The BRNO 602 and Current CZ Safari 550 Magnum are the same gun except for a few minor differences. Anyone attempting to say one is better than the other is saying so because that is the one they own. Most parts are interchangable. The basic action of the two guns are the same.
The newer stocks are simply better than the older stocks. Modern recoil pads as opposed to plastic buttplates or older technology recoil pads. And an added advantage of the new 550's is the factory installed crossbolts. Not to mention factory synthetic stocks which do away with stock splitting altogether. The "old" 602 can easily be brought up to snuff with these add ons.
The older 602 had a pop up emergency peep sight built into the rear receiver bridge. The express sights are very stout but they have been damaged before. Instead of ending a hunt right there all one had to do was to pop up the peep sight and keep hunting. Really neat feature. CZ might offer this feature from it's custom shop.
I own an older CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 458 Lott. The Pachmayr Decelerator pad really helps in spreading out the recoil. I wish my rifle had the crossbolt stock. I paid $850.00 for it 4-5 years ago IIRC. As to whether or not the older BRNO's were better finished we'll never know...there are no new BRNO 602's to compare the new CZ 550 Safari Magnums to. I do know my 550 is a slick operating rifle. Better than the new Rugers, Remingtons, Savages, and other brands I have bought over the last 10 years. I have 5 CZ rifles. The beforementioned CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 458 Lott. A CZ 550 in 30-06. A 527 in 22 Hornet. And (2) 452 American rifles in 17 HMR and 17 Mach II. All are great rifles. Buy CZ...you will not be sorry.
The newer stocks are simply better than the older stocks. Modern recoil pads as opposed to plastic buttplates or older technology recoil pads. And an added advantage of the new 550's is the factory installed crossbolts. Not to mention factory synthetic stocks which do away with stock splitting altogether. The "old" 602 can easily be brought up to snuff with these add ons.
The older 602 had a pop up emergency peep sight built into the rear receiver bridge. The express sights are very stout but they have been damaged before. Instead of ending a hunt right there all one had to do was to pop up the peep sight and keep hunting. Really neat feature. CZ might offer this feature from it's custom shop.
I own an older CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 458 Lott. The Pachmayr Decelerator pad really helps in spreading out the recoil. I wish my rifle had the crossbolt stock. I paid $850.00 for it 4-5 years ago IIRC. As to whether or not the older BRNO's were better finished we'll never know...there are no new BRNO 602's to compare the new CZ 550 Safari Magnums to. I do know my 550 is a slick operating rifle. Better than the new Rugers, Remingtons, Savages, and other brands I have bought over the last 10 years. I have 5 CZ rifles. The beforementioned CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 458 Lott. A CZ 550 in 30-06. A 527 in 22 Hornet. And (2) 452 American rifles in 17 HMR and 17 Mach II. All are great rifles. Buy CZ...you will not be sorry.
