Dangerous Game Rifle

[Dakie]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a dangerous game rifle for hunting Alaska and hopefully one day Africa. I'm leaning toward one in .375 H&H for versatility and not too high ammo prices. Having trouble choosing a rifle, as no one in the Sacramento area seems to carry any big bores. Fondled a couple in 300 Win Mag, and really liked the Browning X-Bolt. I've set a budget around 1000-1200, which I know includes several rifles, but it's really hard to stomach putting down that kind of money without holding it first. What do you guys think about the Browning, or others like the Vanguard Dangerous Game Rifle?

[Tere_Hanges]

Funny I was just researching this topic for fun. How about a Ruger M77 Guide, Hawkeye Alaskan or African in .375 Ruger? Theres also the Mossberg Patriot and Savage 110 Brush Hunter chambered in .375 Ruger. The Mossberg is cheap for a DG gun, $400-$500. There is a Laminate Marincote model.

A Weatherby in 375H&H should do just fine. Also check out the CZ550 Safari.

Have you been to Sportsmans warehouse or Basspro/Cabelas? They carry a bunch of hunting guns. Or try River City Gun Exchange. Also I hate to recommend them, but Guns Fisting and Stuff also has a huge selection of hunting arms.

[Dakie]

Thanks for the reply, I have looked at the .375 Ruger, only concern is ammo availability. I've been to both Sportsman's and Bass Pro, they didn't have any in stock. I did like the look of the Mossberg, very nice stock.

[JackEllis]

The only "dangerous game" you'll find in Alaska is bears. Big bears. You're probably talking at least $25k to hunt one because IIRC you need a guide if you're from out of state.

A .375 is enough gun for any brown bear in Alaska and for any dangerous game in Africa.

For moose, goats, caribou, sheep and deer you still need a big caliber rifle to protect yourself in case a bear decides it wants your kill, but you could get by with a .30-06 or a .300 win mag.

[hermosabeach]

Any thoughts on the .338 Win Mag?

Big game hunting is not an inexpensive hobby.

Ammo is expensive
travel is expensive
hunting license / tags are expensive
Taxidermy and flying mounts home


the only thing you wont lose money on is the rifle.....

I would search for used rifles as many big game guns have fired less than 40 rounds....

[TMB 1]

https://grabagun.com/ruger-k1s-med-sport-45-70-ss-wd-24.html

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/719003922/tay+1886%2f71+wildbustr+45%2f70+24

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/719015431/chiappa+1886+kodiak+45-70+185+chrome+4rd

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/41011/marlin+1895+45-70+govt+22%22

[splithoof]

I have a CZ550 in .375, and currently planning on having the barrel shortened to 20", a backup ghost ring rear sight and proper front sight installed, barrel band swivel stud, and a cartridge trap fitted. Optic is a Leupold 1-4X duplex with FireDot, and Talley QD rings. Sling is a Rhodesian from Andy's leather.
The rifle had a 25" barrel as shipped, however I prefer something more friendly when hiking and exiting vehicles. I plan to use it for buffalo in Africa, and likely bear in Alaska after I retire this year.
Reloading is easy, and you can get a lot of field shooting practice while using cheaper lead bullets that won't beat you up. Look for deals on FMJ premium hunting bullets as you find them; those can get expen$ive, but you won't need a whole bunch.

[billped]

Ammo is not expensive with any of those guns. You won't shoot many rounds, even when practicing.

It's not like 9mm which @$0.20/rd sounds cheap, until you shoot 10K rounds per year like many of us.

[gdr_11]

Too bad your not in Texas this is a nice Sako for $800. Maybe you can contact him to see about shipping.

https://texasguntrader.com/category/949/Rifles-Bolt-Action/listings/1332083/Sako-375.html

[Emdawg]

Hmmm... Ruger just released a M77 African in 9.3x62 Mauser. Very good cartridge and most vendors sell it now.

[Dakie]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm liking the look of that CZ, though I would prefer a synthetic stock. Is there any shops around here who would carry one? I still prefer either .375 H&H or even Ruger, as the ammo cost won't break the bank like some of the other DG cartridges. Is there anything I should be looking for, like a free-floated barrel or bedding?

[sigstroker]

One of the few situations where a controlled-feed is actually useful, look at the Winchester Model 70 Alaskan. I've seen it for $1100 in .375 H&H.

Kimbers are also controlled feed but I think their big calibers are very expensive.

[LynnJr]

Wait until Frank or Doug reply as they both hunt Africa.
I don't know the rules but they have caliber restrictions on some animals or countries so you don't want to buy the wrong gun and ruin your hunt before it happens.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I would grab that Sako listed in Texas and have it shipped in. Sako Rifles are among the best out there. I recently almost bought a Ruger M77 Safari in .416 Rigby at a local gun show. The gun was perfect as most guns in this class would be, as seldom do they get shot very much due to the recoil and cost of factory ammo. The guy wanted $1200 for it and he got it shortly after I left.

I already have a Marlin 1895CB 45.70 so I don't really need a large bolt gun.

As far as ammo is concerned you need to reload or you'll never get enough practice to get good with the gun. You actually need to "Know how" and actually be able to "Run" that gun to gain the confidence and respect of any reputable guide.

Reloading is the key to attaining the shooting skills needed to hunt dangerous game. You can start out light with Cast Boolits and work your way up to full house loads while mastering the gun handling skills you'll need in the field.

Lots more to this than just showing up with a big gun. All those used guns with only 40 rounds thru them were sold because the guys couldn't master them.

Your hunting experience will be much more rewarding and you'll get more Bang for your Safari Buck if you can actually shoot!

Randy

[Coolguy101]

What really matters here is the key word "dangerous game," and if you truly intend to use the rifle for Africa. .375 H&H is the minimum caliber allowed for dangerous game in Africa. Most recommend something that has a '4' in front of the caliber.