What are my options for a current production crf 375 h&h rifle?

[NIGHTHAWK]

I’ve been looking at the same thing for a first safari for next summer. The Winchester 70s seem to be on a quite the backlog. Been on the list at Reeds for over a year. Even called Winchester and current production numbers are low. I’ve seen a couple pop up on gunbroker for reasonable prices. Above MSRP but reasonable usually less than 2500. Maybe someone else knows a shop that might get them in but i haven’t had the luck.

Good luck!

I’ve dealt with George on a really nice Dakota. Great experience…

Champlin Firearms - Gun Vault - Quality Firearms

 

[rookhawk]

I’ve dealt with George on a really nice Dakota. Great experience…

Champlin Firearms - Gun Vault - Quality Firearms

Stainless and synthetic isn't my particular cup of tea, but the $900 pivot mounts and the $300 scope included in that package make it a helluva bargain for someone of that persuasion.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Stainless and synthetic isn't my particular cup of tea, but the $900 pivot mounts and the $300 scope included in that package make it a helluva bargain for someone of that persuasion.

There may also be some negotiating in that price… For those that prefer utility, over…

 

[Royal7]

Nice option! But it’s for my father in law who shares the desire for wood/blued vs synthetic. Thanks for sharing though! Bet that’s perfect for the Alaskan bush!

 

[JG26Irish_2]

I went thru what you are doing last year while planning a Safari to Africa. I wanted a 416 Rigby for DG and was shopping for a CRF rifle. The new rifle options are limited. I already had a FN Browning Hi-Power Medallion Grade in 308 for PG that was fantastic. I paid $1250 for this magnificent rifle. While looking, I found a used FN Browning Hi-Power Safari Grade in 375HH. I probably paid a bit much for it at $2450 but it was in great shape and upon inspection appears to have not been shot very much. Just be certain what you are getting as some of the later production guns were push feed design instead of CRF. I think the Brownings are a bit above the Pre-64 Winchesters and might even shoot slightly better as well. Both rifles performed magnificently on Safari. Other advice is do not cut costs on your optics either. I started with a 1.5-4s Leupold but eventually ended up with a Swarovski Z6i.

I often have found that the best used rifles are on auction sites. Poulin, RIA, Invaluable, etc. You will usually pay market price or slightly less but will get better quality in the end. These sites tend to specialize in estate sales where Grandpa has passed on and his grand kids do not want or like guns and choose to sell them all. Unlike some others, hunting rifles, especially those bigger boomers are not often shot that much. So, the bbls are usually in great shape and will last several lifetimes if cared for.

Following my first Safari, I decided that each time I go back, I would acquire and develop a new pair of rifles for the next hunt. Why? Half the fun of the Safari is the planning and preparation leading up to the hunt. I am going back to Africa in 2025, and as such I watched the auctions. Actually, while travelling to the airport to leave for Johannesburg, I bought a lovely CRF custom ER Shaw Enfield P14 rifle in 375HH. It is much more fancy than the plain looking FN and shoots a bit better. I was prepared to pay upwards of $3k for that rifle but got it for $800 plus auctioneer fees and shipping or about $1200 all in. Had I known that it was going to go off so low, I would have also bid on the matched custom in 300HH mag. I was sick to see it sell for $500 (a huge bargain).

After my return, and since I missed out on the 300HH, I was casting about for a good 30-06 or 300WM rifle for use on longer range PG. I found a nearly new looking Husqvarna Swedish Mauser in 30-06. This rifle turns out to shoot better than both my FN's and equipped with a more modern optic than my 308 will be perfect for long range hunting. I am in the process of testing 180g ammo with it now and was uber impressed in the first outing with 2" groups at 300y from the bench and 1/2" groups at 100y. Whatever you choose, be sure to enjoy the ride. Pics below: 1) FN Browning, 2.) The new brace for 2025, ER Shaw P14 Custom 375/Husqvarna, 3.) Close up of the Husky 30-06.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Nice option! But it’s for my father in law who shares the desire for wood/blued vs synthetic. Thanks for sharing though! Bet that’s perfect for the Alaskan bush!

What is his budget?

 

[Nevada Mike]

I have three New Haven M70 Classics, including a .375 H&H Safari Classic. Excellent rifle, which can be bought at less than $2K. Best deal going and accurate and reliable.

 

[Killo]

Parkwest Arms

 

[Deepfork]

Parkwest Arms

Wow...very nice! I'm sure its common knowledge but I did not know Dakota had been brought back to life.

 

[Royal7]

I have three New Haven M70 Classics, including a .375 H&H Safari Classic. Excellent rifle, which can be bought at less than $2K. Best deal going and accurate and reliable.

I’ll pass that along for sure! He is talking with a local hunter on one. I’ll keep you posted. Just curious, are the New Haven guns thought of as different/better than the current production m70 (FN in Columbia I believe)

 

[Challer]

I think what he’s saying is that a handfitted controlled round feed says Africa and Safari much more so than Teutonic MIM machinery parts assembly.

Good MIM works very well. Bad not so much - same as the blue holding your airplane together. Handfitted is the definition of Franken gun. And it’s going to a smith any time something goes awry. I’ve had them. The R8s can easily be fixed in the field if you have the parts. Your Mauser can’t exchange a bolt and probably has an iffy magazine

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Lot 66: Sako 85L Hunter Bolt Action Rifle in .375 H&H Magnum with Box​

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL​

Auction Date: October 16, 2024​

Estimated Price: $1,200 - $1,800

Sako 85L Hunter Bolt Action Rifle in .375 H&H Magnum with Box

Sako 85L Hunter Bolt Action Rifle in .375 H&H Magnum with BoxWith matching factory box, papers, lock, and tools.

www.rockislandauction.com

 

[Nevada Mike]

I’ll pass that along for sure! He is talking with a local hunter on one. I’ll keep you posted. Just curious, are the New Haven guns thought of as different/better than the current production m70 (FN in Columbia I believe)

THESE GUNS ARE NOT FOR SALE. I was simply pointing out that the Model 70 is a bargain for the quality you get. I apologize for the misunderstanding.

 

[Nevada Mike]

...The R8s can easily be fixed in the field if you have the parts. Your Mauser can’t exchange a bolt and probably has an iffy magazine

I think most people would agree that the Mauser 98 is a well-proven design. Proven to be durable and reliable for over 125 years.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Wow...very nice! I'm sure its common knowledge but I did not know Dakota had been brought back to life.

Very nice indeed however prices seemed to double compared to the old Dakota rifles.

 

[375er]

Very nice indeed however prices seemed to double compared to the old Dakota rifles.

And.......did the quality and value for the dollar????

 

[BeeMaa]

Dakota Arms rifles made prior to 2006 were of exceptional quality. After selling the company to Remington…it was a downhill slide with larger wood/metal gaps and inconsistencies. It just depends on what particular rifle you are looking at because some were still very good.

Once it became Parkwest (or Park West?) the pricing skyrocketed while the quality returned. Maybe that’s what it takes to make that rifle in today’s environment.

The worst thing about a Blaser R8 is that it’s boring. Boringly accurate, boringly consistent and boringly reliable.

 

[Royal7]

I have three New Haven M70 Classics, including a .375 H&H Safari Classic. Excellent rifle, which can be bought at less than $2K. Best deal going and accurate and reliable.

Hahaha you got me! But yes agreed seems like a great value!

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Funny. For someone with "Heeler" in their screen name, I would have thought you would have taken a more subtle and controlled approach.

Please feel free to contribute to the conversation in a positive way and leave the insults and passive aggressive comments for a DM.

Im looking for the current best options for a crf 375 h&h rifle. I dont really have a budget but would rather save money for more ammo if there is a option that is $3k vs $10k. Im going to use it for deer hunting and general target shooting for the next several years until i feel very comfortable using it, my goal then would be to eventually take a cape buffalo with it

What im currently eyeing up is the winchester 70 safari express as i like the 24" barrel over the 25" of the alaskan.

Is there any other options i should be looking at? I guess i wouldn't be opposed to a used or discontinued model if i was able to find one in good condition

I would buy a new or new old stock model 70 Alaskan or Safari in your choice of caliber .375 is not for me.
My rings bases Talley, probably non detachable.
Scope I would a buy older Swarovski 1,5x5 scope I use to buy @800.00 or less.
Recoil pad kickeez
Sling trader Kieth (if desired)



This exactly the rifle I rent to clients. Thru the years it has hat been one malfunction several times 75% same client. I chastised him several times he was constantly kiddingly with the levers. Went to factory torx screws. No more problems.

Or I would buy a more expensive “Heym Martini express in .404J” you can go with the same scope.

Either one will get the job done. Practice cycling. Don’t punish yourself.

 

[Ruraldoc]

The Alaskan isn’t available in anything larger than 375. It comes in several smaller cartridges but mine is a 375.

My Safari Express is a 416 and I think the extra weight as a opposed to the Alaskan is a good idea in 416 or 458.

I think the Safari Express in 416 is the perfect dangerous game rifle for a client. At least it is for me. More power than a 375 but more pleasant to shoot than any 458.

The 400 grain bullets are absolutely proven on elephant and everything else. They really put the smack down on buffalo in my limited experience.And they shoot flat enough for plains game out to at yeast 250 yards.

My friend @JHT killed his Chobe Bushbuck at over 300 yards with his Safari Express in 416, and used the same rifle to make a quick double on buffalo bulls at less than 25 yards.

I used mine on a kudu running quartering away at 175 yards.

I see very little downside to a Model 70 in 416 Remington unless you are very recoil sensitive and can’t shoot it well.