08 February 2004, 14:32
FjoldFactory made big bore choice
I'm left handed and in the market for my first big bore Dangerous Game rifle (375 H&H) and from what I can see, my choices from the major manufacturers are:
Winchester Classic Safari- Blue- real wood, CRF MSRP $1186
Winchester Custom Africa and Safari- same $3400 - $4500
Browning A-Bolt Stalker- SS - Synthetic, Action? MSRP $1006
Remington 700 Safari - SS - Synthetic, pushfeed, MSRP $1601
I don't own a Browning, is it CRF? The Win Customs carry 1 extra cartridge in 375, are they worth 3-4 time the price?
Anyone have a good argument one way or another between all these choices?
08 February 2004, 14:48
CrazyquikBrowning is pushfeed. It also has a 60 degree bolt lift instead of 90.
Personally I'm waiting on the Charles Daly Mausers to come out, before I decide between that or a CZ. But, those are in a different (lower price) class than what you're looking at.
08 February 2004, 14:51
FjoldThe problem with the Charles Daly mausers is that they are only offering their guns in 223 and 30.06 for lefties.
08 February 2004, 15:00
kutenaymtnboyIf, you can afford a Winchester Custom Shop rifle, may I suggest a Dakota 76 Safari Grade? I have had a 76 for 10 yrs. now and it is a very nice rifle and shoots extremely well. The action is as smooth as my Mannlicher-Schoenauer and it handles as well or better than any rifle I have owned (nearly 100 hunting rifles) or handled (thousands in 40+ yrs.). You can often find good deals on minty used ones and can fit a McMillan stock for the rough trips.
I have examined several Winchester custom shop rifles, quite honestly, I wouldn't own one.I love old 70s and have owned a slew of them, but, the new ones leave me cold.
08 February 2004, 15:04
GeorgeSFjold,
I've used my LH M-70 .375H&H on three safaris with great results. It is a good choice.
George
08 February 2004, 16:01
LongShotRXFjold, consider calling Serengeti Trading Co. They will come in just a bit more than the Winchester as far as cost goes. However, they will still be 1500-2000 below a Dakota. I'm sure others will argue for the Remington of the Browning, but push feeds have a few shortcomings when it comes to being totally reliable.
08 February 2004, 16:50
PanchoI think you must look at the Ruger M77 Magnum. I chose it over the Winchester and am pleased with it although the stock required some work to get a good fit and I still need to bend the bolt handle a little to keep it from hitting my finger in recoil. And I've noticed that it doesn't eject as smooth as I'd like with 2 rds in the mag. With just one or none, it slings em clear just like it should. Nothing a little tweaking by my gunsmith can't cure. Oh well, just my .02
08 February 2004, 17:39
FjoldBut the biggest rifle Ruger makes in LEFT HANDED is a 300 mag so it can't be used for a Dangerous Game rifle.
08 February 2004, 18:30
500grainsFor a leftie, I would suggest a custom rifle made on the Granite Mountain Arms action, since they now have a left handed version. It costs $3K and is a much better bargain than the other rifles you listed.
If not Granite Mountain, then a Winchester. I would hunt with an axe before I took another Remington or Browning into the field.
09 February 2004, 03:16
LongShotRX500,A single or double bladed ax? I feel a single blade lacks enough penetration for DG hunting. The two blade does have the advantage of a quick follow up blade.
Joe
10 February 2004, 16:25
GrandpasezThat the thing to do, get a lefty Ruger and rebarrel
to Lott.Just put in the Ruger bedding bar for recoil..Ed.
10 February 2004, 16:40
500grainsLongshot, I would use a single bladed axe since I am not ambidexterous.