Looking at bringing a .416 Rem to Africa with me for buff in 2012. I really want to take one with my double, but would like a scoped rifle in that caliber to take with me.

Now here comes the kicker. I have about $4500 to spend on BOLT rifle. Or $3500 and a donor Winchester action.

I talked to Jeff today in person at Montana Rifle Company, and their Safari Supreme is calling my name. I really like the looks of them. Oh and got to play with a PH action today also......

Would this be a good choice? What would you do if you had the money to spend. DON'T say buy a Winchester or Ruger etc and spend the rest on trophy fees. I just sold a couple of Winchesters.

I want to get something with nice wood, express sights, with folding leafs, etc. And I don't think I can pull off a Dakota.

Who would you purchase a rifle from in that amount? Or would you get one built and by whom if you went that route?

I know I will open up a can of worms on this but wanted to know your guys opinions.

I would buy a new SC M70 and put it on nicer wood if that's what you really want. Or possibly a CZ Safari Classic, the $3k model that needs no extra work. You could also get a normal 550 in 375 or 458, and have AHR do up one of their jobs on the rifle along with a new barrel. I'm not positive, but Dakota might be just out of your budget limit, if not, that would be very high on my list as well

What caliber is your double in ? If it is also chambered for 416 Rem, you may have problems bringing in two rifles in the same chambering. If you don't already own a nice .375, this sounds like a good excuse for one. Cabelas sometimes has some nice customs around your price range, keeping in mind that in my experience, they are fairly negotiable on price. Nothing wrong with checking Gun Broker also.

What do you have against the Winchester Model 70? It's the perfect rig for a .416 Rem. Mag.

I would definitely start with a Winchester.

Then I'd ask Mark Penrod to do the metal work however I wanted, including new sights, extractor and bottom metal. Maybe add a quarter rib if I were so inclined.

Then, since Mark doesn't do stocks, I'd have it stocked in a good piece of walnut and properly bedded.

Semi-custom is generally custom enough to suit me.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
What do you have against the Winchester Model 70? It's the perfect rig for a .416 Rem. Mag.

I would definitely start with a Winchester.

Then I'd ask Mark Penrod to do the metal work however I wanted, including new sights, extractor and bottom metal. Maybe add a quarter rib if I were so inclined.

Then, since Mark doesn't do stocks, I'd have it stocked in a good piece of walnut and properly bedded.

Semi-custom is generally custom enough to suit me.

I don't have anything against the Model 70. BUT I already have them in that caliber and also .375 and .458.

I want custom and nice. Lee, I have a Merkel in .470 and a Kriegoff in .500 so I am not worried about the chamberings.

I just looked on Guns International, D.G. bolt rifles. There are a few nice customs in your price range, including a custom sako w/quarter rib in 416rem, made for Thad Scott. There was also a Dakota in 404, and a G&H 416 Rigby. I don't know if you are totally committed to 416 Rem, but if not, there is a surprising number of nice rifles for under $4500. I think there was also a Winchester custom shop 416 rem on there also. Good Luck! Lee.

quote:

Then I'd ask Mark Penrod to do the metal work however I wanted, including new sights, extractor and bottom metal. Maybe add a quarter rib if I were so inclined.

Then, since Mark doesn't do stocks, I'd have it stocked in a good piece of walnut and properly bedded.

I can't quite get myself to believe this would come off at or under $3500.

If in your boots, I would poke around the internet sites and a few dealers targeting a clean Dakota in 416 Rigby...at $4500 you might be close. As a starter I'd call Mark at First Stop guns in S.D.
Bob

quote:

Originally posted by sierrabravo45:
I don't have anything against the Model 70. BUT I already have them in that caliber and also .375 and .458.

I want custom and nice.

Nothing wrong with that! Lee seems to have some good leads.

quote:

Originally posted by Masterifleman:

quote:

Then I'd ask Mark Penrod to do the metal work however I wanted, including new sights, extractor and bottom metal. Maybe add a quarter rib if I were so inclined.

Then, since Mark doesn't do stocks, I'd have it stocked in a good piece of walnut and properly bedded.

I can't quite get myself to believe this would come off at or under $3500.

I think your right Masterifleman it won't be more like 4,500 to 5,000.

I'd see what there was in the way of a Mauser M03 in 416 RM--then you would have the options of adding different barrels later.

Ed

Exactly what I'd do:

buy this:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=194803210

$2500

Call this guy http://www.canyonsportingarms.com/ and order a 416 rem mag safari barrel--around $2250 (expensive but you get a deal on the gun)

Your in $4750 with 2 barrels and a pretty good scope. 2 is better than one right? These older M03 are a buy--they function great and have a 10 year warranty on them. I bet that gun still has 5 or 6 years of warranty left on it--so if anyting is wrong will be fixed or replaced. You cant lose! I have one and they are great rifles.

Ed

quote:

I have about $4500 to spend on BOLT rifle.

I wouldn't bet that that will cover what I think you're looking for.

With any luck you've been PM'd by several of the smiths that post here.....

Best of luck to you!

buy a winchester, new production, in 416 rem .. it will be here quicker than a custom gun.. then send to dennis olsen to have the feeding perfected

or a 416 ruger or 416 rigby on a CZ, send to ahr, and have it worked over

18 ways to get there ..

2500 will cover the labor on a stock.

My Sako AV in 416 Rem Mag was absolutely wonderful.

I know a fellow who has a very nice factory stock.

Accurate, reliable, ergonomic and very good open sights to boot.

Just a thought.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
buy a winchester, new production, in 416 rem .. it will be here quicker than a custom gun.. then send to dennis olsen to have the feeding perfected

Put the rest towards a second hunt. Memories are worth more then money.

I am curious why a M70 action cost you $3500? I can find donor 375h&h M70 all day for quite a bit less. Have it rebarreled, sights of your choice, Dakota 1/4rib & then restock it later w/ drop mag & new wood. Maybe $3K then what ever you want for wood & drop metal, another $1500?

A custom by AHR CZ in 416 Rigby will fit your requirements and stay under budget.

Rich

Find either a nice used or new CZ Safari 550 375 H&H. You can find a new one for about $900, used for less. Have your smith rebarrel it to .416 Remington. Shoot it for awhile and if there is something you dont like about it customize as you go.
CZ's are just a tad heavy for a 375 but should be perfect for the .416. They hold five down, have the three leaf sights you want, and they have built in scope mounts.
Whats not to like for the price?