G'day all. First time posting here but I've been reading this board for some time now. I live in Canada and am going Grizzly Bear hunting this spring and would also one day like to hunt africa. 416 is a magica number to me for some reason and I've picked the 416 Remington for the job. I've been hunting everything up to moose till now. Never grizzly bears though or african game. I have several rifles ranging from 260 up to 338. Custom and factory, american and european. All work well and I'm happy with all of them. I would like to hear what you guys have to say about the Model 70 Classic Safari Express. Looks like a good big bore starter rifle to me and it comes in 416 remington. Fire away please.

cheers

Well I have only had mine for about 5 months, but I carried it daily for three of those. I wasn't to sure at first, but I've really come to like it. Action was very slick from the get-go and I didn't need to do anything to it to make it useable. After carrying it almost everyday for three months the nice satin finish has become a bit polished where it rubbed on my belt and a bit of the blueing has worn off in the same area. I noticed to that the fiberglass bedding was not really as good as it could have been, so I'll touch that up a bit, but otherwise I think it was a bargain!

kman, I have been pleased with mine, I needed a new follower from Brownells to get the last round to feed properly. It's a decent gun for the $$$.

Jim

I have had my 416 Rem Mag Model 70 Safari Express for several years. It has been to Africa twice. It is the most accurate rifle I have and as I have stated before, the first three shots make one hole, then the recoil starts to work on me

quote:

Originally posted by gal:
kman, I have been pleased with mine, I needed a new follower from Brownells to get the last round to feed properly. It's a decent gun for the $$$.

Jim

You may want to try a stronger magazine spring.

Jboutfishn,
I'm picking up my 416 Safari Express this week. Curious if you did any tune up work on the rifle before Africa. If so, what did you have done? Thanks.
Marc

quote:

Originally posted by MarcF:
Jboutfishn,
I'm picking up my 416 Safari Express this week. Curious if you did any tune up work on the rifle before Africa. If so, what did you have done? Thanks.
Marc

When chambering EVERY round I was taking, Once in a while number 2 poped to the floor and it chambered number 3. I changed the magazine spring (stronger) and all was well.

If you just want to try a stronger spring...

A Remington 700 long action spring will fit with just a few licks with a file to narrow the end. It's stronger and you could swap back if it didn't work. Assuming you have a Remington hiding about.

You may want to cover your Winchesters eyes when you stick a Remmy part in it though.

From what I read on this forum, there seems to be some consensus that a Model 70 is a great basic rifle but that a gunsmith with good experience in Dangerous Game Rifles should look at and make the final decisions as to what should be replaced or worked on. Frequently encountered weak spots are feeding problems due to weak springs or poorly finished followers and replacement of the extractor. A trigger job and a good bedding job are also a good thing in any rifle. I say take it to highly reputable gunsmith, ask him to make it as reliable as he can and don't flinch at the cost as it will be incredibly cheap in the long run. If it's a new rifle I would also have him mount the scope. I have a VX III 1.5 - 5 Leupold in matte finish with the N° 1 German reticle installed at purchase by Premier Reticle. I don't know if you are near Montana but I have heard nothing but good concerning the capacity of a gunsmith named Dennis Olson in Plains, Montana. Tel: (406) 826-3790 Talk to him if you can and get it done right the first time.

How does the M70 Safari Express compare to the Ruger M77 Express in terms of functionality, reliability and cost?

I don't personally know how it compares with the Ruger, as I've yet to see, handle and shoot one. BUT, I can tell you that I just picked up a new M70 Safari in 375 H&H yesterday. It feeds flawlessly (so far), the action is as slick as they come, and the trigger is a dream. No creep, no grit, with a clean 4 pound break!! Man, it's nice!! Good walnut with nice grain. The bad parts??? The checkering isn't perfectly executed , the front sight hood looks like it was installed by a chimp with a chisel, and the barrel band swivel stud hole was undersized. I drilled it out, ...problem solved. Would I buy another? YES, in a heartbeat. With all the negative postings about Winchester's quality, I was basically closing my eyes, crossing my fingers, and hoping for the best. I guess I got a good one

I picked up my 416 M70 Safari Express yesterday, proceeded to put the bolt in, depressed the magazine follower and, much to my dismay, the mag follower came off of the magazine spring. Put it back on, but pretty flimsy and will undoubtedly come off again. That said the action was relatively smooth, as compared to my stainless rifles. The wood stock was solid, but at this price point, not fancy.
I'm planning on sending this rifle to Mark Penrod for basic tuneup and bedding the stock. Should be ready for next years first time buffalo hunt.
Marc