I tried a search on this but found nothing so I figured I'd ask as if anyone has used one of these I'm sure it would be someone here. I was looking through the Savage catalog and saw the 116 Safari Express rifle that they offer in .458WM. It's an interesting rifle as the price is relatively low(Suggested retail at about $1000 but I'm sure it's less on the shelves), it has basicly the same features as more expensive rifles and it comes from the factory with a muzzle break. I have one Savage rifle, a 12BVSS in .223, and I like it but it's not made for the same thing as the Safari Express so I figured I'd ask to see if anyone has handled, shot or owns one of the 116 SE rifles. If you wanted to look at it I believe it can be seen at http://www.savagearms.com/116se.htm Thanks.

Tigertate--The Savage is as strong for a DGR as Rem,Win,
Ruger,mauser, CZ, Wea, etc.That 116 model has large thread like mauser and will handle Wea, Rigby, etc case sizes, as well as Lott.Sure are are easy to work with for headspacing,
if you are wildcatting.Ed.

I would never question the strength of a Savage; in fact I think the bolt lug shear area is a little greater than most of the rifles you just mentioned. I was making a theoretical point about the amount of extractor that engages the rim in the case of a stuck round. I just didn't say it clearly. Sorry.

The Savage CRF is basically the same bolthead with the bottom ridge milled away so the case slides up under the extractor instead of the extractor snapping over the case rim. Otherwise pretty much the same. It works after a fashion but is not the same strength as the full Mauser claw and the smaller area of the Savage extractor would tear a rim before the Mauser, all else being the same. Having said that, I never saw a Savage extractor fail and I've shot thousands upon thousands of rounds through various models, including way too hot ones in my youth.
I would not pick a Savage as my first DGR but I would not refuse a DGR hunt if it was all that was available. How's that for wishy-washy?

Rob01,

I wish I had personal experience with this gun, but Savage hasn't seen fit to offer it in LH configuration.

Use the search function above, select the 'African Big Game Hunting' forum, specify 116SE the keyword search field, click the 'in subject and body' radio button, and click the 'submit' button.

You'll find several threads in which this particular rifle is discussed.

Or, take the easy way out, and follow the links below:
Would the Savage qualify as a Dangerous Game Rifle?

Savage Safari Express as a DGR?
Is a Savage Model 116 in .458 a good rifle?

Savage 458 express what do you think

Hope this helps,
George