OK, I'm convinced I NEED a.375H&H but, which one???
- Thread starter hesher66
- Start date
The CZ 550 would get my vote. I have one in .375 H&H and it is a great rifle. Very accurate, heavy enough to dampen recoil, yet light enough to carry. This is a true magnum length mauser action with crf, and a full 5 round mag capacity.
I picked up a Zastava M 98 in 375 mag. I initially wanted to get a cz or a winchester, but I realized that, in all reality, it won't be getting the most use so something dependable, but not as engraved, less fancy was the way to go. Based on this rifle, and my Browning Belgian Safari in 30-06 which is apparently effectively the same gun/tooling... I'd say go for a used Browning Belgian Safari in 375. Watch out for the salt wood stocks though.
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Explaining what CRF is, and isn't, can keep a guy busy on this site. Sako called their 85's CRF, but they are nothing of the sort, it's pure marketing bologny. A .375 is a gun that's a prime Dangerous Game rifle- I've used mine for it, and will again. I would not go after Dangerous Game with a push feed, nor would any PH I've met, and even if you don't want to why go with an inferior system. There is no drawback to CRF, but there is to push feed. Push feed works just fine in the deer field, but like any tool, better ones are required for tougher jobs. I like to have the best tools, no matter the application.
From a Sako 85 review:
I have a Zastava 375 H&H as well and I would recommend the full length magnum actions for this chambering. I'm not saying this is a bad rifle, just not as good as it could be because of the standard length action causing some minor issues. With tweaking I'm sure I can have this action working flawlessly, but really it's nicer to have it all good to go from the factory.
Given your price range go with whatever of the above options float your boat.
In addition...a Limbsaver recoil pad is a godsend and worth every cent.
Given your price range go with whatever of the above options float your boat.
In addition...a Limbsaver recoil pad is a godsend and worth every cent.
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
Is this the case with the 75's ?
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yes unfortunately, the 75 is also a push feed.
If we're breaking down into the functional intricities of bolt guns, I'll toss in that only the direct 98 variants and the Brno/CZs have the true 98 design extractor, which grips tighter as you cam the bolt upward.
The rest of the so called "mauser extractor" equipped rifles like the Ruger, have copies of the Model 54/70 extractor, which is a copy of the Springfield extractor, which is a copy of the inferior 93/95 extractor.
I'll also add that the pseudo-CRF rifles that are out there are not limited to the Sako 85. I've handled Ruger Mk2's, Kimbers, and various Mauser variants that did not control feed. CRF is a system, not an undercut bolt face and fixed ejector.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
This is good advice, and is admittedly a strike against the otherwise superb M70. My RSM has a nearly 4" magazine, to hold Rigby's and Lott's (and planned .404's and .505's that never came to fruition), and it is a really handy thing in a .375 especially if you shoot the heavy TSX's as they're long. I can load without intruding into my powder space, and as such, beat book .375 loads by a strong margin with low pressure.
Here's my RSM's true magnum action beside my .300 Win Mag Express Rifle's standard action, it's substantially bigger.
Also, just a drop dead gorgeous CRF true Magnum action, with an integral sight rib- something often worth more than the entire rifle costs just as an option on a custom. If you can find an RSM, you'll never be sorry. Most threads where it and the CZ comes up, people that own or have owned both prefer the RSM, myself included.
If you are going to get a .375, you may as well have the best .375....The NEW KING, the .375 Ruger.
I personally have the Alaskan model, but if you are a blue and wood kinda guy, they African is very nice, too.
Mine is the rifle in the background, with the tan stock.
I personally have the Alaskan model, but if you are a blue and wood kinda guy, they African is very nice, too.
Mine is the rifle in the background, with the tan stock.
I don't see many PHs in this crowd and most here will never use their 375 to fight a big/nasty man eater.
A good push feed like a 700 will be a reliable performer and server well the needs of 95% of the guys on this thread as would the same PF in 30/06. CRF with proper loads is good, but PF will work just as well with those same proper loads.
If you find a good deal on a Remington or Savage and you like the rifle, you won't be dissapointed.
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A good push feed like a 700 will be a reliable performer and server well the needs of 95% of the guys on this thread as would the same PF in 30/06. CRF with proper loads is good, but PF will work just as well with those same proper loads.
If you find a good deal on a Remington or Savage and you like the rifle, you won't be dissapointed.
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- Location
- AB foothills
Here is a decent article posted by Chuck recently on another forum. Something to think about when buying a rifle in the category you are asking about.
http://www.africahunting.com/content/2-big-game-hunting-rifles-500/
No bother here as the article was directed at those who would be using their rifles for hunting in Africa and PH types who would be protecting those who take their Remingtons to such places.SuperCub might not like that article.
My whole point (that most miss) is that we here in NA use such guns as a 375 for hunting the same game as we would while using a 30/06 or 270. No one would ever say that a PF in 30/06 would be lacking for moose hunting. If that's the case, why would a 375mag be any different?
A CRF 375Mag is a good way to go. Not saying any different, but most of us here in NA will never have a problem a good PF in the same chambering.
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Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
No bother here as the article was directed at those who would be using their rifles for hunting in Africa and PH types who would be protecting those who take their Remingtons to such places.
My whole point (that most miss) is that we here in NA use such guns as a 375 for hunting the same game as we would while using a 30/06 or 270. No one would ever say that a PF in 30/06 would be lacking for moose hunting. If that's the case, why would a 375mag be any different?
A CRF 375Mag is a good way to go. Not saying any different, but most of us here in NA will never have a problem a good PF in the same chambering.
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An awful lot of us do use or .375's for Dangerous Game, I can think of a half dozen regular posters here to start, and I don't think you should base whether you choose a better action on whether or not one thinks they'll hunt Africa. A better action is purely a better action, Africa is just the brutal proving ground, much like aircraft certification testing or proof testing rifles- they go far beyond what most examples will experience.
Best analogy I can come up with for a .375 is a push feed is like a 2 wheel drive pickup, works just fine on pavement, even gravel. But who here buys 2 wheel drive pickups when 4 wheel drive is available! I always opt for the best tools even if the job is simple, here, there really isn't even a cost difference so I'm stunned people will go with a lower quality poorer design.
You can have a solid metal one-piece bolt, controlled round feed, better action that's not just round stock with a true recoil lug and flat bottom, for the same price as the soldered bolt, paperclip extractor, round stock receiver M700. You'll also gain a better three position safety. In the smaller cartridges, I don't worry about the Rem extractor, but in the long .375 H&H case, it is very problematic in hot temps.
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
I heard the RSM's use cast receivers...
Is this true ?
Is this true ?
