For an entry-level CRF big-bore.....

Question:
Which is best out-of-the-box?

And why?

Choices:
Winchester Model 70 Safari
Ruger Hawkeye African
Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan
CZ 550 Safari Magnum

 

My observation when handling several Rugers just yesterday:
When I pulled the bolt all the way to the rear, like almost all bolt actions rifles, the bolt will cant to one side a little.
With all the Rugers I handled, the slightest sideways pressure when the bolt is all the way to the rear jams it so bad it can not be closed unless you push the bolt handle in so that it has no friction from sideways pressure!!

quote:

Originally posted by Bob Nisbet:
My observation when handling several Rugers just yesterday:
When I pulled the bolt all the way to the rear, like almost all bolt actions rifles, the bolt will cant to one side a little.
With all the Rugers I handled, the slightest sideways pressure when the bolt is all the way to the rear jams it so bad it can not be closed unless you push the bolt handle in so that it has no friction from sideways pressure!!

Duly noted.....that does not sound good, for obvious reasons.

Best out of the box goes to the Winchester. Simply a very nice rifle. I do have to rebutt the Rooger bashing in that own a Ruger 416 Alaskan SS that in no way binds when pulled fully to the rear. The Ruger is fast handling, light weight, points well and I was really surprised at the accuracy. With 350 Barnes TTSX and Hornady 400 DGX bullets it shoots well under one inch at 100 yds but being light weight it also kicks like a mule.

quote:

Originally posted by 30378:
Best out of the box goes to the Winchester. Simply a very nice rifle. I do have to rebutt the Rooger bashing in that own a Ruger 416 Alaskan SS that in no way binds when pulled fully to the rear. The Ruger is fast handling, light weight, points well and I was really surprised at the accuracy. With 350 Barnes TTSX and Hornady 400 DGX bullets it shoots well under one inch at 100 yds but being light weight it also kicks like a mule.

thank you, that is helpful. The Winnie would seem to want an extra $300 and is heavier.

It is good to hear about impressions on the Ruger since I am thinking of that as a base for an expansion to .500". Mule-kicking little rifles can be comforting and reassuring when walking around the Selous.

My South Carolina-made Model 70 is smooth, well balanced and accurate. I much prefer the bolt travel on the Win vs. the Ruger, and both are far trimmer than the CZ.

I recently purchased a Ruger Hawkeye African and have been testing it...IMO its the best rifle to come down the pike since the pre 64 Win. Mod. 70, and perhaps even better!

They are presently availble in .338, 375, 9.3x62 as to big bores. Mine is a .338 Win. and I love this one..They finally got nerve enough to whittle all that extra wood off the stock and its lean and mean..Lord I hope they come out with it in the .416 Ruger..I will buy the first one I see.

I have tried all of your choices. I settle on the Model 70, the new one by FN. It is balanced, well fitted, accurate and feeds smoothly. I like it better than the heavier Ruger or the CZ.

I hate to agree with Ray so much lately but I too would put the Ruger very slightly ahead of the M-70. All the rifles mentioned can be tuned to be reliable rifles but out of the box I prefer the Rugers.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
I have tried all of your choices. I settle on the Model 70, the new one by FN. It is balanced, well fitted, accurate and feeds smoothly. I like it better than the heavier Ruger or the CZ.

Sounds great! Now if they would just make a left handed version of their extreme weather version in a 375 H&H and a 470 Capstick in their Safari model ....

I prefer the handling and finish of the Winnie.

I like the action and I like the safety.

I like the standard stock design.

To my mind if it's in a caliber that Winchester chambers it's no contest. But in fairness I should add that I have never handled a Ruger Alaskan. Not sure that I really like those chamberings yet. Time will tell on that.

I finally got to shoot my ruger alaskan in 416 last weekend, it points and shoots well I like the size, has very good open sights, good trigger small amount of creep, feed well for me, it does have a little pop, straight out of the box for the price I don’t think anyone would be disappointed, I have handled a cz but not the new winchester, the difference in size and feel between the ruger and cz is jaw drop amazing to me, handle them all if you have the chance and go with the one that feels like it fits you best and chances are you'll shoot it best, good luck

The new Winchester Safari Express is very well built, and great quality. Mine functioned flawlessly and smooth right out of the box. It also fits me perfectly.

Generally, they will all shoot well out of the box. Handle them all and buy the one that best fits both you and your needs. Blue or stainless, wood or rubber stock, price, availability of caliber, only YOU can make that decision.

I'm not sure which I would choose for out of the box best. winchester or ruger, but for out of the box, CZ is definitely the low one. most CZ's need some work to get them to feed smoothly or even feed at all. once worked over, they are good guns. a good amount of people get lucky and get a good feeding cz, but I hear about just as many people having feeding issues as well as experiencing it my self. cz's are accurate though, if they could just make sure they feed before they send them out.