Winchester Alaskan .375 question

[Erik7181]

Hi,
So as some of you may know, Iv been looking for a .375 for a while. Iv looked at both the Alaskan and Safari express although not in person as no place even remotely close to me stock them.
So im currently looking at the Alaskan.
Now I have seen some used Safari express models on line but one I want CRF not push feed and the ones iv seen are push feed, and two I am leery of buying my first real magnum caliber rifle used.

One thing iv noticed is the Alaskan has a single cross bolt. Would I expspirence any issues with stock cracks?

 

[cajunchefray]

Hi,
So as some of you may know, Iv been looking for a .375 for a while. Iv looked at both the Alaskan and Safari express although not in person as no place even remotely close to me stock them.
So im currently looking at the Alaskan.
Now I have seen some used Safari express models on line but one I want CRF not push feed and the ones iv seen are push feed, and two I am leery of buying my first real magnum caliber rifle used.

One thing iv noticed is the Alaskan has a single cross bolt. Would I expspirence any issues with stock cracks?

I've owned the .375 Alaskan version from current Winchester production. I do not expect an issue with stock cracking, as the recoil lug is glass bedded. With that said, I had the rear stock screw pillar bedded and the tang checked for proper clearance.

I bought mine used, in like new condition. I didn't know the round count, I put maybe 80 rounds through it.
My opinion, the Alaskan is the best platform for the Model 70 .375 H&H. The slimmer barrel compared to the heavier Safari Express makes for a responsive rifle in your hands.

The Monte Carlo style stock fit me very well, even though I like the classic look of a straight comb stock. The M/C stock is very nice for cheek weld and tame recoil.
The Alaskan was 1.5 pounds lighter than the Safari Express and a real pleasure to shoot. Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 with illuminated German #4 reticle, it was reliably accurate.

I suggest buying with confidence.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

If I were looking for a new .375, it would be the Winchester Alaskan! The reasons are the ones cajunchefray said.

Good luck!

CF

 

[Erik7181]

I've owned the .375 Alaskan version from current Winchester production. I do not expect an issue with stock cracking, as the recoil lug is glass bedded. With that said, I had the rear stock screw pillar bedded and the tang checked for proper clearance.

I bought mine used, in like new condition. I didn't know the round count, I put maybe 80 rounds through it.
My opinion, the Alaskan is the best platform for the Model 70 .375 H&H. The slimmer barrel compared to the heavier Safari Express makes for a responsive rifle in your hands.

The Monte Carlo style stock fit me very well, even though I like the classic look of a straight comb stock. The M/C stock is very nice for cheek weld and tame recoil.
The Alaskan was 1.5 pounds lighter than the Safari Express and a real pleasure to shoot. Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 with illuminated German #4 reticle, it was reliably accurate.

I suggest buying with confidence.

Thank you so much for your reply and your input.
I would not hesitate to buy a Safari express as it has some features I like but the only ones Iv seen are push feed. I do prefer a heavier rifle but It looks like it would be overly heavy balance wise.

 

[dogcat1]

I prefer the Alaskan. I have a couple of customs made like the Alaskan. I actually really like the Rigby stalking rifle profile or the Heym Martini Express type stock. The Alaskan is similar and very nice.

 

[cajunchefray]

Thank you so much for your reply and your input.
I would not hesitate to buy a Safari express as it has some features I like but the only ones Iv seen are push feed. I do prefer a heavier rifle but It looks like it would be overly heavy balance wise.

You are welcome. Always fun to help a fellow member buy another rifle!

Some clarification on marketing names vs. rifle builds:

All M70 "Safari Express" rifles are controlled round feed (CRF).
Classic actions.

This model was introduced in the mid to late 1990"s and were called out as "Classic" Model 70's with the claw extractor of the pre-64's.

Many Standard cartridges are chambered in the "Classic" action (CRF) as well up until present day.

Confusion reigns, as prior to the CRF "Safari Express" (1990's),
the Super Express was the big game rifle Winchester made in the late 1980's, a Push Feed rifle in .375 H&H and ,458 Winchester Magnum, with a slimmer barrel, and slimmer Monte Carlo Stock. Nice rifles.

When this rifle was converted to CRF (mid 1990's), it was named the Classic Super Express in the same stock and barrel configuration.

In the mid 2010's, Winchester resurrected the "Alaskan" model, based upon the 1959 Winchester Alaskan Model 70 for the new .338 Winchester Magnum, and also chambered in our favorite, the .375 H&H Magnum.
Marketing runs amok with product names.

The M70 Alaskan .375 H&H is the best iteration of a fine rifle started in 1937.

 

[Ruraldoc]

I have a current production Alaskan 375 and am very happy with it. It feels much more lively and responsive than the heavier Express model.

Mine feeds flawlessly and is accurate too.

Highly recommend.

 

[coreydb]

The Sako 85 is CRF and is in current manufacture. Mine worked perfectly on Cape Buffalo and Sable

 

[TOBY458]

The Alaskan is the correct weight for a 375. Much more lively in the hands than the Safari Express. My only complaint with it is the 25” barrel. You’d think that a gun called the Alaskan would be short and handy. A 22” barrel would be perfect.

 

[coreydb]

Don't know why the barrel is that long, the optimal barrel length for the 375 is considered between 22"-24". You could get is shortened by a gunsmith if you want.

 

[mark-hunter]

The Sako 85 is CRF and is in current manufacture. Mine worked perfectly on Cape Buffalo and Sable

Sako 85 is phased out, but can still be found in old stocks around.
New rifle is Sako 90, some say is push feed (I am not sure)

 

[Luvthunt]

Do not rule out a Kimber.

 

[Bandera]

There is the Ruger Guide gun.
It has CRF, threaded muzzle with a radial brake that mitigates the recoil nicely, although mounting a suppressor requires an adapter due to Ruger using a odd thread pitch. The 375 Ruger fits in a standard long action. The stock leaves a bit to be desired but it is comfortable shooting, laminated stock is very strong. The 20” barrel handles well.

 

[Bush Buck]

Hi,
So as some of you may know, Iv been looking for a .375 for a while. Iv looked at both the Alaskan and Safari express although not in person as no place even remotely close to me stock them.
So im currently looking at the Alaskan.
Now I have seen some used Safari express models on line but one I want CRF not push feed and the ones iv seen are push feed, and two I am leery of buying my first real magnum caliber rifle used.

As Ray has mentioned both rifles are CRF. Both show up new and used if you are patient.
I suspect that a first time 375 H&H shooter moving up from his deer rifle might prefer the extra weight of the Safari Express - especially if confined to full power factory ammo.

Having said that, after you've been shooting 375 a while and it's become just another hunting rifle you might prefer the Alaskan which carries and handles a little better.

I personally don't care for the 25" barrel of the Alaskan but the front sight is connected by 2 screws and you can have a gunsmith cut off 2" and the rear screw hole can be maintained for the front screw.

Honestly, it's handles and shoots great at 25" if you don't mind the extra rifle length.

 

[Joker12]

Right now there are a few listed on gun broker both new and used.

 

[M70375!]

Hi,
So as some of you may know, Iv been looking for a .375 for a while. Iv looked at both the Alaskan and Safari express although not in person as no place even remotely close to me stock them.
So im currently looking at the Alaskan.
Now I have seen some used Safari express models on line but one I want CRF not push feed and the ones iv seen are push feed, and two I am leery of buying my first real magnum caliber rifle used.

One thing iv noticed is the Alaskan has a single cross bolt. Would I expspirence any issues with stock cracks?

the new Alaskans have 2 cross bolts

 

[dogcat1]

I prefer the Alaskan in the 25" barrel. More balanced and easier to get to my shoulder. I have several DGR's, most with 22" to 24" barrels. They are work fine but the barrel length is solely a personal preference.

 

[M70375!]

I prefer the Alaskan in the 25" barrel. More balanced and easier to get to my shoulder. I have several DGR's, most with 22" to 24" barrels. They are work fine but the barrel length is solely a personal preference.

I see.

 

[Colt191145lover]

I'm in the same boat of wanting a 375 H&H and trying to decide on the Alaskan or the Safari Express. I like the looks of the SE better, but the Alaska seems more practical and similar to what I have grown up with. . Either way I will be having the barrel cut to 22 Inches.

 

[double rifle newbie]

great caliber. i humbly but highly recommend that u swap the wood stock for synthetic. hunting in the alaskan bush is hell on equipment, and a wood stock WILL get beaten up in short order. also, synthetic stocks dont change point of aim with changes in the weather like wood stocks can. ive hunted alaska with a 30-06, 338WM, 416RM and put a bell and carlson on all of them. impervious to weather, and keeps the original wood stocks pristine.

just my 2 cents, gents