Thinking of buying a rifle chambered in .375 H&H, particularly a model 70 Winchester. My question is: do I want the Alaskan or the Safari Express? I understand the differences, but I am interested in first hand experience people may have with either. Also, if anyone has any other rifles in this chamfering under the $2k mark I should be looking at please let me know...I'd like sto stick with a Mauser style bolt gun.
Thanks for replies
Northerner

Have you looked at a CZ 550 in .375 H&H?

The Whitworths are damn nice as well...Not that I'd steer anyone away from a good model 70.. I've looked at a few FN safari express models and they did not look very appealing to me: Fit and finish and wood sucked. My first choice would be a pre 64, second choice would be a Whitworth.. Good luck with your search..

If you do not mind a synthetic stock I highly suggest a Kimber Talkeetna, they can be had for slightly less than $2000.00.

I have one and I also have a Win 70 classic stainless and the Kimber is a much smoother rifle and handles like a dream.

If wood is important the the Whitworths are worth a look if you can find one, and a CZ would also make a great rifle.

Safari Express: 24 inch barrel fairly heavy barrel and somewhat heavy for a .375 though I like mine a lot.

Alaskan: 25 inch barrel, lighter then the Safari Express and generally slimmer overall.

When I bought my SE if I had seen both side by side I might have chosen the Alaskan but I'm happy with the rifle I have. Either way both are nice looking, accurate, reliable rifles.

The trigger guard on my f-i-l's Model 70 banged the trigger finger a LOT! A CZ550 won't. Otherwise, choose based on which stock fits you. Larger calibers change the game some and that cheek weld thing (keeping head on stock ) throughout recoil while looking directly through the scope really matters most.

2 cents

I have not, but I'll give 'em a look. thanks.

This was one of the concerns with the Alaskan, the full Monte Carlo vs. the raised cheekpiece of the SE. My concern is that having the full Monte Carlo will mess with the line of sight through the scope? Am I incorrect in thinking this? I suppose the only way to know for sure is to look at them both and see for myself...

Northerner - check out the "Express Rifle & Big Bore" forum here concerning the .375H&H. Chances are you'll find answers to your questions re: CZ550, WinM70SE, stock fit etc. Homesteader

Another vote for the 70 Safari Express. CZs are VERY nice as well, although I wish they would cut barrel length. But whatever you do, stay away from a 700...

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The comb on the Monte Carlo is the same height as the straight combed Safari Express. The butt pad is lower instead. That's one of the reasons I think I might have liked the Alaskan better.

Take a look at where the heel of the butt pad often is when people shoot straight stocked rifles. Frequently the heel is sticking up in the air above the shoulder an inch or so, that's what the Monte Carlo is designed prevent. I tend to like the Monte Carlo style for this reason.