Author Topic: Which 375HH shoud I get (Read 604 times)

Lolly · « **on:** August 18, 2004, 11:14:33 AM »

Hi

I have finally decided to buy the 375 HH but I really cannot decide on which make. Perhaps some guidance here will help me.

Options are in order of preference:

1. Sako 75 Hunter
2. Winchester 70 classic safari express
3. Ruger m77 mkII

1 and 2 are similar in price but Ruger is priced about $350 higher than the other two.

Which one do you suggest and why ?

Thanks

Lolly

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2004, 12:26:13 PM »

If you want an out of the box rifle, then get the Sako.

I bought a Winchester M70 Classic Stainless (not the wood safari), BUT I had custom work done on it. Specifically, I put a McMillan stock, glass and pillar bedded, free floated barrel, trigger job, and the action was polished. Believe it or not, with Federal 300 grain Hi-Shock loads, I get better than 1/4" groups at 100 yards!! :eek: After about 3 shots, though, they open up because the recoil is so fierce. The gun cost me about $650, and stock was about $300, and the gunsmith charged I don't remember how much.

Zachary

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2004, 12:56:13 PM »

I'm looking at them too and will probably get the Winchester Safari express (not the Classic) because it's got the right weight for a rifle of that power and it also fits me well. It's also quite a bit cheaper than the Sako. I also like the iron sights on the Safari.

I wish the Winchester came in a synthetic/stainless model, but that's of secondary importance to me.

ms · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2004, 02:24:44 PM »

look at cz550 nice rifle just as strong you can push the trigger forward it go to 12oz. save little bit money :lol:

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2004, 04:38:47 PM »

Quote from: Questor

I wish the Winchester came in a synthetic/stainless model, but that's of secondary importance to me.

It DOES come in a stainless/synthetic model. That's the one I bought. It's called the M70 Classic Stainless in .375H&H Mag with open sights.

Zachary

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2004, 04:52:36 AM »

Have the Sako 75 here----put a Ziess Conquest on it-----and am now just gearing up for reloading cause the ammo is pretty steep.

Mauser · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2004, 07:40:18 AM »

I say this fully expecting people (with some justification) to take issue with it: Get the Winchester because it is a classic rifle befitting a classic cartridge and because the critters typically hunted with the 375 are best hunted with a controlled round feed action. I believe the SAKO, an undeniably nice rifle, is a push-feed action.

Having said this, I know the Ruger is a "mauser" type action, and it would easily be MY second choice.

After you work out some of the bugs that might be in the Winchester, it will be a reliable and faithful companion having a basic action design that is unsurpassed with its history shooting dangerous game (both human and non-human).

You wouldn't expect someone with a handle like "Mauser" to argue for anything else would you?

Lolly · « **Reply #7 on:** August 19, 2004, 08:16:14 AM »

You all have some interesting and thought provoking replies. I agree that CRF seems to be the preferred action for the type of game that this rifle will probably encounter (hopefully). I am not sure that SAKO is a PURE push feed as is the Browning. Also, I read in an African Hunting article (PH testing in Zim) that the Winchester 70 needs to be rebedded (stock cracking after couple 100 rounds) and I do not want to start reworking a rifle out the box.

I believe I may be a little biased here towards the SAKO since I have the "stainless laminated" 75 in .223 and it still performs ultra reliably, flawlessly and super accurately out of the box after about 4000 rounds. For the hunting I intend to do with the 375, my primary concern is ultra reliability (probably CRF factor) and the rest is all secondary but NOT unimportant. (Claims of printing under 1 MOA consistently (SAKO) is nice and somewhat comforting for bullet placement, but realistically, the target will have a vital kill zone 5x that or greater)

The hunt continues.....

Thanks

Lolly

Questor · « **Reply #8 on:** August 19, 2004, 09:33:30 AM »

Is there a stainless Sako with iron sights? I'd want a gun weighing around 9 pounds without a scope or ammo.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2004, 10:17:01 AM »

If CRF is what you seek---you'd be better off taking an old Mauser or FN action and have it barreled to .375.

Because compared to the Sako---the Winchester and Ruger the quality is non-existant and you would gain nothing with their CRF.

I'm being nice about my low opinion of the 2 US brands mentioned.

Lolly · « **Reply #10 on:** August 19, 2004, 11:10:09 AM »

SAKO does have a stainless in 375HH but it will only be available in October. Also, as of now it does not come with iron sights. SO that pretty much rules out that one.

Right now, I think the V action on the SAKO is good enough and I prefer everything else about it. So I will probably go for it. :grin:

Thanks for all your input, I am most aprreciative. This is a great site !

Talk soon

Lolly