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

[Rosch]

the Thread owner asked for a recommandation what make of gun can bring him through the years and make his buffalo hunt successful, without spending mucho dollares ?
Well, I read in here lots of recommendations, personal flavours and marketing advices, some posts even seem to push sales in here!
The facts are: The 375 H&H is a quiet long cartridge. It will not fit into standard Mauser action, it has to be worked/filed/grinded in! Means, taking off substantionel material from that perfect action.
The best example is Zastava. Standard mauser Action dressed for magnum cartridges.

If You look for the work, the gun has to do, and if dangerous game like buffalo is on the list, You want an action which is made for that long cartridge for reliable and perfect handling. Your life can depend on!
The cheapest way to get hold on a true "magnum" action is the CZ ZKK 602 or the CZ 550 in 375H&H.
For sure there is also the possibility for real Mauser Magnum, but needs much much more dollares in the end!
My advice: Get the one or other CZ in 375, pay Your gunsmith of trust some good money and let him change that rough eastern but really stout and precise rifle into a perl, You never will give away anymore!!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

the Thread owner asked for a recommandation what make of gun can bring him through the years and make his buffalo hunt successful, without spending mucho dollares ?
Well, I read in here lots of recommendations, personal flavours and marketing advices, some posts even seem to push sales in here!
The facts are: The 375 H&H is a quiet long cartridge. It will not fit into standard Mauser action, it has to be worked/filed/grinded in! Means, taking off substantionel material from that perfect action.
The best example is Zastava. Standard mauser Action dressed for magnum cartridges.

If You look for the work, the gun has to do, and if dangerous game like buffalo is on the list, You want an action which is made for that long cartridge for reliable and perfect handling. Your life can depend on!
The cheapest way to get hold on a true "magnum" action is the CZ ZKK 602 or the CZ 550 in 375H&H.
For sure there is also the possibility for real Mauser Magnum, but needs much much more dollares in the end!
My advice: Get the one or other CZ in 375, pay Your gunsmith of trust some good money and let him change that rough eastern but really stout and precise rifle into a perl, You never will give away anymore!!

There is nothing wrong with a standard Mauser action converted to 375. A very slight amount of metal needs to be removed from the locking ring in order to feed shells up the ramp and eject loaded shells. If you think that makes them weak, take it up with Duane Weibe, Harry Selby, or Wally Johnson. Duane is a world famous gunmaker who builds those rifles all the time. Contact him and for $25 he'll send you a booklet to show you how it's done. Ruark's Harry Selby hunted most of his illustrious and long career backing up clients with a standard Mauser chambered in much harsher recoiling 416 Rigby. He killed a lifetime of buffalo, lions, and elephants with it. And he did it shooting a right-hand rifle left-handed. Obviously no feeding problems with his gun! Capstick's Wally Johnson had a very long career as an ivory hunter shooting thousands of elephants with only a standard action Mauser in 375. I see no reason for the OP to shy away from one if it becomes available. Or have one built. It's a lighter gun (slightly) with shorter bolt stroke. The actions are easier to find and MUCH cheaper than magnum Mauser actions. And they're plenty strong enough. What's not to like?

Or the OP can consider having a 404 Jeffery built on a standard Mauser action. No metal needs to be removed from the locking ring (8mm length loading ramp must be opened up but no further than the existing rim of locking ring). Slight amount of metal is removed from inside of rear locking ring to allow thicker shells to kick out but rear ring provides little or no strength for the action.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

There is nothing wrong with a standard Mauser action converted to 375. A very slight amount of metal needs to be removed from the locking ring in order to feed shells up the ramp and eject loaded shells. If you think that makes them weak, take it up with Duane Weibe, Harry Selby, or Wally Johnson. Duane is a world famous gunmaker who builds those rifles all the time. Contact him and for $25 he'll send you a booklet to show you how it's done. Ruark's Harry Selby hunted most of his illustrious and long career backing up clients with a standard Mauser chambered in much harsher recoiling 416 Rigby. He killed a lifetime of buffalo, lions, and elephants with it. And he did it shooting a right-hand rifle left-handed. Obviously no feeding problems with his gun! Capstick's Wally Johnson had a very long career as an ivory hunter shooting thousands of elephants with only a standard action Mauser in 375. I see no reason for the OP to shy away from one if it becomes available. Or have one built. It's a lighter gun (slightly) with shorter bolt stroke. The actions are easier to find and MUCH cheaper than magnum Mauser actions. And they're plenty strong enough. What's not to like?

Or the OP can consider having a 404 Jeffery built on a standard Mauser action. No metal needs to be removed from the locking ring (8mm length loading ramp must be opened up but no further than the existing rim of locking ring). Slight amount of metal is removed from inside of rear locking ring to allow thicker shells to kick out but rear ring provides little or no strength for the action.

Correction: The rear ring on 98 Mauser is not "locking" except in an emergency when forward bolt lugs fail. Then the third emergency lug engages the rear ring.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Rifles Inc. - Rifle Models

Rifles, Inc. Pleasanton, TX Custom Lightweight Rifles

www.riflesinc.com

Lightweight 70 (5 3/4 lbs.)​

Based on Winchester 70.​

​

Lightweight 70 (5 3/4 lbs.)​

Based on Winchester 70.​

Most up to and including 375 H&H

5 3/4 lbs. (May vary depending on caliber and options)

Customer supplied Winchester Model 70 Classic (control round feed), then blueprinted

Lapped and face trued

Match grade stainless steel

Included stainless Quiet Slimbrake II

Blind

Matte stainless (Cerakote can be added. $375)

Hand laminated blend of Kevlar/Graphite and Boron, pillar glass bedded

See Finishes page

Custom

$3500 (plus customer-supplied action)

 

[MAdcox]

My favorite 375 in this price range is the Kimber Caprivi. They are great rifles but are currently not easy to find. I have a Ruger RSM and even though it is a bit heavier and bulkier than the Caprivi, it is a great shooter. Along with the Win Mo 70- any three of these are excellent choices.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

There is nothing wrong with a standard Mauser action converted to 375. A very slight amount of metal needs to be removed from the locking ring in order to feed shells up the ramp and eject loaded shells. If you think that makes them weak, take it up with Duane Weibe, Harry Selby, or Wally Johnson. Duane is a world famous gunmaker who builds those rifles all the time. Contact him and for $25 he'll send you a booklet to show you how it's done. Ruark's Harry Selby hunted most of his illustrious and long career backing up clients with a standard Mauser chambered in much harsher recoiling 416 Rigby. He killed a lifetime of buffalo, lions, and elephants with it. And he did it shooting a right-hand rifle left-handed. Obviously no feeding problems with his gun! Capstick's Wally Johnson had a very long career as an ivory hunter shooting thousands of elephants with only a standard action Mauser in 375. I see no reason for the OP to shy away from one if it becomes available. Or have one built. It's a lighter gun (slightly) with shorter bolt stroke. The actions are easier to find and MUCH cheaper than magnum Mauser actions. And they're plenty strong enough. What's not to like?

Or the OP can consider having a 404 Jeffery built on a standard Mauser action. No metal needs to be removed from the locking ring (8mm length loading ramp must be opened up but no further than the existing rim of locking ring). Slight amount of metal is removed from inside of rear locking ring to allow thicker shells to kick out but rear ring provides little or no strength for the action.

Correction ... again. Wally Johnson's 375 was a 1938 Model 70, not a Mauser 98. Oops.

 

[Northern Shooter]

My favorite 375 in this price range is the Kimber Caprivi. They are great rifles but are currently not easy to find. I have a Ruger RSM and even though it is a bit heavier and bulkier than the Caprivi, it is a great shooter. Along with the Win Mo 70- any three of these are excellent choices.

I'm not seeing the Caprivi model or any African model on the Kimber website. Their magnum action apparently only goes up to 300WM.

I'm guessing this model has been discontinued?

 

[Rocco490]

Check out Winchester Model 70 Safari Express. Had a couple if I need another 375 or larger that is what I will get again.

 

[450 Rigby]

I would stick to controlled round feed rifles. Sako's are nice but IMO push feed rifle and dangerous game hunting don't belong in the same sentence. I've personally had an extractor or two break on push feed style rifles. One of them was on an Ed Brown 338 Win Mag. Since that day I've hunted most large game with CRF rifles. Personal preference. If I had been hunting Cape Buffalo when the extractor broke on the Ed Brown (assuming it was 375 cal or larger) I might not be sending this e-mail.

If you decide on a Win 70 CRF Safari Express the 416 Remington is a great alternative to 375 H&H (as others have mentioned) if you want a little extra punch. Ammo is widely available, recoil is tolerable with some practice, it doesn't require an action as large as a 416 Rigby (safely requires anyway) and it provides larger bullet diameter, weight and K.O. factor than the 375 H&H. That said, you can't go wrong choosing the 375 H&H cartridge.

You may want to keep an eye out on Gunbroker, Gunsinternational, Champlin Arms, Sportsmans Legacy, Hendershots, MNR Customs, etc. There's some phenomenal deals that come up from time to time if you're diligent, wait and watch. Occasionally you'll see a Hill Country Rifles Win 70 CRF, Rifles Inc (I'd avoid one of their 6 pound rifles---thin barrels & large calibers aren't my personal cup of tea), other very nicely done custom rifle at a deeply discounted price.

 

[450 Rigby]

Here's a couple I ran across while browsing. The Win. 70 may be priced upper limits of normal.

If a 416 Rigby is in your thoughts at all this is an excellent buy for just under $4k...

DAKOTA ARMS ~ 76 ~ .416 RIGBY

DAKOTA ARMS ~ 76 ~ .416 RIGBY for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

New Haven Win. 70 Super Express CRF 375 H&H. Price likely negotiable.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1065149354

 

[MAdcox]

I'm not seeing the Caprivi model or any African model on the Kimber website. Their magnum action apparently only goes up to 300WM.

I'm guessing this model has been discontinued?

That is a shame, it is a great rifle. All the ones I have handled are great shooters, pretty wood and smooth actions. It is one of my favorite rifles. But since they moved factories I don't believe they made any new ones and the used ones are not easy to find. Hope its temporary and not discontinued. But my Kimber dealer has mentioned that they can't keep up with hand gun or synthetic rifle orders so the pretty wood guns may be out of their line up.

 

[Altitude sickness]

This is Rookhawks wheelhouse but.

all these plastic rifles being made and halted production of Safari rifles. Will someday be seen as a benefit to those that hang onto their lower production higher quality rifles.

there will always be dangerous game to hunt. 100 years ago They thought all DG were gonna be wiped out. 50 years ago they thought hunting would be banned.

And there will always be well healed collectors, filling rooms full of nostalgic rifles, even if they’re not hunted with.

I wish I had the patience to listen to Rookhawk and Mark Ouellette, but I like trying new brands and models. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for the next best firearm.

Mark doesn’t post often. But when he does your ears should perk up. He is a firearm guru in his own right. And can back it up with pro level shooting skills.

 

[Topshots]

There's only one! Winchester M70.

 

[Beck]

Sako Kodiak

 

[Northern Shooter]

Sako Kodiak

Discontinued but a real sweet rifle.

I’ve considered picking one up. A short barreled stainless steel 375HH sounds great for North America.

 

[Beck]

Discontinued but a real sweet rifle.

I’ve considered picking one up. A short barreled stainless steel 375HH sounds great for North America.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1061669108

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I love my SAKO 85L in .375H&H. 24 3/8” Barrel & 7 3/4lbs. Balanced and very accurate.

 

[Challer]

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.

Do a search on all the magazine problems with M98 and W70 far various calibers, even with Sunny Hill bottom metal - I had them all. Great gun, challenges in certain aspects changing calibers. And my comment was that anyone can change all the parts in an R8 in the field, typically with no tools. I have never needed them, but I always carry a back-up bolt, trigger group, and magazine and that covers just about everything

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Do a search on all the magazine problems with M98 and W70 far various calibers, even with Sunny Hill bottom metal - I had them all. Great gun, challenges in certain aspects changing calibers. And my comment was that anyone can change all the parts in an R8 in the field, typically with no tools. I have never needed them, but I always carry a back-up bolt, trigger group, and magazine and that covers just about everything

You had all the problems? Specifically what problems? Were the problems with the magazine or feeding rails? Most of the problems I read about are with the rails. Paul Mauser's formula for calculating proper dimensions of alternate stacking magazine is straightforward enough. And I found that one can even fudge on the prescription a fair amount and still build a gun that cycles reliably. If the box dimensions are in the ballpark, a good gunmaker should be able to make it work. A neighborhood gunsmith maybe not.

R8 has absolutely no appeal to me, especially the price tag. I can't imagine the cost of carrying along a toolbox of extra parts for one of those guns. However, now that I think about it I should probably buy an extra firing pin/striker and extractor for both my Springfield 03A3 and 98 Mauser. Probably pick up the lot for sixty bucks total. Lots of those parts on the net. R8 not so much.

 

[450 Rigby]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1061669108

Beautiful rifles. Two features I don't care for are push feed and detachable box magazine. Otherwise they appear to be a wonderfully built rifle.

I have no comment on R8's. Never owned one. Heard great things. Never interested me.