The Future Dangerous Game Guns and Ammo Thread

[Grumpy gumpy]

Enough choices out there to suit everyone.

But I will ask...have you ever tried one? Seems like most of the complaints about the Blaser R8 come from those with little to no experience.

I have, and it’s better cousin, the Strasser, which I preferred, but I didn’t really like either. But , as it’s not my rifle, my opinion doesn’t really matter. As long as the owners are happy. Even if they wear dresses…………
Gumpy

 

[rookhawk]

There have been several threads now regarding the continual decline of this niche industry with rifle and ammo manufacturers discontinuing their Dangerous Game offerings, this thread however will be focused on the opposite.

Post any new releases here whether they be confirmed or just rumors, everyone needs some hope.

1. Montana Rifle Company (MRC) - Had a new CRF rifle on display at the shows this year which is available in 375HH with intentions to add 458 Lott and a 416 offerings. Sounds like it will be priced similar to the CZ550.

2. Sako - Several reps have now hinted at a a magnum XL action being offered in their latest Sako 90 rifle. 375HH is already offered so I assume we will see 416 RemMag, 458 Lott, 500 Jeffery? Potential here for Sako to start producing their big bore ammo line again.

3. Winchester Model 70 - I overheard a Winchester Rep hint at an additional DG caliber being offered to the current Safari Express lineup, whether it replaces one of the existing offerings or not is yet to be determined.

4. Norma seems to be revamping their big bore brass and loaded ammunition as it's starting to show up at retailers. Buy it while it lasts.

What else?

Not to split hairs, but I don't count 375HH length actions in the "dangerous game action" category because there are so many options. By extension, I don't count 375 or 416 ruger, nor 458 win mag, or 416 remington. All these can be built on fairly pedestrian long actions in several brands. (and they make runs of them on occasion)

So to my knowledge that leaves you with Parkwest as an American maker, Heym and Mauser in Germany, and a variety of English makes like Rigby, Jeffery, Gibbs, Roberts, etc. for true magnum-length actions.

As bleak as the new production options appear to be, the secondary market is awash with guns and I have to believe that supply and demand have equilibrium.

If someone wants a 404 or 500 Jeffery, or a 505 Gibbs, there are limited offerings. If someone wants 375HH, 416 Rigby, and 458 Lott there are a lot of New-Old-Stock and once fired options around.

 

[odonata]

2. Sako - Several reps have now hinted at a a magnum XL action being offered in their latest Sako 90 rifle. 375HH is already offered so I assume we will see 416 RemMag, 458 Lott, 500 Jeffery?

As a left-handed shooter, Sako is one of the companies I follow. The 85 with an XL receiver came in 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby & 500 Jeffery in the southpaw models. But that's no guarantee that the 90 will have the same chamberings if they decide to offer it.

 

[zephyr]

Enough choices out there to suit everyone.

But I will ask...have you ever tried one? Seems like most of the complaints about the Blaser R8 come from those with little to no experience.

Yes I have they are very slick and efficient just prefer Lugs to collets for lock ups

 

[BeeMaa]

If someone wants a 404 or 500 Jeffery, or a 505 Gibbs, there are limited offerings. If someone wants 375HH, 416 Rigby, and 458 Lott there are a lot of New-Old-Stock and once fired options around.

Not sure I understand your last statement fully. The 458LOTT has an OAL of 3.6" and that's longer than both the 404J and 500J. So actions should be out there to fit these two. Sure bolt faces, extractors and magazines will need to be modified, but a 375H&H (also 3.6" OAL) action will fit these.

Now the 505GIBBS at 3.85" is a whole different story when it comes to action length. And the lack of a rebated rim is a big plus over the Jeffery as well. Maybe the 500A-SQUARE is in the same class?

 

[Northern Shooter]

Any other industry rumors of new products coming down the line?