Winchester M70 Alaskan, or M70 Safari Express for Crocodile Hunting.

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

If forced to choose either a Winchester Model 70 Alaskan in .375 H&H Magnum, or a Model 70 Safari Express in .375 H&H Magnum for use on Crocodile - which one would you choose? The rifle will get a GPO 1-8x24i Scope w/German Nr. 4 Reticle. (FWIW: I have handled both rifles in question, but it was at different times, a long time ago).

And, to make the thread interesting & educational for any future Crocodile Hunters, please also state 'your' choice of rifle (make, model & caliber) 'specifically' for Crocodile Hunting.

BTW: I have limited myself to the above-mentioned Winchester's simply because, I like M70s and I am working on my Model 70 collection, and I want a .375 H&H Magnum.

Thanks for your replies,

Bob Reed

 

[Muskox]

Never handled the Alaskan. Love me some Safari Express. Had a Puerto Gueso m70 in 375 and it was amazing.

The Alaskan has very different egos.

 

[BJH65]

It’s six of one, half dozen of another really. Both will do a fine job, whatever styling appeals to you the most. I like the New Haven made Safari Express rifles personally.

 

[Muskox]

It’s six of one, half dozen of another really. Both will do a fine job, whatever styling appeals to you the most. I like the New Haven made Safari Express rifles personally.

I ABSOLUTELY HATE THE NEW HAVEN RIFLES.

They are trash. I was on active duty for 20 years. I came back from Iraq in 1999 and while I was on deployment I ordered a M70 Supergrade in 300 Winchester with the David Miller designed stock. Was absolutely a shit show. Looked like it was inletted with a chainsaw with 3 teeth.

Never had another one that wasn't a piece of trash. People get sentimental about New Haven, but the best days of Winchester are now.

 

[BJH65]

I ABSOLUTELY HATE THE NEW HAVEN RIFLES.

They are trash. I was on active duty for 20 years. I came back from Iraq in 1999 and while I was on deployment I ordered a M70 Supergrade in 300 Winchester with the David Miller designed stock. Was absolutely a shit show. Looked like it was inletted with a chainsaw with 3 teeth.

Never had another one that wasn't a piece of trash. People get sentimental about New Haven, but the best days of Winchester are now.

My experience differs…have owned four New Haven M70’s, all manufactured mid to late 90’s, stainless Fwt All Terain 300 Win mag and stainless 375 H&H Classic which I still own and Safari Express 416 Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag. All were very accurate and performed great in Alaska and Africa.

 

[Cheesehead]

I prefer the safari express just for the barrel band sling stud. I believe the new safari express rifles have a slightly shorter barrel than the Alaskans which could be handier.

 

[pilar]

It probably won’t make much difference, the Alaskan you can use a bipod Easyer