Gunwerks Skuhl 375 Ruger

[375Ruger416]

“”The wood stocks don’t do anything for me””

that’s to bad as the top M70 and bottom #1 are almost the perfect safari rifles for 1/2 the $$$ of a GW View attachment 575568

There’s always some #$@!’ing guy who has to make me eat my words…

Beautiful looking rifles.

 

[375Ruger416]

Talked to Precision Optics today - they sell Sako, Gunwerks, and Blaser. Very informative and got some good feedback on the Gunwerks Skuhl and Blaser R8.

He suggested checking out Snowy Mountain’s Alaskan - he’s got a couple on order for delivery next year. It’s a CRF bolt action in a carbon fiber stock. He’s getting a price for me on a 22” 375 H&H. It’s quite a bit less than the Gunwerks Skuhl and comparable to what I priced out for a Blaser Professional in 375 H&H.

Thanks for all the suggestions, excited to see what the price will be on this Snowy Mountain. https://www.snowymountainrifles.com/alaskan-rifle.html

Snowy Mountain Rifles - Alpine Hunter 300 Win Mag - 22'' - Distressed Brown w/ Exposed Carbon - SMR-0640

Snowy Mountain Rifles - Alpine Hunter 300 Win Mag - 22' - Distressed Brown w/ Exposed Carbon - SMR-0640

www.precisionoptics.net

It’ll look something like this, but with a 3 position safety, floorplate and no Arca rail of course.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions, think it’s going to come down to this or a Blaser R8 but we’ll see.

 

[ChrisG]

Talked to Precision Optics today - they sell Sako, Gunwerks, and Blaser. Very informative and got some good feedback on the Gunwerks Skuhl and Blaser R8.

He suggested checking out Snowy Mountain’s Alaskan - he’s got a couple on order for delivery next year. It’s a CRF bolt action in a carbon fiber stock. He’s getting a price for me on a 22” 375 H&H. It’s quite a bit less than the Gunwerks Skuhl and comparable to what I priced out for a Blaser Professional in 375 H&H.

Thanks for all the suggestions, excited to see what the price will be on this Snowy Mountain. https://www.snowymountainrifles.com/alaskan-rifle.html

Snowy Mountain Rifles - Alpine Hunter 300 Win Mag - 22'' - Distressed Brown w/ Exposed Carbon - SMR-0640

Snowy Mountain Rifles - Alpine Hunter 300 Win Mag - 22' - Distressed Brown w/ Exposed Carbon - SMR-0640

www.precisionoptics.net

It’ll look something like this, but with a 3 position safety, floorplate and no Arca rail of course.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions, think it’s going to come down to this or a Blaser R8 but we’ll see.

I can just go pick you up a winchester M70, then put it in a benchrest stock and hit it against a tree a bunch of times.... does $6500 sound like a fair price for all that "work"?

 

[375Ruger416]

We’ll see. Honestly, the most appealing other rifle to me was the Sako 85 or 85 Alaskan, but the history of it dropping rounds back into the ejection port turned me off.

Once upon a time, any thing bigger than a fixed 4 power scope was considered unsporting. I like carbon fiber Stocks and modern features like integral rails. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In fact, from what I understand, bolt action rifles for African big game were considered second class when they first came on the market, certainly compared to a well built double at least. Now, a CRF bolt action in wood is considered a ‘classic’ African rifle.

As hunters and firearms owners, we’re as susceptible to fads as much as anyone. You happen to prefer a fad from the 1930’s and 40’s compared to my preference for what’s currently en vogue - modern materials and manufacturing. I won’t deny there is a beauty to a double rifle or a bespoke bolt action. I’m a big fan of case hardening in fact. But, when it comes to durability, repeatability, and usability I’ll take the modern stuff over nitrided barrels and wood stocks. YMMV.

 

[375Ruger416]

By the way, the Alaskan comes in a much more ‘traditional stock design’ suitable for offhand shooting not a benchrest/precision shooting style with a vertical palm swell.

I included the pic for what the stock color might look like.

 

[ChrisG]

By the way, the Alaskan comes in a much more ‘traditional stock design’ suitable for offhand shooting not a benchrest/precision shooting style with a vertical palm swell.

I included the pic for what the stock color might look like.

I was just picking on the distressed look. I did look at some of Snowy Mountains' other stuff, and they did have some "carryable" stock options.

The reason I think a lot of us prefer the original bolt action sporting rifle design is because thats how they developed and in our mind... its what they're supposed to look and feel like. Deviate too much from it, and it isn't a bolt action sporting rifle anymore. It becomes something else. I've made the comparison in the past with Stradivarius. He standardized the violin, and the way a violin has been judged and valued for going on 500 years now has been how well someone's interpretation of how it fits into Stradivarius' original dimensions, sound, style, while incorporating bits of their own unique styling into the piece.

I think, as a craftsman, that is significantly more difficult to accomplish skillfully than going off and doing whatever, one's own way, because that "old nonsense" is stifling creativity, or technology, or whatever.

I don't think a lot of us (maybe just me here) like the rifles we do because we like a fad. We understand the tremendous effort, skill, and heritage that goes into a traditional rifle. A rifle that is all maths and CNC is never going to have that.

A prime example of this is Purdy. When you get second, check out their metal in stock bedding system for bolt guns. They incorporated modern technology and design into a rifle that still remains true to the styling, balance, and useability of the classic English sporting rifle. I found a pic of it:View attachment 575638

Now... all that said. You're right. I personally think a Purdey, Westley Richards, or Jeffery mauser rifle is tremendously overpriced because I KNOW there isn't that much hand labor or material involved no matter what they try to tell you.

But as you have said... we are each entitled to our opinions, and if that rifle is gonna make you happy and you'll hunt with it and pass it on to your kids... go for it.

I just want you to know where my opinion was coming from. I'm not just some codgy, old world, modern rifle hater. And no one is going to condemn you for buying a rifle you want... just know you might get teased a little if it looks to "tacticool"

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

We’ll see. Honestly, the most appealing other rifle to me was the Sako 85 or 85 Alaskan, but the history of it dropping rounds back into the ejection port turned me off.

Once upon a time, any thing bigger than a fixed 4 power scope was considered unsporting. I like carbon fiber Stocks and modern features like integral rails. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In fact, from what I understand, bolt action rifles for African big game were considered second class when they first came on the market, certainly compared to a well built double at least. Now, a CRF bolt action in wood is considered a ‘classic’ African rifle.

As hunters and firearms owners, we’re as susceptible to fads as much as anyone. You happen to prefer a fad from the 1930’s and 40’s compared to my preference for what’s currently en vogue - modern materials and manufacturing. I won’t deny there is a beauty to a double rifle or a bespoke bolt action. I’m a big fan of case hardening in fact. But, when it comes to durability, repeatability, and usability I’ll take the modern stuff over nitrided barrels and wood stocks. YMMV.

I love my SAKO’s. I have two in .375 H&H.
My SAKO 85 is flawless… Ejects without issue.

They kill DG and PG equally dead!

 

[1dirthawker]

@375Ruger416,

my 2 cents. buy the model 70 OR the ruger guide gun, put a 1-6x or 1-8x scope on it, feed it some 300 gr A frames and start wondering where you are going to mount your trophies.

if you can put your hands on both rifles, do so. you will like one better than the other.

1/4" groups at a 100 yards are not needed, you are shooting kudu and buffalo, not gophers. take the money you save and spend it on more hunting or taxidermy. good luck with your choice.

​

 

[Philip Glass]

Check out my thread on J Sipp barrels. I got the idea from @Philip Glass who had some barrels made a couple of years ago.

Here is my 416 that just came in. I’ve shot the 6.5prc and 375ruger already he made and they did great. He also made me a 416 caliber over the barrel suppressor that’s done but going through the ATF bs.

View attachment 575561View attachment 575562
He added the picatinny rails for 100 bucks a piece. But I have already switched to Blaser specific QD mounts on the other ones, and will this one too. Went with a European brand called Makuick in 17.5mm height.

Nice!

 

[BeeMaa]

Blaser R8 with aluminum receiver in 375H&H standard profile (17mm) barrel with a rail mounted Swaro scope in a low Blaser mount would cost less than a GW. And you would have the option to get another barrel with exactly the same gunfit.

 

[375Ruger416]

I was just picking on the distressed look. I did look at some of Snowy Mountains' other stuff, and they did have some "carryable" stock options.

The reason I think a lot of us prefer the original bolt action sporting rifle design is because thats how they developed and in our mind... its what they're supposed to look and feel like. Deviate too much from it, and it isn't a bolt action sporting rifle anymore. It becomes something else. I've made the comparison in the past with Stradivarius. He standardized the violin, and the way a violin has been judged and valued for going on 500 years now has been how well someone's interpretation of how it fits into Stradivarius' original dimensions, sound, style, while incorporating bits of their own unique styling into the piece.

I think, as a craftsman, that is significantly more difficult to accomplish skillfully than going off and doing whatever, one's own way, because that "old nonsense" is stifling creativity, or technology, or whatever.

I don't think a lot of us (maybe just me here) like the rifles we do because we like a fad. We understand the tremendous effort, skill, and heritage that goes into a traditional rifle. A rifle that is all maths and CNC is never going to have that.

A prime example of this is Purdy. When you get second, check out their metal in stock bedding system for bolt guns. They incorporated modern technology and design into a rifle that still remains true to the styling, balance, and useability of the classic English sporting rifle. I found a pic of it:View attachment 575638

Now... all that said. You're right. I personally think a Purdey, Westley Richards, or Jeffery mauser rifle is tremendously overpriced because I KNOW there isn't that much hand labor or material involved no matter what they try to tell you.

But as you have said... we are each entitled to our opinions, and if that rifle is gonna make you happy and you'll hunt with it and pass it on to your kids... go for it.

I just want you to know where my opinion was coming from. I'm not just some codgy, old world, modern rifle hater. And no one is going to condemn you for buying a rifle you want... just know you might get teased a little if it looks to "tacticool"

Chris G,

You’re right, those rifles are a beautiful blend of modern technology and traditional styling.

I’ve never heard of them before, they look amazing!

 

[Altitude sickness]

thank goodness we don’t all carry the same style, caliber or design.

Nothing to dream about and the enjoyment of looking at different firearms or what ever.

By the way. I was taught many moons ago that a stock flexing is not a good thing. Bragging that a Wood stock flexes is not a positive benefit to sway anyone.

 

[375Ruger416]

Well, I’m still looking. Getting close to having my first plains game hunt booked which is exciting. Also looking at an elk hunt in 2025 with my uncle so it’s time to hit the overtime.

Ruger FTW Hawkeye M77 in 375 ruger has become the frontrunner. https://ruger.com/products/HawkeyeFTWHunter/models.html
A dealer has put me on the notify list when they get a delivery date - they have a few on order. HS precision synthetic stock, stainless steel, 22” threaded barrel with matching thread protector and muzzle brake, CRF. So, the discussion in this thread definitely influenced my choice.

Haven’t totally closed off the possibility of a Blaser R8, but really only becomes appealing for me if I can replace a bunch of rifles with it. Since I really like (and am becoming sentimentally attached) to the rifles I’ve got, this isn’t as practical as a Ruger or M70 for me. Hoping I can find someone in the Edmonton, Alberta area with one so I can give it a try. The convenience of traveling with a Blaser is a draw, but I know what I like in a bolt action, but don’t know if I’d like the R8. Lot of money to roll the dice on…

At this point, I’m planning to buy a less expensive but very durable CRF and take two complete rifles to Africa if needed. My main hunting rifle is a 300 PRC which should work on everything short of buffalo with 190 gr monometals. I’ve got some time before I’ll be looking for a buffalo hunt, but this forum has definitely got me thinking about it

 

[BeeMaa]

Well, I’m still looking. Getting close to having my first plains game hunt booked which is exciting. Also looking at an elk hunt in 2025 with my uncle so it’s time to hit the overtime.

Ruger FTW Hawkeye M77 in 375 ruger has become the frontrunner. https://ruger.com/products/HawkeyeFTWHunter/models.html
A dealer has put me on the notify list when they get a delivery date - they have a few on order. HS precision synthetic stock, stainless steel, 22” threaded barrel with matching thread protector and muzzle brake, CRF. So, the discussion in this thread definitely influenced my choice.

Haven’t totally closed off the possibility of a Blaser R8, but really only becomes appealing for me if I can replace a bunch of rifles with it. Since I really like (and am becoming sentimentally attached) to the rifles I’ve got, this isn’t as practical as a Ruger or M70 for me. Hoping I can find someone in the Edmonton, Alberta area with one so I can give it a try. The convenience of traveling with a Blaser is a draw, but I know what I like in a bolt action, but don’t know if I’d like the R8. Lot of money to roll the dice on…

At this point, I’m planning to buy a less expensive but very durable CRF and take two complete rifles to Africa if needed. My main hunting rifle is a 300 PRC which should work on everything short of buffalo with 190 gr monometals. I’ve got some time before I’ll be looking for a buffalo hunt, but this forum has definitely got me thinking about it

We went "all in" on the Blaser R8 a few years ago and it was the best rifle decision we've made. Everything else was sold. Not that you have to go to that extreme...by all means, keep whatever your heart desires. We were trying to pare down my collection at the time so it made sense for us.

 

[B0MBOY]

I can give you numbers based on the math.... Young's modulus for walnut is just over 2GPa. Now that's a lot... but compared to carbon fiber... it isn't even close. Carbon fiber has a modulus of elasticity of 200-500GPa (dependent on weave, binder, etc.). That's 100x -250x as rigid! That means given the percentage of impulse that is absorbed by a wood stock (shock), the amount absorbed would be approximately 1/100th to 1/250th of that in a carbon fiber stock. So, while the "push" might not be noticeably different, the "impulse"(read shock) is very much different.

Does it make a difference? I don't know. I dont have two identically weighted rifles in identical configurations with the only difference being the stock. All I can tell you is "theoretically" it adds up.

Axial compression is a function of cross sectional area AND the Young’s modulus. Considering carbon fiber is usually mostly hollow, or filled with foam, I bet the difference in felt stiffness is far less than you might think.

Additionally, the modulus of elasticity of steel is around 215 Gpa. And having shot carbon fiber stocked 270 and steel folding AK’s I’ll definitely say carbon fiber are a way more comfortable recoil impulse even in a bigger caliber. Which tells me the design of the stock matters more than the material as far as recoil impulse is concerned.

 

[wvfred]

The Ruger African and the M70 are both nice and capable rifles but at the price of the Gunwerks I would look for a used Dakota or custom rifle.But the most important thing is to get what is right for you.

 

[Daisy]

Axial compression is a function of cross sectional area AND the Young’s modulus. Considering carbon fiber is usually mostly hollow, or filled with foam, I bet the difference in felt stiffness is far less than you might think.

Additionally, the modulus of elasticity of steel is around 215 Gpa. And having shot carbon fiber stocked 270 and steel folding AK’s I’ll definitely say carbon fiber are a way more comfortable recoil impulse even in a bigger caliber. Which tells me the design of the stock matters more than the material as far as recoil impulse is concerned.

Most modern thought says exactly what you do, the stiffness of carbon fiber is kind of an old argument.

 

[TOBY458]

Check out my thread on J Sipp barrels. I got the idea from @Philip Glass who had some barrels made a couple of years ago.

Here is my 416 that just came in. I’ve shot the 6.5prc and 375ruger already he made and they did great. He also made me a 416 caliber over the barrel suppressor that’s done but going through the ATF bs.

View attachment 575561View attachment 575562
He added the picatinny rails for 100 bucks a piece. But I have already switched to Blaser specific QD mounts on the other ones, and will this one too. Went with a European brand called Makuick in 17.5mm height.

What magazine insert do you use with the 416 Ruger?

 

[Daisy]

What magazine insert do you use with the 416 Ruger?

Blaser R8 Magazine Insert 9 - .300 - .338 - .458 - 7mm - .416

Blaser R8 Magazine insert 7: 375 H&H

www.eurooptic.com

 

[TOBY458]

Blaser R8 Magazine Insert 9 - .300 - .338 - .458 - 7mm - .416

Blaser R8 Magazine insert 7: 375 H&H

www.eurooptic.com

View attachment 579705

I've got a 416 Rem Mag safari barrel coming soon. But a lighter weight 416 Ruger barrel would be fun. I would load it with a 400gr bullet at 2150 fps and it should work for most anything.