I have had an application for a .375 approved by the UK police and am now looking at choices.

I have used Sako rifles for some time and am strongly considering another - I am aware that they are not a true CRF but I am very familiar with and like the action/ safety mechanism etc. A downside is the 6 month delivery time on a new rifle. I have however found a second hand 'Brown Bear' which is a strong contender.

Another choice is the CZ. I would prefer the synthetic stock but i have never seen it available in the UK. In fact CZ's in larger calibres seem thin on the ground in the UK.

I have happy to source from the USA if it is easier.

I have often seen mention of people having work done on rifles to make them 'Africa ready'. What does this typically constitute? Are there custom shops that do this work?

All and any help and recommendations would be very welcome.

Regards
Guy

Guy,

If I were you, and being familiar with Sako, I would stick with Sako.

Don't pay too much attention to CRF.

I have hunted with a Remington 700 for many years, shooting literally hundreds of African game animals with it, without a single problem.

Talk to Wayne Jacobson at American Hunting Rifles. He will make a CZ into a very fine rifle with your choice of upgrade packages.

http://hunting-rifles.com/

email: wayne@hunting-rifles.com

A few Sako rifles as this year have failed. They exploded. There was a post hear about one.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by gbax:
... I am aware that they are not a true CRF
... I would prefer the synthetic stock but i have never seen it available in the UK.
...I have happy to source from the USA if it is easier.
...

Try McMillan:
http://mcmillanusa.com/mcmilla...-custom-heritage.php

You can order it with CRF action, and the stocks are synthetic.
There might be a long lead time though.

I really don't care for the CZ big rifles....they seem a bit large and clunky to me.


.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gbax:
I have had an application for a .375 approved by the UK police and am now looking at choices.
/QUOTE]

I guess I should not complain about having to convince the wife that I need a new gun when I see something behind the counter that I want to buy and take home today. I also would suggest buying the Sako, it is a great rifle and one you are already familiar with. Good luck with whatever you decide, shopping is half of the fun!

I'd look around for a Ruger Safari Magnum in 375 H&H. Ruger has discontinued this rifle but they are available on the used gun market. Don't know how available they are in the UK, but they are great guns. Since you mentioned buying in the US, check www.gunbroker.com. Several are listed.

I really like the older Sako's. I've got one in a Browning from the early 70's. It's a 243, but the same could be found in a 375.

Great guns, great actions...

I have never been a fan of the sako, biggest reason was that my dad had a 375 h&h sako that kicked the shit out of me as a kid,

he has hunted with it religiously and loves it, it's been his go to gun for al African animals and even made its way around the world in shooting all the bears, from the polar bear to a great brown in Alaska,

he has 2 pre war Hollands that are gathering dust because he is truly a sako fan, so if you can get your hands on a old original sako, go for it, reg JK

I have had a number of Sako's. I guide in Alaska and decided to purchase a new Sako Kodiak Magnum in .375 to use in my work a couple of years ago. That rifle was the biggest lemon I have ever owned in my life. The reason I looked at it in the first place was because it was stainless steel, and had that nice laminated stock that would hold up to the awful weather that Alaska continues to have. I carefully worked up loads for that rifle and one day shooting at the range the whole back of the stock blew up aft of the receiver. I could tell you horror stories about that rifle which I have well documented with photos. My recommendation, don't buy a new Sako.

I absolutely love my old Sakos in my collection. They have now changed all the models dropping the hinged floor plate in favor of a removable magazine. I very much disliked this, especially in a DGR. I would have no hesitation to use one of Sako's older rifles with the hinged floor plates, but I would steer clear of the new models. I'll say no more...

There are lots of good options out there. I currently use 2 McMillan Prestige rifles in .375 and .416. Both of these rifles are a joy to shoot. I'd say find an old Sako if you like them or look at other options.

The other thing I failed to mention in my post above was that dealing with Beretta (current owners of Sako) on the warranty issue was an awful experience. They eventually replaced the rifle, and I promptly sold it. I don't even want to get started on the very expensive quick release OptiLock scope mounts that would never hold the scope under recoil.

You should be able to get an old Sako in the UK ( L61 Magnum) in 375. Much better than the new ones.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Guy,

If I were you, and being familiar with Sako, I would stick with Sako.

Don't pay too much attention to CRF.

I have hunted with a Remington 700 for many years, shooting literally hundreds of African game animals with it, without a single problem.

+2

I own a Sako Kodiak and a Dakota 76 in .375 H&H. Both shoot sub-MOA. THe Dakota is prettier, and the Sako is more of a work horse with the stainless steel action and barrel, as well as the grey and black laminated stock. I have carried both rifles in Africa. I have killed plains game with the Dakota and a 180 pound leopard as well as plains game with the Sako. One advantage of the Sako is that it takes a clip. I generally load the rifle with Barnes X triple shock hand loads and keep a spare clip in my vest loaded with Woodleigh solids. Clips change out in seconds, making this a very handy arrangement.

So, based on the information you have provided, I would go with the Sako. It costs about ⅓ the price of the Dakota and has a lot of great features going for it.

quote:

Originally posted by PSmith:
Talk to Wayne Jacobson at American Hunting Rifles. He will make a CZ into a very fine rifle with your choice of upgrade packages.

http://hunting-rifles.com/

email: wayne@hunting-rifles.com

Good advice right there. Wayne converted my CZ 550 in 416 Rigby to a truly reliable workhorse. I had some previous work done on it as well, cutting the barrel a bit as well as putting a good synthetic stock on it. He offers some really nice options to turn that clunky stock CZ into a real hunting rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by Kambaku:
The other thing I failed to mention in my post above was that dealing with Beretta (current owners of Sako) on the warranty issue was an awful experience. They eventually replaced the rifle, and I promptly sold it. I don't even want to get started on the very expensive quick release OptiLock scope mounts that would never hold the scope under recoil.

While my experience with my Sako Kodiak is exactly opposite of what Kambaku has experienced, I am in total agreement that Beretta essentially provides NO customer service if you have a problem with one of their products. They are the worst I have ever encountered. One example - when I needed a few new screws for my optilock mounts, the Beretta folks told me they would sell them to me for a bit over $5 each plus postage!!!! When Stoeger handled Sako, they would send you as many screws as you needed free of charge.

Forget about importing a rifle from the USA, the paperwork will add $500 to the price. If it were my decision, I would look around for a custom English rifle built on a Mauser action. This will appreciate while the mass produced rifled depreciate. Since it's so hard to legally own a rifle in the UK, when a rifle is offered at auction you can get it for a pretty fair price. And if it has a side safety conversion (ie a Timney Trigger or a Zastava/Whitworth action), it will be very similar to a Sako in terms of function.

I had to laugh when I read subsailer74's comment about Beretta's customer service compared to Stoeger because I too had a similar experience.

First off, I can appreciate that some have had good luck with their Sako Kodiak's and I'm happy for them. We all have opinions on what we like best and I won't get into an argument there. I simply had a really bad experience with that rifle.

However, to the comment about Stoeger. On my first trip to Africa in the early '80s I took a Sako 30-06 along. when I opened the rifle case at the airport in Johannesburg upon arrival I was more than surprised to see the stock broken in half at the pistol grip. I have a couple of theories as to what happened but it's not relevant to the following comment. When I got back I sent a letter to Stoeger and told them what happened. They immediately got back to me and told me to send in the rifle. Two weeks later the UPS man came to the door and there was my rifle with a new stock no questions ask and at no charge to me. My experience dealing with Beretta doesn't even come close.

Guy ,Sako is a great rifle out of the box .
Im a big fan of czs but i use them for guiding and renting to the clients and in my shooting classes ,besides that czs are a bit long and heavy ,as you will not abuse the rifle a lot ill choose the Sako.
CZs are made for heavy professional use mostly ,the same for zastavas.
Juan

In light of the difficulty of getting a license for a 375 in the UK, I would definitely be looking at a rifle whose value won't plummet drastically if sold in the future.

Sako's had a very good reputation here in Australia for a long time, but the Sako 85 has tarnished that. I'd be after something a bit more classic if I was in the UK.

Guy- Old Mill Guns has a synthetic stock BRNO, and he is not far from London in Sussex.

Edit the above, its a 458.

A1 Decoy in Bristol has/had a Kodiak 85 with Zeiss DG for £1950 ish if my memory is correct

How about Holt's auctions? I thought you would get a really nice rifle from there.

I have a CZ550 in .416 Rigby that I have put about 500 rounds through. It has not mis fired or had a single mis feed. This includes a fair amount of speed shooting in the big bore club.

Yes they are a bit big and bulky standard and I would not opt for the standard stocks as the break and split. One of these with the Belle and Carlson synthetic stock would be completely reliable and shoot MOA or close to it.

Last thing you want on an expensive trip is a malfunctioning gun.

A lot depends on your budget. Depending on that if money is a consideration I'd go a CZ (or M70 or Ruger) and spend the extra on a good scope.

Remember whatever you take to Africa will end up scratched and likely the blue worn off where you carry it!

I don't think you'd go too far wrong with any of the suggestions mentioned in this thread.

Cheers

I'm fond of my Interarms Whitworth. In fact, around 20 years ago, I had both a Whitworth AND a Sako in .375 Holland. I sold the Sako.

The Whitworth has true CRF--admittedly, it's overrated--and the Whitworth stock gives it a bit of old-world British panache, which you might find appealing.

But, if you're familiar with the Sako function and fit, why shop any further?

Hi Gbax,

Just a thought may be to consider a Blaser. You could get the Professional model which has a very nice synthetic stock, is light and short and very accurate. You could add a 7mm Rem Mag or .300 Win Mag barrel later on using the same bolt assembly. That would be a pretty good combo for most game in the UK and European area.

At the other end of the cost scale, particularly when you add scope mounts etc however, they are very versatile. The other advantage with you being in the UK (similar to Aus) is that they break down into a case that doesn't look like a gun.

Not sure all if you guys in the US would understand this but walking down a street or worse in an airport with what is obviously a gun in a case gets lots of disapproving looks here and unwanted attention. I'd think the UK would be similar. Discrete has its advantages.

My only negative comment on the Blasers is they seem to need a bit of practice to reliably feed quickly. Probably like most long action bolt guns to a degree but I've seen a few cases ejected and come back into the action on rushed reloads. Sure a good positive movement and some practice would negate this problem.

Cheers

DK

Get a Zastava and forget the problems. My Zastava 375 H&H shoots easy 3/4 inch groups and has never failed to feed or had a malfunction. The wood was a little rough--OK, a lot rough, but that was an easy fix and the rifle is all you could ask for as far as accuracy and reliability.

I own a Sako 375, Hunter model, that accompanied me on my first safari 22 years ago. In the intervening years, I have acquired 9 other big bores, including a double 450/400 and 3 custom bolt actions
Guess which is my go-to rifle?
The one I took for my lion in Burkina earlier this year?
The sako 375 is light, well balanced, reliable, accurate, and gets the job done.

The CZ 550 Magnum is just too large and heavy for the caliber, as is the Ruger RSM. These rifles are just right for the 416 and 458 type cartridges
Get a sako Hunter.
The Whitworth Express is another good rifle, CRF also, but may need a little work on the action
Good Luck!

quote:

How about Holt's auctions? I thought you would get a really nice rifle from there.

No, you will get royally screwed by Holts. Their commissions are outrageous, and their descriptions are borderline fraudulent. And if you have a problem with a gun, these people turn on the arrogant valve. If you must buy from Nick Holt, then make sure you personally inspect the item fully before bidding, and ESPECIALLY check the mechanical function. Holts thinks it's OK to gloss over such things as ejector springs missing or broken, main springs missing or broken, pitting on the receiver, firing pins missing or broken, dents in the barrel and so on. And to add to this, they will not do any packing or shipping... they put you in touch with a man who is equally arrogant and when something arrives damaged they are quick to point fingers at each other and the shipper leaving you high and dry.

quote:

I have had an application for a .375 approved by the UK police and am now looking at choices.

A friend of mine bought a 375 Win M70 whilst living in the UK. He went to a gun fair and there it was on the rack. He bought it on the spot.
There must be a Winchester importer there. Get hold of them and buy the best factory rifle money can buy, The Win M70 in 375 H&H

There was a Whitworth and a Winchester in the classifieds here last I looked.

Guy,

congrats for the positive application ...

i didnt knew that you apply for a caliber then you choose the rifle ...

hope you didnt say that you needed against big wild boar lol ...

anyway i ll go for a zastava then if for any reasons they remove your authorisation you wont loose that much and still have a great tool with open sights.

what is validity of your license 2-3 years?

all the best and good luck in your application.

Phil

Take a look at the Heym Express Bolt rifle in 357 H&H.

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:
I really don't care for the CZ big rifles....they seem a bit large and clunky to me.


.

You just need to get them in a bigger caliber ...

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:
I own a Sako Kodiak and a Dakota 76 in .375 H&H. Both shoot sub-MOA. THe Dakota is prettier, and the Sako is more of a work horse with the stainless steel action and barrel, as well as the grey and black laminated stock. I have carried both rifles in Africa. I have killed plains game with the Dakota and a 180 pound leopard as well as plains game with the Sako. One advantage of the Sako is that it takes a clip. I generally load the rifle with Barnes X triple shock hand loads and keep a spare clip in my vest loaded with Woodleigh solids. Clips change out in seconds, making this a very handy arrangement.

So, based on the information you have provided, I would go with the Sako. It costs about ⅓ the price of the Dakota and has a lot of great features going for it.

hate to be nit picky but you seemed confused The sako does not and never has taken a clip. They do use a box magazine. A clip is what you use to top load a Mauser, Lee Enfield, M1 Garand etc as in Stripper clip.

The Cz magnum actions are a lot of rifle for the money but are big and bulky. You can get the kevlar stocked ones from the US or get a good stock maker localy to slim the CZ stock down. Like others I wouldn't get to carried away with control round feed. I have had these go wrong on me as much as any push feed.

quote:

Originally posted by Hunting the Box H:

quote:

I have had an application for a .375 approved by the UK police and am now looking at choices.

A friend of mine bought a 375 Win M70 whilst living in the UK. He went to a gun fair and there it was on the rack. He bought it on the spot.
There must be a Winchester importer there. Get hold of them and buy the best factory rifle money can buy, The Win M70 in 375 H&H

I was thinking the same thing. Surely there are some Winchester sellers and or importers there. You cant hardly go wrong with the Model 70.

I too have had the Sakos. The best ones I owned are the older AVs and especially the Fiberclass model. The new ones are much more hit and miss. Again I think the Winchester Model 70 is the way to go if it is available to you. I sold my Sakos and did just that.

It may not be as popular here on AR or the Africa Forum, but the Weatherby rifles are very nice and reliable too if they are available there. The 375 Weatherby Magnum will shoot both the Weatherby factory ammunition as well as the traditional 375 H&H . If the Weatherby is distributed there you could look at the Deluxe wood stocked models, the Euro wood stocked model, or their Fibermark rifle in synthetic . The Weatherby ammo is top notch and Weatherby stands behind their products with factory service and with just good customer service. You can still call up Weatherby and talk to a person and probably get the right answer quickly.

Weatherby also has a factory custom shop . Go over to Weatherby and look under the Custom Shop tab. They have some Africa rifles already set up or you can spec the rifle the way you want it.

As to the other part of the question Guy, much of the "Africa readying " work done on the rifles, while good to have, is probably not completely necessary in many cases. But common work is to perfect the rifle for feeding and extraction. Any problems there could get very large in a hurry with an elephant 5 yards in front of you. Other work could be polishing the action, timing the safety, setting the trigger, maybe adding better or express sights, and bedding or pillar bedding the rifle in some cases. Sometimes changing the stock for something you like better, or maybe you just prefer a synthetic stock and that type of "readying" is performed.

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:
I own a Sako Kodiak and a Dakota 76 in .375 H&H. Both shoot sub-MOA. THe Dakota is prettier, and the Sako is more of a work horse with the stainless steel action and barrel, as well as the grey and black laminated stock. I have carried both rifles in Africa. I have killed plains game with the Dakota and a 180 pound leopard as well as plains game with the Sako. One advantage of the Sako is that it takes a clip. I generally load the rifle with Barnes X triple shock hand loads and keep a spare clip in my vest loaded with Woodleigh solids. Clips change out in seconds, making this a very handy arrangement.

So, based on the information you have provided, I would go with the Sako. It costs about ⅓ the price of the Dakota and has a lot of great features going for it.

hate to be nit picky but you seemed confused The sako does not and never has taken a clip. They do use a box magazine. A clip is what you use to top load a Mauser, Lee Enfield, M1 Garand etc as in Stripper clip.

The Cz magnum actions are a lot of rifle for the money but are big and bulky. You can get the kevlar stocked ones from the US or get a good stock maker localy to slim the CZ stock down. Like others I wouldn't get to carried away with control round feed. I have had these go wrong on me as much as any push feed.

Point well taken - I stand corrected!

quote:

I have had an application for a .375 approved by the UK police and am now looking at choices.

You may need such an approval if you reside in the UK, of which I am unsure, but can tell you for a fact that if the rifle is destined for export there is no red tape involved.