First big bore gun suggestions

Lbarr265

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Looking for suggestions for a DG gun, tax return came back much bigger than I expected, so I figured I’d get my DG gun sooner rather than later. It only took 3 days of excel and 10 different government forms to get my own money back:mad:.

I don’t have any recoil problems (pain/flinch/accuracy issues) with the .338 win mag after a 50 round session in the prone position, and have shot a 45-70 without recoil issues, though that was years ago. Basically, I’m trying to say I’m not recoil shy, but I’m also not expecting to go buy a 600 NE and expect to fire it well immediately, as I’m not experienced with heavy recoil.

I’m not interested in a 375, really looking for something starting with a 4, but I know I will get at least 10 suggestions for a 375 anyway :rolleyes:. I know lots of folks here have taken elephant with a 375, just not what I am desiring right now. Also not desiring a 50 BMG or 416 Barrett, I don’t want a heavy sniper, I want something I can carry and shoot out to 150-200 yards max.

Up until now I’ve always had blued steel, wood stocks, so I’m dreaming of something a bit different this time if possible, maybe stainless steel with a wood stock, but not really necessary. I’ve heard bad things about synthetic stocks and heavy recoil, but its all second hand, and I’m willing to change my opinion if someone has first hand experience. But really wood just feels and looks right on a gun.

Definitely looking for a bolt action, not single or double.

Anyone know of a good gun, both caliber and model, that fits this highly constrained description? I am a hand loader, I know that makes a difference with ammo availability.
 
if you gave us a budget it would help with suggestions. things can get expensive in a hurry in this hobby.

if your looking for bigger then a 375 and don't want to spend a huge amount of money then my best suggestion is the Winchester M70 in 416 RM. these are well made rifles that offer power without too much recoil and at around $1200 they aren't too expensive.

-matt
 
What is your approximate budget? There are lots of choices out there.
 
if you gave us a budget it would help with suggestions. things can get expensive in a hurry in this hobby.

if your looking for bigger then a 375 and don't want to spend a huge amount of money then my best suggestion is the Winchester M70 in 416 RM. these are well made rifles that offer power without too much recoil and at around $1200 they aren't too expensive.

-matt

Looking at not more than 2500 hopefully, but with a little wiggle room.
 
416 Rem or Rigby in a CZ, Win 70 or Montana Rifle Co. and a good quality optic (leupold)
 
I recently got a Win 70 Safari Express in .375 H&H, and I am very pleased with it so far. If you really want a synthetic stock, maybe look at the Weatherby Dangerous Game. I see them going for around $2K on GB.
 
Look at a .416 Ruger and if you want synthetic stock get a Mcmillian stock for it. This one is inexpensive and a good place to start. Many many choices out there. I think a .416 is a great fun for Buffalo and anything else for that matter.
 
I don’t want a synthetic stock. Guess I wasn’t clear on that, I have heard they are always either too light for the recoil of the gun or the crack after a few years. But I am open to changing my mind if someone has had good luck with one and wants to recommend it
 
Hi Lbarr265,

I agree with Matt85 on the Model 70 in .416 Remington caliber.
(It remains a mystery, as to why Winchester does not also chamber it in .404 Jeffery).
But, if that one does not appeal to you for any reason, I recommend the CZ 550 Magnum, in either .416 Rigby or .458 Lott.
The .416 (Remington or Rigby) shoots a little flatter, out to the 200 yard mark you mentioned as your maximum range (and much flatter out to 300 or more).
However, the Lott throws 100 grains more bullet weight plus, it cuts a slightly larger hole in the first place so, take your pick.
Or, do like me and have both - lol.
Incidentally, once you get a .45 caliber / 500 grain bullet, moving over 2,000 fps, it actually flies flatter than one might suspect, out to about 200 yds.
Last but not least, either caliber, when loaded with a high sectional density, modern, super tough bullet, will penetrate through flesh and bone a mighty long way.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.
 
I would also recommend the .416. I know you said that you are not recoil shy but, from your past experience, expect a substantial increase in recoil. My old Marlin Guide gun, even with full house 450 grain loads doesn't even approach what a .416 is capable of on either my end, or on the receiving end. The .416 is also a heckuva lot more versatile than any of the .45 and up DG rifles. It will easily reach out to 250-300 yards and also packs a lot of punch up close. In my opinion, John Rigby figure out the perfect diameter. John "Pondoro" Taylor claimed it would crumple a Lion on the charge like no other gun he had ever seen.
I don’t want a synthetic stock. Guess I wasn’t clear on that, I have heard they are always either too light for the recoil of the gun or the crack after a few years. But I am open to changing my mind if someone has had good luck with one and wants to recommend it

I also wouldn't shy away from the .416 Ruger, I know it is currently a proprietary cartridge, but loaded rounds are the same price as the .416 Remington and the rifles are well built (albeit a little crude) and about 30% less expensive. Plus they come with fantastic rings and bases built right in! It is also backed by two of the largest companies in the firearms industry. $2,500 will get you either a Guide Gun or a Hawkeye African (which I have and LOVE BTW) and a really nice scope and enough ammo to get accustomed to the gun. When I got my African in .416, the first thing I did before I even shot it is drill a 1/4" hole down through where the tang is into the pistol grip and epoxied a threaded rod in there. Unnecessary maybe, but I am an engineer and I like overbuilt. Then I glass bedded the recoil lug and the tang and cut the butt-ugly muzzle brake threads off the end of the barrel and recrowned it. 400 full house loads and still going strong.

As to them being too light, that is a matter of opinion, The stocks are straight and the guide gun comes with a squishy rubber recoil pad. My one piece of advice if you get a Ruger, HURL THAT STUPID MUZZLE BRAKE right out of the box! you don't need it. my philosophy is, unless you have a medical condition in which recoil actually injures you (not knocking people who do) You need to learn to shoot a gun without a brake. If the recoil scares someone, they need to step back in caliber and work their way up, not put a brake on. Brakes are obnoxiously loud. Sight in the gun from the bench then practice shooting from sticks or other field positions. The recoil becomes tolerable as you learn to manage it. My .416 Ruger weighs in at just over 9lbs and develops right around 57-60 ft.-lbs of recoil and is manageable for about 10-15 shots at the range.

Oh... and definitely start reloading if you don't already! it Makes big bores better!
 
Kimber Caprivi in either 416 RM or 458 Lott.
That would take care of that pesky 2500 bucks for ya! Lol
Cheers,
Cody
 
Look at a .416 Ruger and if you want synthetic stock get a Mcmillian stock for it. This one is inexpensive and a good place to start. Many many choices out there. I think a .416 is a great fun for Buffalo and anything else for that matter.

+1
 
PM me if you decide to go with a M 70 .375 HH. I have a nos (new old stock) for $1100. Don't have anything bigger right now.
 
I would have to agree with Cody I would take a good look at the Kimber Caprivi in the 416 Rem or the 458 Lott. I personally have the Caprivi in 375 and absolutely love the gun. Good luck in your search.
 
Keep an eye out on GB for a CZ 550 in .416 Rigby, a Ruger RSM in .416 Rigby, or a New Haven Winchester Model 70 Classic in .416 Remington. They come up fairly often - and if you’re patient, you won’t pay more than 1200 to 1400. Then send it to a good gunsmith and spend another $1000 to get it perfect.

My opinion on all of them - the Model 70 in .416 Rem is the best out of the box. The Ruger is impressive - and the action on the RSM was built for the Rigby, but it needs work. CZ has enormous potential but needs the most $$ to reach that potential!

Here’s a good place to start -

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/743424011
 

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404 Jeff or 416 Rigby.
416 Rem or 416 Ruger-if it needs to be American.;)
 
does the $2500 need to cover optics as well? if so then be wary about what you spend on a rifle. your going to want a good short range scope which is going to cost you a decent chunk of change.

my own rifle is a Winchester M70 in 416 RM with a Leupold VX6 1-6x24 (with firedot) was around $2100 when all was said and done. this is one of my most trusted hunting rifles that I would never part with!

-matt
 
I would go and pick up the Winchester Mod 70 Safari Express in 416 or 458. These rifles are really something special and well balanced, and the recoil is low because of the bull barrel. Have two of these rifles, one in 375 and one in 416 and they are just amazing.
 
I would go and pick up the Winchester Mod 70 Safari Express in 416 or 458. These rifles are really something special and well balanced, and the recoil is low because of the bull barrel. Have two of these rifles, one in 375 and one in 416 and they are just amazing.

as mentioned in other threads... i would avoid the 458 model, recoil is a little rough on that one (combination of bad weight and balance). but the 375 and 416 rifles are excellent and will serve you very well!

-matt
 
does the $2500 need to cover optics as well? if so then be wary about what you spend on a rifle. your going to want a good short range scope which is going to cost you a decent chunk of change.

my own rifle is a Winchester M70 in 416 RM with a Leupold VX6 1-6x24 (with firedot) was around $2100 when all was said and done. this is one of my most trusted hunting rifles that I would never part with!

-matt

I also own the m70 Winchester in 416 rem with a Leupold VX6 1-6. It shoots very well and I’m extremely happy with it. For you price range I don’t think you’ll find better.
 

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