Which .375 H+H Should I buy?

L42A1

L42A1

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I'm looking to buy a heirloom quality .375 H+H for an upcoming Grizzly Bear hunt this fall. I don't want to spend over $3000. Does anybody have any suggestions? I've been looking at both the SAKO Kodiak and Brown Bear but I'd also like to know whats out there before I decide. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
I held the Kodiak and it felt clubby to me. Even for what is supposed to be an 8lb rifle it felt heavy and dead in my hands. I wanted to like it but aside from the typically smooth Sako action it left me feeling cold. The stock felt bloated as did the forearm, and I'm not a little fellow. Maybe the weight was too far back into the butt stock and grip and not enough out in the front end. The Winchester is a pound heavier but always feels better to me. Maybe the forend is slimmer and the extra 3" of barrel hangs out there better and makes it move in my hands in a more familiar way.

I'd recommend heading down to your local purveyor of rifles and try them on for size. That's really the only way to know what will fit you and feel right. You could find a used Ruger RSM in 375 H&H but they tend to run on the heavier side (same barrel contour as the 458 which leaves a lot of beef in the barrel) or look for a Brno 602 or CZ550.

A rifle's value as a heirloom has less to do with the rifle and more to do with the hunter. Of all my Dad's rifles, there are only 3 that I would consider to have any real sentimental value. I already owned one and traded it back to him for another rifle. If you'll excuse me, I have to go kick myself in the backside, again.
 
If you're not stuck on brand new I'd suggest a Brno 602. I found one in mint shape for under a grand and feel its better than just about any current production medium bore (except custom/ semi custom makes). The wood and metalwork surpass modern designs like the kodiak or rugers, which are still both well made guns, but like the previous poster says a little soulless.


It may have had another owner before me but now that I've killed a wild wood bison with it it's definitely an heirloom now!
 
I like the classic styling of the Ruger RSM, and if I was buying a rifle for Africa, that is probably what I would get. On the other hand, if I was buying a rifle primarily for North America, I would get the Sako.

I find that my rifle hunting excursions often find me (depending on how late in the season) covered in mud or snow, on quads, boats, or sometimes sleds, and in often very cold climates. In these situations, I prefer for my rifle to be as weather impervious as possible. This is where the Kodiak would shine.

Lots of guys really like the model 70 Winchesters, which are perhaps made better now than ever before. Those are probably worth a look at too, and can also be had in stainless. They are not my bag, but that is purely a subjective, personal thing. That's not to say they aren't good though.
 
Buy two.

Your mileage may vary, but I like detachable mags. They load and unload quickly, and I don't have loose rounds rattling about. Also the Sako 85 design is not exactly conducive to having mags fall out accidentally.
 
you re right but experience differ for sure. even if the sako 85 system is a little better you may still lose it ...

on a grizzly hunt this is the latest thing i want to look for ....

choices offered by others are good but i may add the zastava if it fits your arms ... or an old interarms x.
 
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Look for fit, I've had 2 Win 70s a Rem 700, and a Ruger #1. The Wins felt best. I'm sure that Cooper or Kimber make a nice piece of art in that cal. Good luck & let us know what you get.
 
A good friend of mine recently put together a Sako Brown Bear in .375 H&H with a S&B (1-8 if i recall correct). Very nice package and a lot handier than the CZ 550 which is a common suggestion for a full length mag. I find the CZ too large and clumsy. A Ruger No. 1 may be a good optio as a heirloom as well.
 
602s are too heavy as are many other 375s incl the CZ. Been there/done that with a 602 a couple times.

I wouldn't go the 375 route again. A 9.3x62 or 35Whelen in a lightweight rifle would do it for me instead.
 
My M70 Alaskan weighs 8.4 pounds with a VXII 1-4x on it. Thats unloaded. I wouldn't say the finish and wood on it is heiloom material though to be honest, they are not nearly as nice as the super grades. Wasn't there a Sako deluxe on EE?? It may still be there. I think that would be my bet for a 3k heirloom gun. An older unmolested Sako topped with a VX3 1.5-5x.

See the link, I believe its sold but this would be my choice.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?932738-WOW!!!-Sako-AV-deluxe-in-375-H-amp-H&highlight=sako
 
I agree with SuperCub.

I love the 602s and the Ruger RSI, but they are heavy and long, and the 375 HH does not need that weight. A 9.3x62 can be had in very trim rifles, and are very much more comfortable to carry and shoot.
They do most of everything quite well - as they have been for 100 years.

If you are worried about the biggest of animals, use a 325 grain bullet and never worry.
 
Win. M-70 Alaskan or Safari. Very hard to beat for the dollar, plus it has the infamous "Rifleman's rifle" reputation to enhance the heirloom status. I have the Alaskan version. Shoots and handles very well.
 
I would disagree with a few of the others about the CZ 550!!! I have one in 375 h&h and one in 416 Rigby!!! Both are great guns and with your choice in optics,mounts, and extra ammo your well under your $3000 budget'!! This will leave extra cash for more shooting to get used to it!!

I also forgot to mention both guns will hold 1" - 1-1/4" with quality ammo!!! Set triggers for longer ranges if need be, and if you have a choice go with the talley quick detach rings for the rifle that way if you have to chase a grizz into the alders you can very quickly use the irons!!! The talleys also hold zero as I have tested this many times!!!
 
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