What are everyone's thoughts on the Savage model 116FSS chambered in .375 H&H as a DG gun?

it's a PF not a controlled feed action, but they are pretty solid and likely the most accurate factory rifle out there for under 2-grand. Maybe over.

Rich

It would make a fine wet weather bear gun, but I don't think I would advocate the use of it on African DG.

Just wondering why folks don't consider bears as dangerous??? I'd also say that wet weather bear hunting is much harder on a gun than hunting African DG.

There are only three factory made 375's I'd consider, CZ, Win mdl 70 classic, Ruger M77.

Bears are very dangerous. Finding a M70 Classic is a safari all to its own. The Ruger M77 is an outstanding choice. The RSM is in a factory class all it's own. The Hawkeye is rock solid.

Call Effie in the Savage Custom shop, she will make you one with a CRF bolthead.

That would be cool! A CRF Stainless Weather Warrior in 375 H&H. Wonder if they'd do one in 404Jeffery?

Rich

I can't imagine theres a reason to buy a Savage .375.

Seems to me most gunshows usually have a variety of big bore rifles in trustworthy brands that frequently are cheaper than the off the rack Savage. Were I right handed I'd look for a model 98 in whatever big bore cartridge tickled my fancy.

Even if a .375 Savage shoots sub MOA, why?

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
There are only three factory made 375's I'd consider, CZ, Win mdl 70 classic, Ruger M77.

Ditto's, with the M70 being my top choice. Your dealing with three rifles from different manufactures that have a long African and Alaskan history of working in any conditions.

Having a very small amount of intelligence, I once did the following to a long action Savage that was a left hand 7mm Mag. Cost (used) $275

1. screwed in (I think) an Adams and Bennett .458 Win Mag barrel using the lock nut headspacing. Cost $125????

2. ordered and installed a .458 magazine assembly. Cost $37

3. Put a used Leupold 1.5-5x Leupold scope. Cost $255 (rifle came with bases and rings)

4. Loaded two boxes of 450 grain x bullets. Cost $45 (I bought the old-style X bullets dirt cheap here on AR and used old brass that I found in a box in my reloading room.)

5. took it to the range, checked the action (with the in-line magazine and the retaining "clips", you could load the thing upside down) and shot a 2" group at 100 yards

6. Gave the gun and 30 rounds of ammo to a client who had let me make some real money and wanted a back up rifle.

7. Watched a video of him killing a 38" buff with the gun.

It looks like crap but it only cost much less than $1000 with ammo and a good scope and worked like a charm..

Would I do it again. No... I'd just buy him a LH Ruger Hawkeye..

I am selling my pre-64 M70 and post 64 M70 in .458 because I have a Savage 116SS Safari in .458 WM. The Savage is CRF feed, feeds like a dream, is more accurate and will take more punishment than the M70's. The thought and engineering that has gone into the Savage is what makes them outstanding. They now are putting quality wood on them, also, for a price. I never worry about dings and scratches on my Savage, it's a tool, not a sculpture. Savages are inexpensive because they are engineered for modern manufacturing and not one off's like Winchester. Savages are held to closer tolerences because of this , also. Take nostalgia and out dated thinking out of the equation and Savage is the best value. JMHO........Tom

I have a couple of buddies that have Savage rifles with and without accutrigger. I must say they are accurate and function fine. One of them has a nice walnut stock and even looks half way decent. I guess I would take one to Africa or Alaska if that is what you had and liked.

They make holes in deer and varmits just fine.

BigB

reading this thread makes me think of the rifles that ER Shaw is selling now. I think they are made with Savage actions. I have not seen, and was wondering if anyone else has? They look pretty nice and come in a lot of calibers including some of the larger ones, might be worth considering if someone wanted a big bore with a Savage Action.

My friend has a matched pair of pretty darn fancy Savage guns set up for Africa on consignment in his shop. They are unfired. One is 458 Win Mag and the other 300 Win Mag. They bothhave gorgeous walnut stocks with no floorplate and stainless metal. The barrels have 3 leaf express sights, barrel band swivels, and muzzle brakes. He can probably make a heck of a deal on these. John's (814) 435-3544 or johnmzeigler@verizon.net

I got to fiddle with one that had the synthedic stock. Very light gun, brisk to shoot but would be nice for a lot of walking. Push feed but seemed to work just fine during the little time I had with it. It was purchased new for $400 and for that price it was an awesome value. However, considering the price of a hunt I don't think looking for the best deal in a gun needs to be that critical.