Best US made Africa Rifle

[Hilarion Bibicoff]

So I’m home watching my little guy for what feels like day 12,345 of this pandemic, and I was just wondering any opinions on the best American Made safari rifle. For the sake of argument, 375 H&H.

This is made to be a fun argument, not a personal attack on anyone’s trigger religion.

Ready, Go!

 

[MRBlack]

My vote has to go to the Winchester Model 70 Safari Express.

 

[Patton63]

There are a lot of variables that could influence someone’s choice and define the scope of your question: Production rifle, semi-custom, or custom? Best in terms of fit and finish (e.g., grade of wood and bluing), or utility? Accuracy? Value for dollar or money is not object?

 

[CBH Australia]

Can we ask if it has to be CRF or Push feed?????

i reckon a Winchester might be nice to have a classic. in CRF of course

i am sure there are a few newer firms that produce high quality limited production runs or otherwise custom

 

[Hogpatrol]

If I didn't build my own, I'd save my pennies and buy once, cry once with one of these two. YMMV.

https://bordenrifles.com/custom-rifles/hunting-rifles/

https://www.kelbly.com/koda-rifle/

 

[Bonk]

If we're talking about production rifles I suspect there will be a lot of votes for the Winchester M70 375H&H but my choice is a Ruger Guide Gun in 375 Ruger.

 

[Shootist43]

American made or American brand?

 

[Red Leg]

A number of American custom makers can build a truly world class bespoke rifle for Africa. I think the best production rifle is probably the Dakota Model 76 African or Safari. My second choice would be a Kimber Caprivi.

 

[Major Khan]

My personal preference goes for the " Rifle Man's Rifle " - A Winchester Model 70 Safari Express , chambered in .375 Holland & Holland magnum calibre ... With a bull barrel and a super grade stock .Old school American craftsmanship at it's finest , great values for the money ... And as reliable as a faithful spouse . What is there ... Not to like ?

Among bespoke makers ... I am partial to the works of Griffin & Howe .There also used to be another extremely popular bespoke rifle maker in the 1960s ... Who built several of the the custom bolt rifles brought by my American clients to India , for shikar . His name was Fred Wells . He even manufactured his own magnum length Mauser 98 actions ... Although , he preferred using the Enfield Model 1917 action the most .

 

[Waterbuck2008]

What The Major said gets my vote, and it's what I use. With a low-power Leupold scope, it's The Affordable American Dream.

 

[Major Khan]

What The Major said gets my vote, and it's what I use. With a low-power Leupold scope, it's The Affordable American Dream.

Why thank you so much , Water Buck .
I absolutely fell in love with the .375 Holland & Holland magnum calibre pre 64 Winchester Model 70 bolt rifle ... When I guided my very 1st American client on a royal Bengal tiger shikar in Nagpur in 1961 .
I personally favor the old pre 64 variants over the new Safari Express variants . However , since the pre 64 variants are no longer being manufactured ... There is no use crying over spilt milk . The modern Safari Express variants are almost as excellent .

 

[Aussie Mal]

I'm not saying it is the best, as I'm not familiar with many of the models already mentioned, but I'm happy enough with my Ruger RSM in 375 H&H.
It functions smoothly, precisely, is accurate, strong and pleasing to look at with well figured walnut for an off the shelf rifle.

 

[meigsbucks]

As far as a straight OTC rifle, the Winchester M70 with the Kimber Talkeetna / Caprivi a second choice.
If MRC was still in business or restarts, it would be my top choice. Of course you may be able to find one second hand.

 

[chashardy]

Another vote here for the Winchester Model 70 Safari Express. No better rifle for the money anywhere.

 

[Ryan]

Hmm,

Since I shoot Left-handed and I don't know of a currently produced 375 H&H aside from customs I'd go Ruger M77 African in 375 Ruger. Mine has been great. Otherwise I'd say a Ruger #1 in 375 H&H.

 

[375Fox]

I really like the Winchester model 70, but they are actually made in Portugal now.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/faq/where-are-winchester-firearms-manufactured.html

 

[fourfive8]

Winchester Model 70, when they were made in US.

 

[AES]

Griffin & Howe Sporter
Dakota Model 76 African

 

[MRBlack]

I really like the Winchester model 70, but they are actually made in Portugal now.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/faq/where-are-winchester-firearms-manufactured.html

While this is true, so are many Brownings. In fact, I think that both the Winchesters and Brownings are made in the same factory. Browning has always been renowned for quality. While there are certainly more refined options for a 375, the Model 70 Safari Express is an excellent value for an over the counter, ready to rumble rifle.

 

[Buckdog]

off the rack I will take an older american made win 70 CRF any day! Old rem700 custom when they first came out with synthetic stock and stainless barrel are nice if you can live without CRF. New REMs are POS! as regards custom guns there were and are lots of guys in america that make you a fine custom rifle.