall Length | 44.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 9.3 lbs |
Weighing in at approximately 9.3 pounds, the rifle’s heft helps manage the substantial recoil of the .458 Win. Mag. cartridge. The 24-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides the necessary velocity for optimal bullet performance, and the overall length of 44.5 inches balances well for carrying and quick mounting. The iron sights are robust and provide a fast, reliable aiming system, though the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts like those from Warne or Leupold for low-power optics. Here’s the thing—this is not a plinking rifle. It’s a specialized instrument, and its specifications reflect that singular focus. At $1194.45, it represents a significant value for a rifle of this capability and build quality, with a fit and finish that requires no gunsmithing required for immediate, reliable function.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the hunter booking a plains game or dangerous game safari where a .458 is the legal minimum or the guide’s strong recommendation. It’s for the Alaskan guide or hunter who needs definitive stopping power for brown bear defense in thick alders. It’s also for the ballistic enthusiast who appreciates the history and mechanical elegance of a true Mauser-action big bore. It is decidedly not for deer hunting in the Midwest or casual range use—the ammunition cost and recoil make that impractical.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Legendary controlled-round feed reliability. Chambered in the proven, widely available .458 Win. Mag. Excellent single-set trigger. Classic, durable walnut stock. Strong iron sights and scope-ready. Built to handle the most extreme hunting conditions.
Cons: Significant recoil that demands proper technique. Ammunition is expensive and not for high-volume shooting. The fixed magazine limits reload speed compared to a detachable box. Its weight and length make it less than ideal for still-hunting in dense timber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle handle other cartridges besides .458 Winchester Magnum?
A: No. The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum is chambered specifically for the .458 Win. Mag. The action and magazine are designed for this cartridge’s length and power. Do not attempt to fire other cartridges.
Q: Is the .458 Win. Mag. enough for elephant?
A: With proper 500-grain solid bullets and precise shot placement, the .458 Win. Mag. is a widely accepted and proven cartridge for elephant, as well as Cape buffalo and other dangerous game. It is considered a minimum for elephant in many African countries, where shot placement is paramount.
Q: What kind of optics mount does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard scope base. Popular one-piece or two-piece bases from manufacturers like Warne, Leupold, or Talley, designed for the CZ 550 long action, will fit. Given the cartridge’s power, use high-quality, heavy-duty rings.
Ready to add this classic dangerous game rifle to your collection? View availability and start the FFL transfer process on our product page.
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