Looking at picking up an Alaskan in 375 or 416... Still debating on caliber, but leaning toward the 416.

Anyone having any issues or problems with these rifles?

I have one of each, great rifles!

There are reports of failures to properly chamber rounds in the 416s due to some feed rail issues but all were covered by warranty and work fine now. Might chamber a few both fast and slowly over a bullet barrel in the shop before purchase.

mwm464,

Search this forum and Gunsmithing for 'Ruger Alaskan'.

George

Mine - in 375 Ruger - works flawlessly. No issues regarding function. Changed the stock to a MCM instead of the Hogue overmoulded.. Shoots very well too..

416, its a big bore

Own the 375. Only issue is if I attempt to feed a round very slow, and I mean slow the bolt will stall. It has something to do with the magazine follower not popping up correctly.
Non issue with me at the moment as it never happens under field conditions or even at the range.

plan to go to the range and shoot both. others of course. then buy the largest bore you can handle. nothing takes the place od heavy bullets...ever! then of course there is reloading to acomadate for what is fairly comfy to shoot a lot till your a GOOD shot with it.

then shoot over different ranges to see what YOUR range is for a certain shot that will go into 2 inches every time...no matter how out of breath you may be.

I have both the 375 and the 416 and like both. I replaced the factory Hogue stock on the 375 with a factory plastic stock from a 338. I had to do some minor sanding along the forearm barrel groove for the barrel to fit well but that was it. It looks and handles much better. I prefer the factory Hogue on the 416 though.

Own the 375. Love mine. Shoots and carries great. You can't go wrong with either in my opinion.
Rick

Love my 416; no problems at all. Great performer with the DGX and DGS loads, and the 350 grain Barnes TSX makes it even more useful for me as an all-around large game rifle.

I have the .416 and love it. It is a hundred yard 1.3" rifle with 350 grain TSX's at 2500 fps. That makes it a fine buffalo rifle and a more than adequate 200 yard PG gun. With the scope off (Warne QD mounts), I have no problem putting 400 grain Hornady DGS's in a couple of inches off had at elephant range.

I had the action smoothed but didn't need to touch the trigger. Considering the price of the gun and the cheap ammo (relative to the Rigby, etc.), I think it a real deal.

Here's a link to an elephant hunt with the .416: In the Cathedral of the Mopanes

I have one in .375 Ruger.

Dumped the hogue stock and dropped it in a McMillan. Shoots the 270gr. SP-RP under MOA consistently. The 300gr. DGX/DGS combo usually hovers around 1.25 - 1.5"

JudgeG-

Thanks again for the excellent write- up on a wonderful experience: "IN THE CATHEDRAL OF THE MOPANES."

-Truly a nice endorsement for the capabilities of the .416 Ruger Hawkeye.

Have a blessed 4th, folks!

Very pleased with my .375.
I did trash the Hogue eraser stock and installed the cheap plastic all weather stock however. much better.
I think the .375 is more versatal for most non-dangerous game, and it shoots a little flatter. That said; if I was in the market for .416, the Ruger would be my first choice.

For those of you that have Alaskan models in both calibers. I noticed that the factory hogue recoil pad on my 375 (3yrs old) is fairly soft and "squishy", the pad on my 416 (6mos old) is actually quite hard and is not at all easy to "squish". Is the harder pad on all new rifles or just the 416s.

I have the 375 Ruger 20" stainless Left Handed with the laminate stock. If this was made in the 416, then I would purchase that one also.
No problems, no issues, no malfuctions in my rifle. And this gun is accurate. No changes made in bedding.
Have added the JARD trigger with the 1 1/2 pound spring. This is an easy and very good addition.
Also added a slip on Limb Saver pad for summer use. In the winter with heavy cloathing I just pull off the pad and remove the extra leangth. Again an easy and good addition.
This gun is very light for its caliber and case capacity, so reloading a reduced load is a plus.
For reduced recoil in the 375 Ruger I suggest a 250 grain bullet and 60 grains of H-4895. Sierra is a great bullet for good accurate practice and for White Tail deer. Change the bullet to a Swift or a North Fork for serious effect on game.
Either the 375 Ruger or the 416 Ruger in the Alaskan frame, you will get a great gun at a very good price which will last you the rest of your life.
Best to get the biggest gun that you can accurately shoot. But you do have the H-4895 option to load down to a more comfortable speed.
Sincerely,

Thanks for the comments.

Any problems with scopes holding up?

I have a 2.5 x 8 Leupold thats looking for a new home.

Gunna go with the 416.

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:
I have one in .375 Ruger.

Dumped the hogue stock and dropped it in a McMillan. Shoots the 270gr. SP-RP under MOA consistently. The 300gr. DGX/DGS combo usually hovers around 1.25 - 1.5"

FOsteology, I'm looking to do the exact same thing, hoping to find a used McMillan.. If you happen to see, any please let me know..

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by MopaneMike:

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:
I have one in .375 Ruger.

Dumped the hogue stock and dropped it in a McMillan. Shoots the 270gr. SP-RP under MOA consistently. The 300gr. DGX/DGS combo usually hovers around 1.25 - 1.5"

FOsteology, I'm looking to do the exact same thing, hoping to find a used McMillan.. If you happen to see, any please let me know..

Thanks.

Will do.

Every once in awhile a used McMillan shows up on the 24hourcampfire Classifieds.

A phone call to McMillan and/or Rick Bin to check on availability never hurts. Once in awhile either will have a stock available for a reduced price.

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:

quote:

Originally posted by MopaneMike:

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:
I have one in .375 Ruger.

Dumped the hogue stock and dropped it in a McMillan. Shoots the 270gr. SP-RP under MOA consistently. The 300gr. DGX/DGS combo usually hovers around 1.25 - 1.5"

FOsteology, I'm looking to do the exact same thing, hoping to find a used McMillan.. If you happen to see, any please let me know..

Thanks.

Will do.

Every once in awhile a used McMillan shows up on the 24hourcampfire Classifieds.

A phone call to McMillan and/or Rick Bin to check on availability never hurts. Once in awhile either will have a stock available for a reduced price.

Thanks.. My problem is, I can't keep it straight in my head which one fits the Alaskan.. By the time I do find out, naturally I've missed the boat..

If anyone has one of the Hogue Stocks off the Alaskan for sale - I am looking for one - please let me know........