I am interested in what people think between a Sako Syn/SS 375 and a CZ 550?

I ideally want a rifle for Alaska and Africa plus at times shoot in the lower 48.

The issues are the PF vs CRF and the weight/blue/wood stock vs. the Syn/SS.

As there is a religous conversation of PF vs. CRF I have a Sako 338 WM Handy and it's PF is so slick and smooth that is seems to be a very good DG rifle.

The CZ is Mauser which is good for DG but it is a big, heavy mother that is not a good Alaskan rifle. Plus it needs to be smoothed and tuned. I also don't like the blue/wood for a daily hunting rifle but I can change if I need to.

I have a Sako and I am not selling. But I may be also tempted to get an African rifle (CZ) if needed.

Thanks

I have a CZ 550 in 375. I bought it for Africa, so the walnut and blue wasn't a factor. It is extremely accurate, and although the set trigger took some getting used to, I REALLY like it! I now use it for Elk hunting here in Oregon. It is heavy, but that makes it a pleasure to shoot. There is an unending debate over proper rifle weight. It is true that you will carry a rifle more than you will shoot it, but don't forget why you are carrying it, TO SHOOT IT!
Sakos are great rifles. S/S makes sense for an Alaskan rifle.
CRF vs. PF is another unending debate. I personally have never had a PF fail me. That being said I do like having CRF in a DG rifle.
Both are good rifles, enjoy your decision!

I love and use both Sako's and CZ's.

Get a McMillan stock for the Sako, and never look back.

The CZ is way to heavy in that caliber.

The Sako is quite sweet in that caliber.

I knows, I gots both.

LD

If i am correct sako now has a new CRF rifle its called the model 85

quote:

Originally posted by Tanoose:
If i am correct sako now has a new CRF rifle its called the model 85

I think it's only available in selct calibres (Sako 85) funnily enough it's all the smaller cals at the moment rather than those meant for crf .375 etc.

Just some quick thoughts.

I would probably lean towards the Sako. More of an all around do everything rifle.

I owned a CZ 375 H&H. My thoughts were that it is an excellent rifle, but a little too heavy for a North America hunting gun.

If I was to own another 375 it would be lighter and handier, especially for Alaska. I would also go the SS route. Specifically because of Alaska.

I then decided that I wanted a 416 Rigby for that trip to Africa. Sold my 375 and found a used CZ in 416 Rigby. It is currently at Marc Stokeld's being worked over.

See the CZ peep sight solution thread in the gunsmithing forum.

If your not totally sold on the Sako, take a look at the Remington XCR. I think that would be a great all around 375 rifle.

I have a couple of CZ's 375, 416 and really like them. Saying that, if I was going with a 375 for the purpose I think you discribed, I would go with the Sako, it's a little lighter espeicaly if you were going to do an alaska hunt, which I have done, the CZ might be on the heavy side for some of it. I'd get a SS sako in 375 H&H and shoot it like I got good sense. If I could get a screamin deal on a ss Sako in 375 I might buy one. After thinking about it, I'm not sure I've seen a SS in 375, but would guess they make one.

I have email a few PHs in Africa about the Sako being a PF and if they felt it was more impotant to have CRF in another make than a quality PF.

None of the others are stainless except Sako.

I would go against my preference (Sako) if the better choice was another, so I am not leaning toward Sako to the point I cannot decide otherwise. But if Sako (PF) is a good dangerous game rifle that can double into Alaska then that is what I need. If not, then I will do otherwise.


They said that they were issued CRF Mauser stuff. But also they have used Sako and Husky PFs.

They said the Sako/Husky are very reliable/simple and would used them as quickly (equally) as the Mausers.

I could also buy a Dakota M97 (CRPF) over the Sako Syn/SS 375 (PF) but after reviewing I personally liked the Sako. The action actually felt more smooth.

Do folks here feel the same in regards to a Sako and or Husky PF versuses like a CZ or Dakota C(R)PF?


thanks
~F