Winchester M70 Safari vs Sako Brown Bear in 416

[Opposite Pole]

Hi Guys, which one would you rather Winchester M70 Safari or Sako Brown Bear in 416? I know one is a Rigby and the other Rem mag but cartridge differences aside which 416 do you reckon is a better rifle? I had a bit of spare time and was browsing the internet and realised that unlike in US in Europe they are priced pretty close to one another. Kimber Caprivi on the other hand costs over 4000USD in Europe. This is a purely hypothetical question as I don't need another rifle or another medium/large bore for that matter as I've already got a 375HH and 470NE.

 

[Adrian]

Both are fine rifles and a good choice but if I had to choose one I would go for the Sako.
It will be interesting to see if there is any sort of split, ie: the guys in the US preferring the Winchester and the ones in Europe going for Sako.....

 

[BenKK]

Both are good rifles but if I was forced to choose I’d go for the Rigby chambering.

 

[Dr Ray]

Depends what you like.
The brown bear feels heavier than the Winchester to me anyway.
I have the Winchester in 416 Remington - recoils shall we say is not for wimps.

 

[Dr Ray]

Of course you need another rifle!
What sort of question is that ??

 

[bruce moulds]

Winchester m70 period.
you will never look back.
bruce.

 

[Dr Ray]

Winchester m70 period.
you will never look back.
bruce.

Sako is very good (I have 4)

But

On big cartridges and low mounted scopes there’s a problem. The problem is the empty case hits the scope and drops in the opened action this causing problems.
With Sako you’d need medium high scope mounts.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Sako is very good (I have 4)
On big cartridges and low mounted scopes there’s a problem. The problem is the empty case hits the scope and drops in the opened action this causing problems.
With Sako you’d need medium high scope mounts.

Interesting, are they ejected straight up? It'd be pretty hard to set up a 40 cal rifle so that you can comfortably use high mounted scope and irons.

 

[Dr Ray]

A d that’s the problem
Asked gunsmith if he could alter the ejection
No unfortunately
Dint get be wrong though
Dali’s at very very good
Very smooth action and just shoot wonderfully and I really like the feel of them - just so nice

 

[Dr Ray]

Sorry about the predictive text on my iPhone - must be my fat thumb

 

[Dr Ray]

While I’m here mentioning predictive text, why is it like a woman??
Before you can finish a sentence she’s predicting what you’ll say

 

[Opposite Pole]

While I’m here mentioning predictive text, why is it like a woman??
Before you can finish a sentence she’s predicting what you’ll say

Classic!

 

[Shootist43]

I agree with the earlier post that both are excellent rifles. IMHO when you are talking 416 Caliber you are talking about the possibility of hunting DG. With that in mind I'd take the Winchester because it is a CRF over the Sako which is not.

 

[spike.t]

While I’m here mentioning predictive text, why is it like a woman??
Before you can finish a sentence she’s predicting what you’ll say

for sure.....

 

[spike.t]

seems i am the only one to have pushed the vote button for the sako.......

 

[Riksa]

seems i am the only one to have pushed the vote button for the sako.......

Not anymore Sir!

Just finished a DG safari in Zim with a Sako 85 Safari in .416 Rigby. Gun worked perfectly through the hunt. It happens to like 450 grain Woodleigh FMJ very much so that would probably be a great bullet choice also for the Brown Bear.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Not anymore Sir!

Just finished a DG safari in Zim with a Sako 85 Safari in .416 Rigby. Gun worked perfectly through the hunt. It happens to like 450 grain Woodleigh FMJ very much so that would probably be a great bullet choice also for the Brown Bear.

Without photos it doesn’t count

 

[Riksa]

There's a longer report coming as soon as I have time to write (just back today and need some sleep). So you'll get you pics

 

[Goose Cracker]

I’ve fondled both rifles extensively. Still haven’t made a purchase. The Sako fits me better and just feels like it will handle recoil better. But the Winny has CRF and I hate the Sako integral bases. Therefore I’m still looking. Leaning toward an AHR CZ or a Kimber at this point, but those are in a different price range. And I need to fondle a Montana also.

 

[Dr Ray]

Interesting, are they ejected straight up? It'd be pretty hard to set up a 40 cal rifle so that you can comfortably use high mounted scope and irons.

Yes