Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Winchester SE or CZ 550 Safari in 375 H&H?

Handled the Winchester, seemed to fit well.

I like the idea of the CZ's greater mag capacity. Never handled a humpback 550 but understand it tames recoil a bit better.

I imagine this topic has been beaten to death, but looking for insight from people that have handled both. and observations from actual experience in the field.

I plan on actually using the rifle, primarily for a cape buffalo in the relatively near future.

Thanks in advance!

Never shot a buffalo, but like the CZ and its humpback stock. Fairly trim and handles recoil well for me.

I have a CZ 550 in .375 H&H. It shoots well and the recoil is moderate. The moderate recoil is largely because it's a heavy rifle. I've used it for buffalo and a variety of plains game and it has worked well. I have no experience with the Winchester.

I have the Winchester. Recoil is not an issue. You can also gain 1 round of capacity by changing the follower spring.

The 550 is a big heavy rifle for a 375. It does make it comfortable to shoot. The humpback stock works great with the iron sights.

I liked mine, but sold it. If I get another CZ 550 Safari it'll be in 416 Rigby or larger.

Winchester.


Both are good, but the CZ is bigger bulkier and a tad heavier...if you haven't hunted buffalo,there is a LOT more carrying and walking going on than shooting.
And three rounds is enough in the gun at one time.

No question Winchester. CZ is great if you are shooting a 459 Lott, but for a mild recoiling 375, hard to beat the 70

I thought you could only get .459 Lotts in a Remmy 700.....

Opps, but I see your point!

IMO, the Winchester wins out. I've got a New Haven SE in .416 Rem and another in the .375 H&H. The SE's are far from the "ideal" rifle in .375, primarily because the barrel is so stout (I think they use the same barrel contour for all chamberings up to .458). But it still weighs less than the CZ and handles better because of it. In any case, the CZ will still get the job done with no issues if it feels better to you than the Winchester.

Buy both.

Winchester model 70 all day everyday, only CZ I'd have is one that has had the euro slapped outta it by that hand out West, IIRC, it's AHR, the refinements and reliability are there and the unneeded bulk is gone.

Exactamundo!!!!!! Seems a lot of guys are asking about 375's here lately.. I'm glad I got mine when I did..

You bet BSA, I held, and wept over, an AHR in 9.3-62mm, that was one sleek and svelte hunting rifle, it wasn't for sale, or it would have left with me.

I like the CZ. Using one to take my first cape buffalo a couple weeks ago with one may have something to do with it.

Actually the extra weight helps since I don't normally shoot anything larger than a 30-06.

.459 Lott, only a Hi Point could handle such a round!

Thanks for all the input, leaning hard to the Winchester.

I am fixing to drive to ND from NM in preparation for being transferred there. I might just turn it into a scavenger hunt road trip. Stop at Cabelas and Bass Pro, see what turns up. A Whitworth would be a cool find too.

A whitworth would be damn good. Those are excellent rifles. Or maybe an old pre 64 model 70, some pawn shop owner has stashed away...

I posted a Model 70 for sale a while back. I will not be able to post pics for a few weeks if anyone is interested.

What about the Winchester Alaskan? Has anyone got one or handled one? The Safari is really barrel heavy in 375.

Looks like the Alaskan may have a slightly thinner profile barrel than the Safari Express. Could balance better? Though the barrel is an inch longer.....


http://www.winchesterguns.com/produ...current-production/model-70-alaskan.html

mlg, not a bad idea. The Safari Express is listed right at 9 lb. while the Alaskan is listed as 8lb 8oz, so 1/2 pound less. However, all calibers, are listed at the same weight so until you actually handled one in .375, you wouldn't know if it was any different than the SE or not. Of course, this assumes you are buying a new manufactured rifle and not an older NH rifle.