Then, he asked me if I needed scope rings, because the rifle didn't come with them, and the CZ rings have a goofy tab on them that locks into the receiver and so you can't just use standard rings. And, he would sell me a set of factory rings for an additional $40. That was news to me, so I groaned, but finally agreed. Then, his next email said he would give me the rings for a ride in the airplane. Naturally, I told him he had a deal! I was going to offer him a ride anyway, so, hey, free rings!
I threw the dogs in the back of the plane and flew down there this morning, and took him on a flight over to the Owyhee river canyon and back. There are some nice, rough, rugged rocks out there that are a nice contrast to the flat fields of the treasure valley. He enjoyed the flight, and said his last flight in a small plane was 38 years ago with his brother who was an air force pilot. I'd say he was overdue!
I finally got home with the gun, and I am just delighted with it. Many people report on the internet that they can get sub .5 inch groups at 100 yards with them, and I can see why. The heavy barrel is a little heavier than my other heavy barrel rifles, but the trigger just leaves me speechless. You can use it like a regular trigger, or you can set it by pushing it forward until it clicks, and then it becomes a hair trigger. I've dry-fired it several times, and I'd swear that it must only be about a half pound of force to fire it once it is set.
All in all, it was a pretty good morning! Sigh... now back to the grindstone.
CZ's are great guns. I have been using one in 26-06 for my deer rifle since I retired my old 303 British I bought in high school. I started reloading for it in the 80's and the first three shots were all touching at 100 yds. I am still hunting with the same batch of bullets nearly 30 years later. I usually shoot 1 shot on the way hunting to make sure the scope (leupold 3X9 AO) is still on. I only have 5 bullets left so I guess I better start reloading again.