Need help picking a nice Safari rifle. Sako 85? Sako 90? Something else?

[dogcat1]

I just looked in the Classified and there are a numbe of nice rifles. I like the MRC or the Model 70 in the Alaska configuration. That 25" barrel is nice.

On another note, check out Matt Roberts website for MNR Custom rifles - there is a stunning Dakota 76 in 416 Rigby I think is perfect...

 

[mark-hunter]

I was looking at the Sako 85, which I really liked particularly for its (least per the factory) controlled round feed system that has a history of excellent reliability. The Sako 90 has now replaced this model and changes appear to be a reinforced receiver (I presume a good thing), but now it has gone to a push feed system, which I understand is not desirable for a potential future (maybe a decade away) hunting dangerous game. As a result, what I really wished for is a Sako 90 with a controlled round feed system and that seemingly does not exist…

I have Sako 85 in 30-06 which works without flaw.
But for sako 85 in stronger calibers there is a strong echo around that in large calibers this rifle has problem with steep angle of ejection, where casings hit the scope, and drop back to action causing jam. You can find such claims on this forum as well. I cannot confirm this, I never saw similar problem on my 30-06.
So before purchasing Sako 85 in 375, check ejection with mounted scope, If it works well, buy it.

Sako 90 (push feed, or not)
Dont be mislead in push feed, or controlled round feed debate.
I use CRF rifle (ZKK 602) in 375 for Africa, but the reason is nostalgia and my conservative view on African safari, not one action being better then other. Some facts on push feed history: First, Remington 700 action proofed it self as a military rifle in war - a push feed rifle in extreme conditions. Or another example, blaser R8 works well on African hunting fields - no negative feedback on this rifle also. So, CRF or PF debate I find to be obsolete and irrelevant.

So, it is not Push feed, or CRF to look into Sako 90.
What I look at, the rifle Sako 90 has longitudinal bridge on top of receiver that closes maybe half of ejection port.
I dont like that, because it blocks full free access for loading the rifle from the top.
So, try to load, empty, and reload Sako 90 in haste, as you may do during real DG hunt, and get your opinion on this feature. Good, bad, handy or acceptable?

Other classic rifles in CRF realm to look at:
ZKK 602, phased out
CZ 550, phased out
Winchester m70
Zastava m70

 

[Ontario Hunter]

DUANE WIEBE CUSTOM ARGENTINE MAUSER 375 H&H for sale

DUANE WIEBE CUSTOM ARGENTINE MAUSER 375 H&H for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

Duane wrote the book (literally) on converting military Mausers into magnum African rifles. This would be a fine gun and great caliber. Military conversions are every bit as strong as factory magnum length actions but with the advantage of shorter (= quicker) bolt throw and lighter weight rifle (slightly).

 

[CJW]

Mannlicher Schoenauer in 30-06, 7x64 or whatever caliber for a PG rifle.

 

[Mountaineer]

Heirloom and Africa scream double rifle. 375 h&h or 9.3x74r. Shoot it and get good with it. You’ll both sides of the pond and build great memories. I took mine on a 7 mile hike this morning.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Sounds like you are specifically limiting yourself to a plains game rifle only, with a 30-06. If DG is a consideration, then for a "one and done" you need to consider a 375 H&H.

The Sako 85 is a great rifle. One of the outfitter and sponsors on AH, @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS has quite a few and both my daughter and I have put them to go use. If you like the Sako 85 and 30-06, then go for it. The "Springfield" is a great cartridge!

Another great and affordable option is a Winchester M70.

 

[Rare Breed]

I’ll be going to Africa in about 18 months for my first Safari. I’m excited and want to get a “one and done” sort of hunting rifle that I can use for the rest of my hunting career.

I’ve done a fair bit of research and while I like the idea of owning a Mauser 98, the idea of putting $12,000+ into a rifle that will certainly get dinged up doesn’t appeal to me. I’m trying find that ultra reliable, quality, heirloom territory bolt action (likely a Mauser action) that’s perhaps in the $3,500 range (pre-scope) although I’m flexible.

I was looking at the Sako 85, which I really liked particularly for its (least per the factory) controlled round feed system that has a history of excellent reliability. The Sako 90 has now replaced this model and changes appear to be a reinforced receiver (I presume a good thing), but now it has gone to a push feed system, which I understand is not desirable for a potential future (maybe a decade away) hunting dangerous game. As a result, what I really wished for is a Sako 90 with a controlled round feed system and that seemingly does not exist…

This leaves me at an impasse for what rifle to get or research next, what should I get or do? If it matters, I was thinking the 30-06 caliber.

Thank you!

If only one rifle you can’t beat the 375 H&H. PG and DG potent in only one gun

 

[Ontario Hunter]

For the price of an "heirloom" double rifle the OP could buy several quality bolt actions. I don't see a double rifle being terribly functional outside Africa. In fact, I don't think they're terribly functional even in Africa. But we have been down that derailment many times. Personally, I think the extra money could be put to better use elsewhere (e.g. another trip to Africa to hunt more animals). What makes a rifle truly an heirloom is the history behind it, not what it costs or the style or features. Both my African rifles were made with my hands. My plains game rifle was first made for me by my dad back in 1962 (to hunt deer). I have remade it a couple of times (only the bolt and receiver remain the same). That rifle wears basic walnut and isn't even checkered but I know it's the most valued heirloom.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Both of the Sakos will do the trick. CRF the ideal action on a dangerous game rifle but it's not a legal requirement.

The Sako 85 was available in all calibers up to 500 Jeffery including other mid and big bores.

The new Sako 90 tops out at 375HH, which could also be a one and done option.

Some others to consider.

Model 70
Dakota 76
CZ550
Ruger M77

You say your DG hunt is likely a decade away. I found focus on buying a nice PG rifle in something like 30cal or 338 and then later down the road buy some real nice in 375 and up for DG.

Of course you'll eventually want a double rifle as well so may well start saving for that..

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Sako 85 in .375H&H will be just right…

 

[cajunchefray]

I’ll be going to Africa in about 18 months for my first Safari. I’m excited and want to get a “one and done” sort of hunting rifle that I can use for the rest of my hunting career.

I’ve done a fair bit of research and while I like the idea of owning a Mauser 98, the idea of putting $12,000+ into a rifle that will certainly get dinged up doesn’t appeal to me. I’m trying find that ultra reliable, quality, heirloom territory bolt action (likely a Mauser action) that’s perhaps in the $3,500 range (pre-scope) although I’m flexible.

I was looking at the Sako 85, which I really liked particularly for its (least per the factory) controlled round feed system that has a history of excellent reliability. The Sako 90 has now replaced this model and changes appear to be a reinforced receiver (I presume a good thing), but now it has gone to a push feed system, which I understand is not desirable for a potential future (maybe a decade away) hunting dangerous game. As a result, what I really wished for is a Sako 90 with a controlled round feed system and that seemingly does not exist…

This leaves me at an impasse for what rifle to get or research next, what should I get or do? If it matters, I was thinking the 30-06 caliber.

Thank you!

Two rifles, .375 H&H Winchester M70s are listed here in Classifieds. Really good deals on both.

If you want new, but still a classic design, the NIB Winchester Model 70 Alaskan is a great choice, and the price is a deal. The M70s Alaskans just handle really well.
They cycle effortlessly from the shoulder (not all rifles do) and are functionally flawless when cycling from the shoulder.

The Pre-64 M70 .375 H&H, circa 1953 is more of a classic heirloom, modified with shortened barrel, barrel band sling swivel, good ERA sights and mounts. Not original but all worthy upgrades. A properly set up usable rifle. 1937 to 1953 era actions are well made and fitted.

I would but the Pre-64, plenty of 250 grain Spitzer bullets, and 300 grain bullets and just hunt.

Next really important question is which scope for this combination Plains Game/ Dangerous Game rifle. The scope choice is just as important.

You have access to many seasoned Africa hunting veterans and real world experiences.

 

[Dessert_Eagle]

For the scope, I feel a bit more secure with a decision on. Of course, also open to input.

Z6i 1.7-10x42 BT L - SWAROVSKI OPTIK

www.swarovskioptik.com

It seems also, like I should be realistic and perhaps do two rifles. A 375h&h for dangerous game (perhaps not a “right now” rifle but certainly could), then for plains game a 30-06?

My upcoming hunt is Springbok, Blesbok, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, and Kudu. Might add a Zebra and Sable.

I am concerned about ensuring that recoil is not subsumed without the need for corresponding foot pounds down range. Seems like 30-06 is good for PG?

And thank you everyone for teaching and helping me. While I have dozens of firearms, I have never been particular or in the weeds of bolt actions and their differences.

Please keep any advice coming. It does feel overwhelming with the various options.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

If you handload, why not take it a step further for the dangerous game gun? I'm quite pleased with my 404 Jeffery. Recoil is not unmanageable (but it ain't no 30-06 ... have to hang onto it). Ammo is becoming more available and so are loading components. Surprisingly, 404 fits in a standard length action much more easily than 375. If you're considering having one built, standard action donor rifles are much easier to find (and afford!) than magnum actions.

 

[375Ruger416]

For the scope, I feel a bit more secure with a decision on. Of course, also open to input.

Z6i 1.7-10x42 BT L - SWAROVSKI OPTIK

www.swarovskioptik.com

It seems also, like I should be realistic and perhaps do two rifles. A 375h&h for dangerous game (perhaps not a “right now” rifle but certainly could), then for plains game a 30-06?

My upcoming hunt is Springbok, Blesbok, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, and Kudu. Might add a Zebra and Sable.

I am concerned about ensuring that recoil is not subsumed without the need for corresponding foot pounds down range. Seems like 30-06 is good for PG?

And thank you everyone for teaching and helping me. While I have dozens of firearms, I have never been particular or in the weeds of bolt actions and their differences.

Please keep any advice coming. It does feel overwhelming with the various options.

I have purchased a Blaser R8 in 375 H&H. I have thought about adding a 300 WM or 7 mm RM barrel, but am holding off for the time being.

The reason is simple. The 375 H&H (and the 416’s) are damn fine plains cartriges. Load a 375 with 250 or 270 gr bullets and the trajectory is very similar to a 30-06 with 180’s. My plan is to do my next plains game hunt with it and build familiarity before I take it on my first DG hunt in a few years.

I’d recommend getting a 375 in a rifle you really like and getting lots of use out of it. I took 8 animals on my safari in September with a 300 PRC. It performed great, but except for the baboon all were within 200 yds and would have been easy shots with a 375.

 

[odonata]

I have a LH Sako 85 Hunter chambered in 30-06 with a Swarovski z6 1.7-10x42 so I can't criticize the OP's choice at all. I have never had an ejection problem & the rifle is very accurate. I'm not the greatest shot but I've managed three holes touching with this rifle. I have nothing but nice things to say about this particular setup. The OP's decision to add illumination would only make it better.

I haven't made it to Africa yet for hunting having only having traveled to RSA, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana for photo safaris with my daughter so far. But I have a friend who keeps talking about going when we retire in a couple of years to do some PG hunting. So the Sako in 30-06 and a LH Winchester 70 Safari Express in 375 H&H were the two rifles I have in case that ever actually happens. I would highly recommend the Winchester 70 as an option as well. It's also a very nice rifle.

I was surfing around trying to find a LH 9.3x62 earlier this year & stumbled across a LH Steyr CL II in 30-06 at a ridiculously good price. I didn't need another 30-06 but I knew I would regret not buying it so I did. I wouldn't hesitate to go PG hunting in Africa with it either. If I ever did get a 7x64 or a 9.3x62, the Steyr SM12 would definitely be on the consideration list based on how much I've enjoyed shooting this rifle.

Enjoy your hunt!

 

[eshift]

What are the trophies you intend to take on this upcoming safari? With a 30.06 choice are you thinking plains game only? With your budget have a look to a used CZ 550 or BRNO 602 and some decent glass both scope and field binoculars.

 

[Field28]

I do believe that all the ejection problems in the 85's were with magnum calibers.
I've never had an issue with my 243 85.
I've also heard a lot of the issues were from poor scope mounting. Sako makes their own mounts and rings. I run Talley on mine and they work fine.

With a 30-06, you can't go wrong either way, 85 or 90. You could also shop for an older L61 Finbear or an Alll. Word of caution, Sakos can become an addiction.

My old Alll in 30-06 does the job just fine on both continents.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

Some things to consider. If you are looking to use a 30-06 then I presume you do not plan to hunt DG in Africa. A hunting rifle, even one that is used a lot will not usually digest a huge number of rounds over its life. So, do not be afraid to follow the used rifle auction sites and acquire a nice, well cared for used rifle. Many times grand dad who was an avid hunter or collector passes away and his idiot grand children want nothing to do with his sporting rifle collection. They sell these at auction and you as the potential buyer will reap the benefit. I have acquired many fine used hunting rifles in this manner. Most far and away exceeded my expectations. You can get deals but in most cases you will pay fair market value by the time you pay the gavel price plus auctioneer fee and shipping to your local FFL. For my first Safari, I bought two lovely Belgian FN Browning Hi-Power rifles in 308 and 375HH. Both combined fit into your $3500 est budget minus the scopes. These were 1960's era rifles and the bores both look pristine. The stock on one was banged up and bruised but after refinishing them, they looked better than new. The Mauser 98 actions are controlled round feed which is nice to have in dusty conditions and required (IMO) for dangerous game hunting. If all you buy is the 30-06 you are good to go for any Plains Game and you can always rent a big magnum if you decide to pursue DG.

This summer I got a beautiful custom ER Shaw rifle in 375HH that was built on a P14 Enfield action which is also a CRF design. It shoots even better than the two FN's. I would value it at about $5k but paid a very small fraction for it and it is beautiful. Finally, this fall, I found a near perfect 60yr old Husqvarna Swedish Mauser in 30-06. I paid about $700 plus fees and shipping to get it to me from the auction house. I put a $300 LP4 FFP optic on it in 4-16x and was stunned with the level of out of the box accuracy from that old rifle. I tested three brands of factory 180g ammo. Federal Fusion tipped shot 0.7-0.8" for three shots at 100y. Barnes TTSX shot0.5-0.6" at same distance. Remington Premium loaded with the Swift Scirocco bullet was the best by a small margin at 0.4-0.5". This is one of the best shooting non-custom, massed produced rifles I have ever handled. In fact while testing and verifying my dope at longer ranges this rifle put up a three shot group at 400y that is about 2.25" which is close to 1/2 moa at that extended range. You could pay 4x as much and be hard pressed to find a better rifle.

The two FN Brownings. 375HH on the left and 308 on the right

The ER Shaw 375HH P14 Enfield

The Husqvarna 30-06 and the 3sh 400y group mentioned

The most I paid for any of these was $2500 for the FN 375 because I paid full retail to get that specific rifle from a dealer who had it on auction via Gunbroker. I paid him to sell it now and ship from Alaska to me which added to the overall cost.

 

[375Ruger416]

Thread 'Good Gun Deals This Week'

Dec 13, 2021

Hello friends,

Many of you have asked me for advice on gun searches as it's a bit of a hobby for me to "see what is out there" each week. I discussed this with @AfricaHunting.com and he permitted me to create a running post on the Classifieds section.

The purpose of the posts will be to show what interesting guns of good quality and value may be popping up on the Internet each week. My personal guidelines of a "good gun" are as follows:

"That is a quality weapon with soul, character, inherent quality, and can be purchased for what I or others believe is a good value. This...

• rookhawk
• Replies: 3,094
• Forum: Classifieds

• 
• 

Also, follow this thread if you haven’t yet - the fun you’re looking for may just pop up!

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I've had no ejection issues with my Sako 85 L in 375 H&H... (Left Handed)