Affordable 375s

[Wyatt Smith]

Look at the AHR #3. It has a high grade wood stock, or synthetic stock.

 

[flat8]

I’ve got a #3 AHR. Worth every penny.

 

[neckdeep]

Here is a piece of Wayne’s English on my AHR 458 Lott

 

[TOBY458]

Not sure how much you want a 375 to weigh, but the Kimber Caprivi, CZ 550 and Winchester Safari Express are all pretty heavy for a 375. All three will weigh in at around 9lbs or more unscoped. So, over 10lbs scoped.

 

[TByrd]

Not sure how much you want a 375 to weigh, but the Kimber Caprivi, CZ 550 and Winchester Safari Express are all pretty heavy for a 375. All three will weigh in at around 9lbs or more unscoped. So, over 10lbs scoped.

@TOBY458 is spot on in regards to the Caprivi (I’m sure he’s correct on the others as well). My Caprivi .375 is exactly 10.45 lbs. Steel rings, Leupold 2 x 6 V6, unloaded and no sling on......

 

[Standard Velocity]

In your price range a semi-custom rifle would be doable. Getting the wood you want with the proper LOP, drop at comb and cast would make all the difference in the world. A properly fit rifle with a good trigger makes more difference in practical accuracy at practical ranges than blueprinted actions and high end barrels.

 

[Philip Glass]

So correct! In my honest opinion there is no need to spend your budget. Here is what I have done with all my 12 rifles. I got a solid gun in the $1500 or slightly less range then immediately sent them to Hill Country Rifles in TX. There they were completely taken apart and trued with the result with my hand loaded ammunition I shoot MOA with each and everyone. What more could you ask

I did the same thing.

 

[Philip Glass]

I think I would just go with the Caprivi. What a beautiful rifle and well made. If you’d like a .416 Caprivi I have a new one for sale.

 

[rookhawk]

Is there anything between a Caprivi ($3,000~) and the Dakota,Heym,Magnum Mauser class($8,000-$15,000) rifle? There seems to be a very big gap between 3 and 8 grand.
I’m pretty set on a Caprivi it has the features I want at a good price point but let’s say I have 5k for a safari rifle what’s out there?

I'm a big believer in the quality of Vintage Mausers, especially British guns built on Mauser actions. A 1940-1950 era Cogswell and Harrison made in London is an incredible gun and can be had for around $3500. Exceptional quality optics, mounts, and a model 70 safety is what you need to get to turn it into a modern masterpiece. My Cogswell is far more accurate than I am...longest shot was a bushbuck at 345 yards with a 1-6x24 scope.

I would much prefer a British Mauser than a AHR or a Caprivi having owned all three.

Occasionally you'll find $15,000 replacement cost custom rifles built on Pre-64 Winchester Model 70s that would sell right in your $5000 target budget range. A custom rifle or a London rifle is going to give you better features and quality than the Kimber/CZ alternatives.

CZ is a great gun when you want a reliable feeding camp gun for less than $1000. Throwing lots of money into a CZ, say $4000 or more doesn't return on its investment.

 

[chashardy]

Boomstick,
I agree with the other posters recommending the Model 70 Safari Express and bank the savings for a trophy fee. The Kimber Caprivi is a custom built rifle that in most ways is a copy of the features of a Model 70. If money is no object, however, why not go for a Mauser or John Rigby Big Game?

 

[Martin77]

I bought a CZ 550 in 375 H&H. I sent it to Wayne at American Hunting Rifles and had him do the #3 upgrade. I can honestly say it’s my favorite gun in my safe. I love it so much that I sent him a Winchester Model 70 for the same upgrade. https://americanhuntingrifles.com

 

[Martin77]

 

[Longwalker]

I have a CZ550 AHR #3 upgrade .375. Good value for the money.

 

[Boomstick!]

I'm a big believer in the quality of Vintage Mausers, especially British guns built on Mauser actions. A 1940-1950 era Cogswell and Harrison made in London is an incredible gun and can be had for around $3500. Exceptional quality optics, mounts, and a model 70 safety is what you need to get to turn it into a modern masterpiece. My Cogswell is far more accurate than I am...longest shot was a bushbuck at 345 yards with a 1-6x24 scope.

I would much prefer a British Mauser than a AHR or a Caprivi having owned all three.

Occasionally you'll find $15,000 replacement cost custom rifles built on Pre-64 Winchester Model 70s that would sell right in your $5000 target budget range. A custom rifle or a London rifle is going to give you better features and quality than the Kimber/CZ alternatives.

CZ is a great gun when you want a reliable feeding camp gun for less than $1000. Throwing lots of money into a CZ, say $4000 or more doesn't return on its investment.

ideally that’s what I want but I haven’t been able to find a British Mauser anywhere or a custom pre 64. The only thing I’ve found around 5k is a Dakota 76.

 

[Boomstick!]

Boomstick,
If money is no object, however, why not go for a Mauser or John Rigby Big Game?

10k-15k is way out of my price range. A new model 70 needs work to get it were I want it. Love the M70 but I don’t like the sights or the plain Jane stock.

 

[wesheltonj]

Might look at these:

https://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-safari

 

[steve white]

ever looked into the Sako Safari?

 

[Boomstick!]

I just looked at the link. I no nothing about them other than they are not a conventional CRF.

 

[Standard Velocity]

The extractor on a Sako is a claw with a very large bearing surface. It is not CRF but the extractor is robust. The ejector is mechanical rather than fixed but I’ve not had one fail. Perhaps others can chime in if they have ever seen a Sako style extractor/ejector fail.

 

[Boomstick!]

Is the Sako 85 safari really 15k or am I looking up the wrong rifle?