Safari Express vs Super Express

[Fatback]

Can any of the Winchester experts tell me about the differences between these 2 model 70s. In looking with my untrained eye the only difference I see is the barrel band/attachment for the sling on the barrel. Any other significant differences? Thanks

 

[saswart]

I believe the Super Express were the older models made in New Haven, with the Safari Express, being a newer firearm, being made in Portugal. The newer Safari Express, if I recall are CRF, whereas not all super expresses were CRF.

 

[JHT]

Super Expresses have gloss bluing, flip-down rear sights, soldered on barrel swivels, Monte Carlo stocks, single recoil lugs, and "SUPER EXPRESS" on the floorplate. As @saswart says, not all Super Expresses are CRF and were precursors to the Safari Express. Super Expresses were made exclusively in New Haven; however, the Safari Express was made in both New Haven and South Carolina and now in Portugal.

 

[Fatback]

Appreciate the responses gentlemen.

 

[rwp315]

What is CRF?

 

[Fatback]

Controlled Round Feed.

 

[rwp315]

Controlled Round Feed.

Thanks! I’m learning!

 

[Joker12]

The biggest difference is that the safari express has a second recoil lug forward of the receiver on the barrel. That's a very nice feature which should give better protection from stock cracks in the tang area and the magazine well. I have a super express in 416RM and no problems in over 20 years of shooting but the double lugs would give even more confidence.

 

[Fatback]

Would a super express barreled action be able to be put into a safari classic stock without too much hassle? Also are the super expresses like the safari classics in terms of using the same barrel blanks for 375 and 416s? In essence would a 375 barrel in a super express have enough barrel to have it bored out to 416 rem mag?

 

[Doug3006]

I have a Model 70 Custom Express in .375 H&H. It is a New Haven custom-shop gun made I believe in 1994…near the end of the line in NH. I believe, but could be wrong, that it’s a slightly customized Safari Express. I bought it as new in the box with the custom-shop letter. It has a matte receiver and blued barrel and bottom metal. Nice walnut stock in a standard American style (no Monte Carlo.) Handworked action and lead lapped barrel. Tuned trigger. Nice overall, but like most 70s made at the end of the New Haven run, it needed some gunsmithing to make it feed right. I love that gun and hope to take it to Africa again.

 

[Shako Badhan]

It is my understanding that all three calibers (375, 416, 458) have the same diameter barrel. This has lead some to say the 375 is a bit front heavy and the 458 is a bit light. I would think that you would be able to change stocks between either.

 

[JHT]

Yes, the barrel blanks are the same but you can't drop in a Super Express action into a Safari Express stock due to the difference in bottom metals. Super Expresses have two-piece bottom metal whereas the newer Safari Expresses are one-piece.

 

[Fatback]

Thanks for all the insights. I appreciate it. I have a safari express in 375 H&H that is a great rifle. I am looking at a super express 375 H&H with the intention of making it into a 416 Rem Mag, if it isn’t too much of an issue to do so. Anybody made a similar conversion and have any advise to share. The rifle I am looking at is a New Haven made, CRF rifle. I also have an empty safari classic stock available that’s why I was asking about switching over. Any other insights are welcomed.

 

[Doug3006]

Buy this one. Cerakote it and have Canyon Creek make a walnut stock for it. Or, hunt it as is. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1031731083

 

[BourbonTrail]

Super Express has a more svelte stock compared with the Safari Express, and I also believe the triggers are different (I’m not 100% on this one).

As far as switching between the 416 and the 375, it should just be the barrel. Everything else is the same to my knowledge.

 

[JHT]

The New Haven Safari Express triggers are the same as the Super Expresses; however, the Portugal Safari Express has the new MOA trigger.
Also, the later Safari Expresses have a target crown whereas the Super Expresses do not.

 

[maxtheflyinghorse]

This is my New Haven classic super express in .375 H&H magnum. The main differences are orange butt pad,Monte Carlo stock , grip cap, flip up sights , soldered sling attachment , and more beautiful also mine has two recoil lugs and is CRF ( some came in pushfeed)

 

[4570bruin]

Very nice looking Super Express—looks like a twin to mine. While the Safari Express is nice, after handling both I have to agree that the Super Express is a sleeker package overall. Also, in the interest of sharing accurate information on this forum and to correct some of the earlier posters, many of Supers do have a double-lugged barrel as my .375 H&H does.

 

[ldmay375]

The New Haven, 458 Winchester Super Express was also available with a 22" barrel.

 

[cajunchefray]

Very nice looking Super Express—looks like a twin to mine. While the Safari Express is nice, after handling both I have to agree that the Super Express is a sleeker package overall. Also, in the interest of sharing accurate information on this forum and to correct some of the earlier posters, many of Supers do have a double-lugged barrel as my .375 H&H does.

Having owned several M70 Super Express and Safari Express, the Super Express is more “svelte” than the Safari Express in 375 H&H. The Safari Express in . 416 and.458 is OK I think the larger dimension stock in the Safari Express is just a bit too large for my slight build, except for the.458.

The Super Express has a smaller diameter barrel, I like that.

A Super Express in .416 Remington would be a really nice rifle.