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

[Ontario Hunter]

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

Because you chose high mounted rings, correct?

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Because you chose high mounted rings, correct?

NO...

 

[wesheltonj]

I have a SAKO [emoji[emoji6]][emoji6] Classic in [emoji[emoji6]][emoji6] H&H and I don’t have the problem. I use on that gun Opti-locks in low.

I think the problem is twofold. () using extra-low Opti-locks and () an ejector that is just a little too wide.

I don’t remember which member has someone milled a replacement part. I think the fix was $[emoji6] or $[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]] bucks.

 

[Flipper Dude]

This ain’t rocket surgery. Buy a 375 H&H in Winchester model 70. Pre ‘64 if you wanna be cool. Classic if you want the best rifle. No paralysis by analysis. Next.

 

[Capebuffalo]

I think we all agree that the 30.06 with 180 grain ammo is a great safari package for PG. However, I recommend you look at other calibers as well. Seems some of the the larger PG are still running strong for 100-200 plus yards after good shots out of a 30.06 with a 180 grain bullet, but that running distance after a well placed shot from one of the 8mm's, such as 325 WSM, 338 Federal, 338-06, 338 WM, and others, seems considerably shorter if any running away even occur....most of these 8mm's have a variety of bullet weights, so smaller PG can be taken too....further experience showed me that heavier bullets from these 8mm's have lesser meat damage than faster lighter bullets. If DG are included in the safari you might consider two rifles, one for PG and one for DG. That will allow you to choose the best PG cartridge you can afford and the best DG cartridge you can afford. However, one of the .375's seems the way to go if you want to buy only one safari rifle. The Ruger M77 and Winchester Mod 70 are good platforms to consider for your rifle.

 

[KJE81]

I went with a full custom rifle because I could not find anything that exactly matched what I was looking for. It also helps that we have quite strict weapon licence laws here in Sweden so since I cant have as many rifles as I would like I thought that I might aswell spend more on the few I am allowed to own instead of spreading the money over several cheaper rifles.

We are in fact only allowed to own 4 rifles/shotguns on a hunters licence here in Sweden, this can be expanded to 6 rifles/shotguns if one can show "true need" which is luckily not to hard.
Currently I have 5 rifles/shotguns which means only 1 spot free for a africa capable rifle. Since I am very fond on upland hunting aswell as other small game hunting I need the other spots for a kipplauf, a bockbüchsflinte/cape gun, shotguns and a .22 LR-rifle.

The need for combining an africa capable calibre with one for hunting domestic moose, bears, deer and wild boars made me select the .375 H&H for my new custom rifle. Earlier I had a nice double rifle in .375 Flanged Magnum but I sold it because I lost faith in it and also because a bolt action rifle is more versatile and easier to scope and so on...

 

[Longgamehunter24]

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!

I have a Banser 300 RUM limited edition. $4500 bare gun. It has a Swarovski scope on it but I’d split if you were interested

 

[Bwgunslinger]

Another vote here for a Winchester Model 70. For this hunt and your future DG hunts you could use the Safari Express in .375 perfectly. Or get the 30-06 for your plains game hunt.

I shot the buffalo in my profile pic with a Kimber Caprivi .375 as well as a lot smaller animals including a Jackal at 170 yards. The .375 is a joy to shoot.

The Kimbers have gone up bit last time I saw one for sale.

Good Luck!

 

[375Ruger416]

Yes, a model 70 or a Kimber Caprivi or Talkeetna in 375 would be a great option as well. If you’re only buying one gun for Africa, it should definitely be a 375.

 

[Beck]

I have about $2500 in this 404 Jeffery I built on a Czech military 98 Mauser last year.
View attachment 651555
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.

you don't want to sell it do you?

 

[Beck]

I love my Sako 85's, but I also love my CZ-550. They both have their issues - I have a dozen 85's and I've only had ejection issues with one, but they do happen. I have got a Cz in .458 lott, and I've put a few grand worth of work into it. If I were you I'd look at a Sako Kodiak or a CZ-550 in .375 H&H.

 

[coreydb]

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!

From a pragmatic perspective, 30.06 is arguably the best all-around plains caliber. Realistically, after your first hunt, you're going to want to add to your arsenal. The .308 is a great second choice and will drop any game animal the 30.06 can (personal experience). Then, I got a 300 Win Mag, dropped a Kudu, then I just had to have a 9.3x62. After that, I just had to get a .375H&H to harvest my Cape Buffalo and Sable, now, I'm getting a 416 Rem Mag......so much for my own one gun does it all. Rifle selection is personal so what you want is what you'll get. All my rifles above are different, all proven. Browning X-Bolt, Weatherby, Remington, Sako, Howa, and my most productive rifle is a Savage Axis. They span from cream of the crop to cream of the crap, and all worked flawless, all shoot within 1" MOA.

 

[Tradmark]

My son has a weatherby in 375h&h. He has used it africa. Works flawlessly. Short bolt throw, smooth. And accurate. Great rifle. I have a sako 85. Works flawlessly as well. Both great. Crf vs push feed is a non issue