Ruger/Winchester African/Safari Express Wish list

[Captain Munro]

If you were going to suggest improvements to Ruger and Winchester for their African and Safari Express models, what would they be? Categorize your suggestions based on 1. Keeping the rifles "affordable" or 2. Money is No Object.
This is just for fun.

• Heavier Rifle weights for the Ruger African
• Smoother action on the Ruger
• More Caliber Choices for Ruger and Winchester
• Ebony fore end on the Winchester
• True magnum length actions
• 5+1 Magazine capacity

 

[baxterb]

Winchester - money no object

improve the gas flange/block on the bolt shroud

Create a proper undercut with corresponding foot on the extractor.

increase magazine capacity

go back to original trigger design

Make true magnum sized action for Rigby based cartridges.

All of these things already exist but they are called mausers. GMA being the American-made version.

 

[Professor Mawla]

The Winchester Model 70 Safari Express gets my vote . Absolutely reliable rifle , that can be acquired without spending too much . Second only to the pre 64 Winchester Model 70 , in my opinion .

 

[sierraone]

Replace you Ruger African with the RSM, Ruger Safari Magnum, available in .375 HH .416 Rigby and .458 Lott and only those calibers unless you are having a complete conversion with a new barrel and gunsmith work, such as my .404J. They are harder to find and they cost more, but are much more rifle in all respects than the current Ruger African. They were made from 1990 to 2010.

 

[sierraone]

The Winchester Safari Express is typically ready to hunt right out of the box.

 

[Adam S]

On the Winchester Safari Express, I'd love to see an ebony forend and a red recoil pad.

 

[Captain Munro]

On the Winchester Safari Express, I'd love to see an ebony forend and a red recoil pad.

I forgot about the pad. Definitely needs the red recoil pad.

 

[Captain Munro]

The Winchester Model 70 Safari Express gets my vote . Absolutely reliable rifle , that can be acquired without spending too much . Second only to the pre 64 Winchester Model 70 , in my opinion

In your opinion, what things should/could Winchester do to improve the Safari Express from the factory?

 

[Professor Mawla]

In your opinion, what things should/could Winchester do to improve the Safari Express from the factory?

@Captain Munro

Definitely improve the quality of their bedding . And also reintroduce their “ Super Grade “ stock .

 

[Captain Munro]

@Captain Munro

Definitely improve the quality of their bedding . And also reintroduce their “ Super Grade “ stock .

I second the Super Grade stock.

 

[Arkansas_Traveler]

I'd like to see the Winchester Safari Grade 70 available in a classic round of mid bore such as a 300 H&H or 30-06, set up with the same barrel band sling stud, etc.
This is because I would personally love a matched pair in 300 H&H (or 30-06 if I had to settle for one) and 375 H&H, and I like the Winchester Safari Grade Model 70 as a platform for the pair.

 

[ldmay375]

In your opinion, what things should/could Winchester do to improve the Safari Express from the factory?

Return to the older style open and adjustable trigger.

 

[ldmay375]

If you were going to suggest improvements to Ruger and Winchester for their African and Safari Express models, what would they be? Categorize your suggestions based on 1. Keeping the rifles "affordable" or 2. Money is No Object.
This is just for fun.

• Heavier Rifle weights for the Ruger African
• Smoother action on the Ruger
• More Caliber Choices for Ruger and Winchester
• Ebony fore end on the Winchester
• True magnum length actions
• 5+1 Magazine capacity

On the Ruger:
Redesign the 3 position safety lever, making it slightly more user friendly/accessible.

 

[Ike85123]

I had a friend with a 70 from the winchester custom shop. Upgraded barrel,bolt and stock.
Only 1 ive ever seen.
Im not a gunsmith and dont do upgrades myself. But I would go this route if I needed a great 70.
I dont know if winchester still offers a custom 70. But if they do, then you shouldnt break the bank.

 

[Professor Mawla]

I had a friend with a 70 from the winchester custom shop. Upgraded barrel,bolt and stock.
Only 1 ive ever seen.
Im not a gunsmith and dont do upgrades myself. But I would go this route if I needed a great 70.
I dont know if winchester still offers a custom 70. But if they do, then you shouldnt break the bank.

@Ike85123
Unfortunately , Winchester shut down their custom shop quite a few years ago .

 

[Ike85123]

They have some nice shot show 2021 guns up for sale ! This one os on their site.

 

[BeeMaa]

The Ruger Safari Magnum and Winchester Safari Express are both fine rifles, but don't forget to take a look at the Kimber Caprivi. That's another one ready to hunt right out of the box. The only thing it doesn't have is the magazine capacity that you require, holding 3 down instead of 5. The wood used on the Kimber rifles is very good and always straight grain through the wrist. Plus they have the classic orange colored recoil pad and ebony forend tip.

Truthfully, any of these rifles would be a good choice. I believe they currently represent the best value for CRF production rifles.

 

[Captain Munro]

The Ruger Safari Magnum and Winchester Safari Express are both fine rifles, but don't forget to take a look at the Kimber Caprivi. That's another one ready to hunt right out of the box. The only thing it doesn't have is the magazine capacity that you require, holding 3 down instead of 5. The wood used on the Kimber rifles is very good and always straight grain through the wrist. Plus they have the classic orange colored recoil pad and ebony forend tip.

Truthfully, any of these rifles would be a good choice. I believe they currently represent the best value for CRF production rifles.

Kimber has a 4+1 at least. I am looking for a Kimber and they too are sold out everywhere. One shop told me 8-10 months out if I order one now...he did not give a price. I have seen them for $2800 to upwards of $4000.

 

[Red Leg]

The old Ruger 77 Safari Magnum is a very fine choice, particularly in .416. However, because it uses the the same barrel contour in all calibers, the .375 becomes a heavy 10lb rifle before scope and ammunition. Part of the joy of a .375 is having a hard hitting rifle that carries like a 30-06. If you can't find a Caprivi for a reasonable price, then I would agree that the Winchester is your best option.

 

[mark-hunter]

Someone from CRF rifle makers to introduce back magnum action, for the price of factory gun.

Of all the wonderfull companies making long CRF action, only one doing that will supply enough for the world demand.