It's a Safari Grade with the cross bolt new. I guess it's my last chance. The price they ask is $1,500. This shop is usually high. This would be just to goof with at the range, impress others and recieve scorn on this forum for having a "short" 45. So it's going to be a safe queen as I will never need it. What is the chance it's a good "investment". I actually have the money, it would be cool to have and if it went up in 10 - 20 years that would be a bonus.

Thanks

Safari Express with CRF should have 2 c-bolts. Assuming ANIB conditon I would not pay > 1350USD for one. I hate import marks so I bought '83 proof-marked NIB CZ 75 for $369. Hell, it might be a piece of scrap metal after 2008 elections.

You are correct, 2 C-bolts. It is CFR

Is it a "deal" not really, is it a "rip off" not really. That being said would I buy it as an investment probably not, but if I had the $ and didn't own one would I buy it, yea probably. Being that it is in a shop you might try to negotiate a little and see if you can get a little better price, but if you want some fun at the range and a nice big bore to shoot they don't get much better short of a custom job and that is a different $ range altogether.

like the posters say, if it's a CRF it might be close to the asking price. I do not see significant investment value.

IMHO, a more productive deal might be a CZ550 Magnum in 458W, or better yet, a Lott. If you reload, the Lott can be throttled down to 405gr cast at 1700-1800fps and still be a very impressive show at the range. Not to redirect, but if your friends are not real enthusiasts, a CZ in 416 Rigby is an even better way to impress them IMHO. The Rigby case is a sight to see.

Rich
DRSS

The M70 "classic" Safari. I picked up a nice one in 416Rem nib for dealer cost. They were not that expensive. Two weeks later after the plant closing anouncement, the prices went through the roof.

It's a double edge sword. If I had to purchase mine now, I don't think I could get myself to pay $1500 for it. But, I would not sell mine for $1500 either. Not much of an answer, but you'll probably have to pay at least that much to get one nowadays.

I am of the opinion that a 458WM off a CRF M70 would be a better choice than one off a CZ550Magnum. Not that it would be a better dollar value, but that it would be a better rifle. I also think an older Whitworth 458WM would be a better rifle as well.

GVA

Getting off the subject a bit, and never ever having bought anything as an investment. . .
I have almost been convinced, but not quite, that a CRF was the go for Africa, even though the PH should be about to help out, even if he had a PF.

So next thing I see ads for Wins etc bragging their "deer" calibres are CRF as their customers want. Yeah, that would be handy.

But NOW some here are suggesting it may be needed for show and tell on a range rifle????

Here the subject never comes up. A lot seem to just use a Weatherby, and get by somehow.

$1500 for that thing in Michigan USA? I'm sure there is a market for that caliber there. $1500

Too bad there aren't any Safari grade crf's for sale in Canada because for 1500 I would pick one up in a snap.

quote:

Originally posted by JAL:
Getting off the subject a bit, and never ever having bought anything as an investment. . .
I have almost been convinced, but not quite, that a CRF was the go for Africa, even though the PH should be about to help out, even if he had a PF.

So next thing I see ads for Wins etc bragging their "deer" calibres are CRF as their customers want. Yeah, that would be handy.

But NOW some here are suggesting it may be needed for show and tell on a range rifle????

Here the subject never comes up. A lot seem to just use a Weatherby, and get by somehow.

V8's are for racing too, but having a Camaro or Mustang with just a V6 seems wrong, even if you only plan to use it for cruising around.

My collection is kind of stupid anyway. All my varmint guns are CRF and the larger ones are PF. At least this would make one of them correct.

I agree with GaryVa ..... I've got a new one that's unfired & I've had it for six years ..... paid around $675. for it and it's scoped with a Leupold 1X4 scope. All told, I have probably $1,000. in the gun, wouldn't sell it for twice that, but wouldn't pay $1,500. to replace it either. HOWEVER, and that's a big HOWEVER, in ten years $1,500. will seem like a great bargain.

This one just went for $700:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=68491427

If that was you, there's $800 left in your budget to spend.

GVA

Shootaway, that's 1500USD!

Paolo,are you saying that the amount is too expensive? If I understood correctly the rifle is a win mod 70 CRF,new and chambered for the 458 WinMag.That rifle would be selling for around 1000USD if Winchester still made them,wouldn't it?

Sorry but they are selling in .458 and 416 Rem for $2000 to $2400 now. the 416s are bringing a premium over the .458. I'd say buy it.

I know of about 3 that have sold lately for over $2000. One of which I sold and I have another I am holding on to for investment as they continue to go up.

So if I was some of you out there I would latch on to those cheap priced guns, if they exist and re-sell them.

I'm talking about the two cross bolted Safari Classics, control feed rifles of about the 1998 era, and only in those two calibers, the 375 and other are not bringing that kind of money.

Considering I would want to have some enjoyment with this "investment" how quickly does range use decrease value?

I know this is a tough question, but I have never thought of buying one as an investment before so I don't have a clue. It's likely just an excuse to buy it as I think it looks pretty cool. At least I know enough to save the box!

MMS, I will make this easy for you, BUY IT. You will be able to retire happy with the "investment" in fun, owning a piece of history, wow factor, etc. It will probably not decrease in value much if you shoot it, and frankly what is a couple of hundred if it does if everytime you use it you get some enjoyment out of it. Take care of it, keep the box, pass it down, take it to Africa, keeps notes of its travels.

BUY IT NOW!

For those of you keeping track I bought it for $1,400. Non-constructive criticism is welcome.

Now that you have a GREAT rifle for cape buffalo and elephant you need to start saving so you can go hunt one...or both...

Congrats,

JPK