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Factory made big bore choice

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08 February 2004, 14:32
Fjold
Factory 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
Crazyquik
Browning 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
Fjold
The 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
kutenaymtnboy
If, 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
GeorgeS
Fjold,

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
LongShotRX
Fjold, 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
Pancho
I 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
Fjold
But 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, 18:11
475Guy
There was a thread not so long ago about converting a Ruger 300 to a lighter Ruger 375. The guy doing it was the editor of Handloader and Rifles. Dave something or other. This is another alternative. Maybe somebody can come up with the link. There is no reason why this couldn't be done on a lefty Ruger if you are so inclined.
08 February 2004, 18:30
500grains
For 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
LongShotRX
500,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
Grandpasez
That 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
500grains
Longshot, I would use a single bladed axe since I am not ambidexterous.