I came across a used 458 Win Mag magna-ported remington today, which I really like, Bolt felt smooth, and I could work it while mounted at my shoulder.

I haven't found a Ruger Bolt Action in an African caliber, or one of the CZs -- but the 7MM Ruger, and the CZ (forgot the caliber) both bothered me -- the bolt seemed to come too close to my eye, and I couldn't work the action very quickly -- it seemed to bind.

Is a push-feed action inherently smoother than the controlled feed? How critical is it to have a controlled feed? I realize a controlled feed can be worked while running/etc -- but I really can't see why I would be doing that.

Push feeds work just fine when you are running and I have a Sako to prove it.

As for running while working the bolt, I think you will find it happens more often than you might think. On my last hunt in South Africa we spotted an Eland from the truck, jumped out and started running. In the truck the rifle had three down, nothing in the chamber. I had been jogging for about half an hour when I remembered I didn't have a cartridge in the chamber and I worked the bolt on the run. When I finally got an opportunity to shoot, the Eland had stopped as well, I pulled the trigger and got the infamous "click" for my efforts. Now, the reason was probably that I short stroked and not a question of action type, but the point is I have had to work the bolt while in motion several times.

IMHO the CRF is way overrated as a feature on DG rifles. If my info is correct many DG PH's use push feed. That said my new 375 was built on CRF mod 70 action.

IF you have a month or two to spare, just do a search on the subject and you'll see what I mean. A push feed action wouldn't keep me from going on a DG safari, not by a long shot, but I do prefer CRFs as do most PHs and there are reasons for that. As far as {sic} smoothness, it cuts both ways. Some CRFs are incredibly smooth.

Having said all of that, I don't care for Remingtons at all and especially on a DGR. Their extractors are puny and prone to fail, especially if debris gets behind them, bolt handles are brazed on and the "fail on fire" safety that besides the obvious, fails to lock the bolt in place.

Lastly, I'm not very fond of the 458 Win Mag. jorge

jorge
I agree on the Remington extractor. I have seen many falures on these guns, it is their fatal flaw. Take what works for you aglifter and then take a backup just in case. Remember your life "may" actually depend on the reliability of your rifle.

I agree with jorge on the push feed CRF debate. If its your one time (or two time) DG hunt, then a push feed should not deter you. In Africa, you will have backup, and almost alwasy have backup in Alaska for anything dangerous so,,,, if its a nice gun and comfortable for you, then dont hesitate.

I wouldn't trade a Cz or a Ruger for a Rem. in .458, particularly a Ruger RSM. The CZ normally is a little gritty, but breaks in and works out of this quickly with a bit of use. As a matter of fact I wouldn't trade a Ruger RSM for several Remingtons if I were looking for a DGR.

The last rifle I would buy as a DG rifle is a Remington 700. CZ's may be rough but at least you have something to work with.

IMHO Rem 700's have there place and thats for shooting vermin like rabbits & foxes great for that and I have a couple of heavy barrelled rems for that purpose, for a hunting gun I like the crf feature of Mausers, CZ's and Rugers when there configured right, If I PF hunting guns theyd be sakos or weatherby's not rem 700's

Like Jorge says if a PF was all I had,it wouldn't stop me from hunting dangerous game. However, that scenario will never happen, because I will not own a PF rifle chambered for a dangerous game cartridge. I have some PF rifles, but they don't get shot at anything more dangerous than an ELK, and not often then, because I have fine CRF rifles in chamberings for those animals as well.
I wouldn't buy a Mod 700 Rem for any purpose! Even Rem finally saw the light, and went to a CRF with the new 798!

I knew that this would bring out the Rem-bashers!!!!!!!!!! Iknow that some falt the brazed-on bolt and 'puny' extracter, but considering the number of 700s made of coures there will be a few failures. It's as if the others never fail. It's as if one should never buy a Ford, because a few have some problem. capt david

The Rem isn't as bad as some say, but I can't see a reason to hunt DG with one. If you already owned one, that would be another story, just as well buy what's best for the job if you are going to spend the money. Watch some cape buff videos and you'll see plenty of opportunity to work the bolt while running, usually running forward to put another shot in as the bull takes off through the bush.

If the rails and feed ramp on a CRF action are polished by a good gunsmith, it helps considerably.

Also, I seem to recall that the Remington is improved by fitting a Sako extractor.

quote:

Originally posted by captdavid:
I knew that this would bring out the Rem-bashers!!!!!!!!!!

jeez, Captain, that's like saying if one finds a pile of shit, you are eventually condemmed to smell it. Remingtons might be fine rifles in their own right, but for this application, there are better tools out there. jorge

jorge, your posts above sum it up nicely, and the last one is hilarious besides.

The only Remingtons I would own would be the Model 30 (may it rest in peace) or the 870 Wingmaster.

Never a 700.