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

[Dessert_Eagle]

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!

 

[Scott CWO]

 

[capra-capra]

Totally opposite of what you are looking at , but another option could be a Sauer 404 , Blaser R8 ,Merkel Helix , Strasser , Makura so you can have one rifle and just add adittional barrels.

Let's say you get a 30-06 and decide you want a magnum - all you would need for a magnum caliber is a bolt head and a new magazine.

You did say a $3500 budget , this is just out of it but has possibilities with adding additional barrels. https://www.africahunting.com/threads/blaser-r8-professional-special-buy-complete-rifle.87991/

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have about $2500 in this 404 Jeffery I built on a Czech military 98 Mauser last year.

Keep an eye on the auction sites for sporterized military 30-06 rifles. Some nice looking guns go very reasonably. Besides 98 Mauser there's also 1903 Springfield and 1917 Enfield worth considering.

 

[capra-capra]

This is my Sauer 404 Negrini rifle case for travel. Saves space and weight over the bigger cases on the market and may be something worthy for yourself especially of you do lot of OS hunts. Not specifically a Sauer but any switch barrel rifles oit there.

My rifle , scope and all other accesories came to a total of 8kg in the case. Blaser also have Negrini cases of similar size.. They thought this was a piano case at airports so it was good that i did not stand out.

 

[krish]

One and one gun. Interesting. If you are hunting on both sides of the pond (whole Hunting Carrier ), Then you need one work on both sides for all games (African DG. to. North american big game), you may have leave some big ones and small ones on both side. How ever only one gun so for has held that title. That is 375 Holond and Holand. Most will agree here. They come in all flavors and price range.
That is my 2c.
After thought , may be solds head shot on both side for very big and small.
Krish

 

[spike.t]

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!

In 30-06 I don't think it matters if it's controlled feed or not....check the mauser M12 ...think europtics stock them...my one in that calibre is very nice , and clients who have used it have said same

 

[BeeMaa]

There's nothing wrong with "one and done" when it comes to a rifle, but you need to know what YOU want...not what we think you might want. CRF, modified CRF or push feed, synthetic or wood, stainless or blued...and I haven't even started with cartridges.

This is why people have so many rifles because different rifles fill different roles.

If I was pushed to suggest just one rifle and it had to be for Africa, the only thing I would be able to nail down in the cartridge...375H&H. With premium softs it's capable of taking impala to Cape buffalo. Switch to solids for elephant and the Tiny 10.

The Sako 85 rifles are wonderful. My only caution is that some of them have ejection problems where the fired brass will hit the right side scope turret and fall back into the action. Then when the bolt is being pushed forward, the new cartridge has a spent cartridge case on top causing a jam. Not good for a DG hunt. There are fixes for this, but best to check it out and know for sure.

30-06 or 300WM would be fine for a PG only rifle, and if you wanted to hunt DG there's the option of renting a camp rifle.

I like what @capra-capra suggested. The Blaser R8 would give you switch barrel capabilities for different pursuits and is travel friendly. This is what my wife and I use. Hers is the timber stock in 300WM and mine is synthetic in 375H&H.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Since you want a Sako 85 in 30:06 here is one that checks those boxes.
20” barrel with a barrel band for stalking through brush. 1/3-1/2” MOA with factory ammo. This one is priced high. But they are worth it. Look for one at $1500-$2000

SAKO Model 85

SAKO Model 85

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[capra-capra]

There's nothing wrong with "one and done" when it comes to a rifle, but you need to know what YOU want...not what we think you might want. CRF, modified CRF or push feed, synthetic or wood, stainless or blued...and I haven't even started with cartridges.

This is why people have so many rifles because different rifles fill different roles.

If I was pushed to suggest just one rifle and it had to be for Africa, the only thing I would be able to nail down in the cartridge...375H&H. With premium softs it's capable of taking impala to Cape buffalo. Switch to solids for elephant and the Tiny 10.

The Sako 85 rifles are wonderful. My only caution is that some of them have ejection problems where the fired brass will hit the right side scope turret and fall back into the action. Then when the bolt is being pushed forward, the new cartridge has a spent cartridge case on top causing a jam. Not good for a DG hunt. There are fixes for this, but best to check it out and know for sure.

30-06 or 300WM would be fine for a PG only rifle, and if you wanted to hunt DG there's the option of renting a camp rifle.

I like what @capra-capra suggested. The Blaser R8 would give you switch barrel capabilities for different pursuits and is travel friendly. This is what my wife and I use. Hers is the timber stock in 300WM and mine is synthetic in 375H&H.
View attachment 651556

Sako 85 issues came from the ejectors on the bolt. Known issue that only Beretta would tell customers nothing was wrong or to put higher mounts, I personally had no issues and others i know with 85's from 270 win to 9.3x62 , but those that did seemed to come randomly in a 30-06 or magnum calibers. They fixed it in the Sako 90.

I know some may not like the switch barrel capability,but i am sure those experienced in Africa could point him in the right direction to get a do it all caliber from PG to DG. ( i see lot of 375H&H ).....

 

[Bandera]

I went with Ruger African in 375 Ruger. I am left handed and choices are limited.
Ruger is making the African in 35 Wheelen. Which is a great cartridge.

The Blasser R8 deal in the classifieds looks to be a super deal.

The 375 H&H is a do all caliber if you buffalo or any other DG on you hit list.

Controlled feed is not needed if you plan on sticking to plains game.

Nothing wrong with scratching up a rifle while creating memories on a hunt.

 

[375Fox]

I’m a Sako fan but the 85s do have ejection problems. I have my scope turned on two rifles. The 90s are a true push feed. If you are looking for a “one and done” I think this is it. I have a hard time adapting to Blaser because I use a lot of other rifles but if it’s your primary rifle you’ll adapt quickly. This is a great deal.

Thread 'Blaser R8 Professional Special Buy! Complete Rifle!'

Dec 3, 2024

$4,500 + tax and shipping!


I would like to present the members of AH with a special opportunity to purchase a complete R8 at a discounted price!
All components are factory new

The rifle I have built out for this offer is a 25.5" 300 win mag, In a Savannah Professional stock.
Other barrels, Saddles, And bolt faces can be added upon request.

Contact me at the email below to act on this special offer or if you have any questions!

• EuroOptic
• Replies: 39
• Forum: Firearms & ammunition

• 

 

[cash_tx]

You mentioned "heirloom territory", which I take to mean something of high quality and long term value, without getting into bespoke rifles. My first thoughts are either a pre-64 Winchester Model 70, or raise your budget to a Dakota 76; either of which in 375H&H.

 

[uplander01]

My advice would be to spend more on your rifle and buy a true “heirloom” quality price. Beat the he’ll out of while on multiple safaris taking trophies for the rest of your life, write it all down in a notebook then pass onto someone in your family, that’s an heirloom situation. Find a good 375 by a well known maker, allow yourself to own a beautiful rifle and go enjoy your adventures. I think knowing what I know now, that’s the best advice I can give you. If you’re right handed there are some real gems in 375 hh on the market right now, 5-10k would be my target and I wouldn’t hesitate to spend 10 on the right one.

 

[uplander01]

DUANE WIEBE CUSTOM ARGENTINE MAUSER 375 H&H for sale

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

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[Doug3006]

I agree that $12K is a lot of money for a rifle. I don’t think that dinging up a rifle is anything to worry about. Some scars are a part of a rifle’s history. If they bother you, they can be erased by a competent stock maker. If you’re only buying one gun then an expensive rifle shouldn’t be as much of a problem. A 30-06 is a wonderful choice. You might consider a 300 mag of some sort. The 300 H&H is a classic and would be my choice. Parkwest, formerly Dakota, can make you one!

 

[wesheltonj]

(1) push feed, nothing wrong with that. The most dangerous game known to man, is another man shooting back and he is shot with a push feed. If it was that much of a problem, the military would have moved to CRF, but they stay with the Remington 700.

(2) I own 4 SAKO 85, the defect is not in all of them. The fix is cheap, there was a guy here that had a new peice milled for a few bucks.

(3) A one and done gun is not a 30.06, but a 375 H&H at least for Africa. For the US and Europe sure.

 

[Joker12]

For less than what you are proposing to spend you con buy a mint pre64 M70 Winchester in 30'06 which is certainly in heirloom territory and a better rifle than any Sako. If you were to decide to go that way I could suggest a couple of honest knowledgeable places that have the good stuff.

 

[franzfmdavis]

I have a Sako 85 Bavarian fully stocked rifle and it is a beautiful gun reminiscent of the traditional rifles used on the continent! Based on your options you presented this would be my vote

 

[dogcat1]

You can have whatever you can dream up.
I have done the following for Africa rifles -
Winchester Model 70 in .375 HH with Leupold scope
Dakota 76 in .375 HH with Leupold scope
CZ in 416 Rigby with Swarovski scope
Custom Satterlee Mauser with Swarovsk scope
Parker and Hale Mauser (?) in 9.2x63 with Bushnell POS scope
Winchester Model 70 stainless with no sights at all (rain forest, point and shoot was the only option)
HS Precision takedown with .375 HH and .300 HH with Swarovski scopes

Next trip -

Matt Roberts Custom Model 70 in .375 HH with Swaro scope
or
Matt Roberts Custom .416 Rigby with Swaro scope

Your choices are only limited by imagination or dollars.