Winchester Model 70, CZ 550, Ruger M77, what's next?

[Northern Shooter]

I feel like I've completed the dangerous game rifle starter pack with the above 3 noted rifles.

Where does one go from here if you're looking to step up into a new bolt action rifle and willing to pay more than the above for improved quality and workmanship?

For those of you that own the above 3, what did you buy next?

 

[krish]

Hyme, Sako safari classic, Mauser 98 magnum, Dakota 76 African, Rigby, custom built on GMA, AHR custom, Kreigohf, so on and on.
Krish

 

[mdsalern]

New or new to you?

 

[Northern Shooter]

New or new to you?

I prefer to buy new but would also consider second hand if it's a higher grade bolt gun or double rifle.

Just looking for ideas on new makes and models that are "nicer" than these 3.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Blaser R8.

 

[mark-hunter]

Where does one go from here if you're looking to step up into a new bolt action rifle and willing to pay more than the above for improved quality and workmanship?

For those of you that own the above 3, what did you buy next?

You haven't clarified the caliber or the animal to hunt.
In the realm of bolt action: your next step is New Mauser 98 DWM, or Blaser R8.

In the realm of double rifles: Heym or Kreighoff.

Just looking for ideas on new makes and models that are "nicer" than these 3.

Those three are factory rifles for working man. And noted in my comments are high end factory rifles, if this was what you were looking for.
.
Above them will be probably London guns.

When looking for something "better", I think that one consideration could be, looking for bolt action rifle in magnum length action. Of the three you mentioned, only CZ 550 has magnum length action.
Magnum length action, becomes rare commodity.

This is of course, if you look for DG calibers.
But even if not looking for DG caliber, try finding a rifle in 8x68 caliber for plains game. That would be tricky. New factory rifles are rarely made in this caliber. But, just because of the rarity, and history (designed before ww2 to be the "best" hunting caliber in the world), it has certain appeal.

 

[Deepfork]

I feel like I've completed the dangerous game rifle starter pack with the above 3 noted rifles.

Where does one go from here if you're looking to step up into a new bolt action rifle and willing to pay more than the above for improved quality and workmanship?

For those of you that own the above 3, what did you buy next?

I like those three, I think that is where I will stay.

 

[RR 314]

Hyme, Sako safari classic, Mauser 98 magnum, Dakota 76 African, Rigby, custom built on GMA, AHR custom, Kreigohf, so on and on.
Krish

This is really solid here. I think a pre-Martini Heym is a great value as are the AHRs.

 

[Northern Shooter]

You haven't clarified the caliber or the animal to hunt.
In the realm of bolt action: your next step is New Mauser 98 DWM, or Blaser R8.

In the realm of double rifles: Heym or Kreighoff.

Those three are factory rifles for working man. And noted in my comments are high end factory rifles, if this was what you were looking for.
.
Above them will be probably London guns.

When looking for something "better", I think that one consideration could be, looking for bolt action rifle in magnum length action. Of the three you mentioned, only CZ 550 has magnum length action.
Magnum length action, becomes rare commodity.

This is of course, if you look for DG calibers.
But even if not looking for DG caliber, try finding a rifle in 8x68 caliber for plains game. That would be tricky. New factory rifles are rarely made in this caliber. But, just because of the rarity, and history (designed before ww2 to be the "best" hunting caliber in the world), it has certain appeal.

In terms of calibers for the above, I have them in 338 WinMag, 375HH and 458WinMag.

I'd like the next rifke to be in a new caliber so I'm considering 416, 404 etc.

I'm considering the Sako 85 but also the Heym Express and Dakota 76.

Looking for rifles along these lines with true Magnum actions, wood stocks, iron sights etc.

The London Best guns are far above my pay grade.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I like those three, I think that is where I will stay.

Nothing wrong with those 3, they are my current favourite rifles.

 

[Northern Shooter]

This is really solid here. I think a pre-Martini Heym is a great value as are the AHRs.

What's the story with Martini? I know he sells fine guns here in Canada and has his name on the Express rifle. Does he work for Heym? I know he redesigned the stock on the Express rifle.

 

[RR 314]

What's the story with Martini? I know he sells fine guns here in Canada and has his name on the Express rifle. Does he work for Heym? I know he redesigned the stock on the Express rifle.

He partnered with Heym to rebirth the express rifle. He created a beautiful rifle for Heym. That being said, the pre-Martini Heym Express rifle is great IMHO. The Martini styling is, without question, an upgrade.

 

[Aaron N]

Isn’t this basically the same question as your post about affordable higher end guns?

 

[mark-hunter]

I'm considering the Sako 85 but also the Heym Express and Dakota 76.

Looking for rifles along these lines with true Magnum actions, wood stocks, iron sights etc.

For sako 85, research well - about alleged extraction issues, where ejected casing hits the scope. I dont have problem with my sako 85, but some say they do.

Sako 85 is no longer produced. Last shipment to gun shops (after introducing new sako 90), of safari sako 85 in 375 HH at my place jumped to plus 7000 eur.
So, basically retail price of new sako 85 in medium calibers up to 8mm is/was: jumped from 1800 eur, to 2500 eur. And then safari caliber sako 85 goes up to 7k. I am not saying it is all over and everywhere, but that was my spot check observation. I am not sure that this price discrepancy per caliber class in same rifle is normal.

My other rifle (from your list) is ZKK 602 in 375, is robust and functional, and dependable, but also not "a fine" gun.
Sako 85 fit and finish are better, and trigger is excellent. Sako CRF system as claimed to be CRF by factory is subject to debate. If you look for true Mauser type CRF, sako is not that.

 

[John458Lott]

I feel like I've completed the dangerous game rifle starter pack with the above 3 noted rifles.

Where does one go from here if you're looking to step up into a new bolt action rifle and willing to pay more than the above for improved quality and workmanship?

For those of you that own the above 3, what did you buy next?

A custom gun made just for you (not someone else's custom - but that can also work depending on fit) is quite special in itself so don't discount the starter pack rifles to use as an action for your custom. With the Ruger I'm assuming it's the RSM and not the regular 77mk II as you can't get a H&H length cartridge in those.

 

[Northern Shooter]

For sako 85, research well - about alleged extraction issues, where ejected casing hits the scope. I dont have problem with my sako 85, but some say they do.

Sako 85 is no longer produced. Last shipment to gun shops (after introducing new sako 90), of safari sako 85 in 375 HH at my place jumped to plus 7000 eur.
So, basically retail price of new sako 85 in medium calibers up to 8mm is/was: jumped from 1800 eur, to 2500 eur. And then safari caliber sako 85 goes up to 7k. I am not saying it is all over and everywhere, but that was my spot check observation. I am not sure that this price discrepancy per caliber class in same rifle is normal.

My other rifle (from your list) is ZKK 602 in 375, is robust and functional, and dependable, but also not "a fine" gun.
Sako 85 fit and finish are better, and trigger is excellent. Sako CRF system as claimed to be CRF by factory is subject to debate. If you look for true Mauser type CRF, sako is not that.

It's unfortunate that they recently discontinued, they are such good looking rifles. I had the opportunity to buy a Sako 85 Brown Bear in 416 for $3,200 CAN not even two years ago.

I have read about the ejection issues and that's something to do consider.

If only Sako would step up and offer the same models/large calibers in the new Sako 90 line.

 

[colorado]

Really depends on the caliber. I think the Model 70 is a great platform for a 375 H&H or a 416 Rem Magnum. For larger calibers (450 Rigby, 500 Jeffery) I think a CZ 550 is a great platform, just might need a little TLC. Both of these rifles including a little gunsmithing go for under $3000.

 

[mdwest]

The London Best guns are far above my pay grade.

I agree... I could afford a London Best or two.. but, I just cant cost justify it in my mind (while others clearly can, and do justify it)..

What is the max budget?

For me, I like custom/semi custom Mauser 98's (what many/most London Best are built on).. there are plenty of US and Canadian gunsmiths that can build you an absolutely beautiful, and completely reliable rifle at a fraction of the cost of a London Best...

depending on the components you want, quality of the wood, etc.. you could be looking anywhere from $3500-$10,000 though (and even start bumping close to london best prices if you really wanted to go hog wild)..

 

[Northern Shooter]

I agree... I could afford a London Best or two.. but, I just cant cost justify it in my mind (while others clearly can, and do justify it)..

What is the max budget?

For me, I like custom/semi custom Mauser 98's (what many/most London Best are built on).. there are plenty of US and Canadian gunsmiths that can build you an absolutely beautiful, and completely reliable rifle at a fraction of the cost of a London Best...

depending on the components you want, quality of the wood, etc.. you could be looking anywhere from $3500-$10,000 though (and even start bumping close to london best prices if you really wanted to go hog wild)..

Under $10,000 Canadian.

I've seen the odd Heym Express right around that price point but most are much higher.

I've also seen Dakota 76 rifles under that budget.

I guess I'm looking for something similar to those, likely in a 416 Rigby.

 

[mdwest]

Under $10,000 Canadian.

I've seen the odd Heym Express right around that price point but most are much higher.

I've also seen Dakota 76 rifles under that budget.

I guess I'm looking for something similar to those, likely in a 416 Rigby.

so roughly +/- $7500 USD...

I think you've probably got a lot of options at that price point.. I dont know the names of any Canadian gunsmiths/makers other than Ralph Martini, who has already been mentioned above.. but I would imagine there are at least a few that could source a quality M98 action, a quality barrel, quality trigger, a good piece of timber to send to a quality stock maker, etc..etc.. and build you an absolutely beautiful rifle for that amount of money..

I tend to DIY my own customs.. and just use a gunsmith for the steps I either lack the tools or the skills to perform myself.. for example, when I built my 416 Taylor, I installed the barrel, finished the chamber, installed the trigger, did the finish inletting on the stock, etc..etc.. but I shipped the barreled action off to ER Shaw to have them open up the bolt face for a "magnum" caliber and to open up the rails on the action so that the big 416 rounds would feed properly..

Ive got less than $1500 in parts and labor in the rifle.. but I'd guess it would sell for significantly more than that if I ever wanted to get rid of it (I doubt I ever do)..