Thoughts on "entry level" .375 H&H

[Arac]

I'd look for a Sako 85

Typically I see only the Bavarian model for sale in .375

I bid on an AV Safari and went up to $3000, but it ended up selling for $3300 + 15% buyer's premium +12% tax.

 

[Green Chile]

That ZKK-602 is one of the best actions around. Get it setup correctly and you will have one of the best working rifles around.

 

[Beck]

Typically I see only the Bavarian model for sale in .375

I bid on an AV Safari and went up to $3000, but it ended up selling for $3300 + 15% buyer's premium +12% tax.

Look for the Sako 85 Kodiak - Stainless with a laminate stock - I have killed an ass ton of game with mine

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I think I was wrong about the Sako 85 being a push feed.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

I would not hesitate in the least bit on a salt-wood Browning Safari Grade. They can be acquired at a deep discount and there is no structural integrity damage. Only superficial pitting where steel contacts wood; an outstanding working rifle.

 

[joker2400]

The ZKK will definitely require work. I have one but instead of putting the $$$ into it to make it what it is wanted I just bought a Kimber. It may be worth just increasing the budget a bit

 

[whisk(e)y hunter]

I agree with many of the recommendations here, and would also add Interarms Mark X, they can be found used in a safari configuration and are great rifles

Win 70, CZ 550 also great choices

 

[Tgood1]

I went with your logic several years ago and picked up a Weatherby vanguard safari .375 h n h for my " entry" absolutely love it, fits great , shoots lights out, have no intentions of upgrading.

 

[112Savage]

Winchester Alaskan (looks a JM Switzer modifications)
Interarms Whitworth
used Sako
Winchester super express
Zastava
In that order.

I love my zastava M70 9.3x62 but it required some TLC to get it perfect.
The Winchester super express is overly heavy for a 375H&H

 

[Killo]

Winchester Mod 70

 

[ThreeJacks]

The Interarms Whitworth rifles are very nice, but their prices are starting to rise some.

 

[Hedge774]

Don't forget the Rugers. RSM's pop up here and there and the Hawkeye is good to go out of the box.

 

[pjaln]

MNR has this on listed on his site 4500usd a lot of gun for the money

 

[Aaron N]

There’s nothing wrong with a BRNO and it will function just fine as is

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I think when applying quality to “entry level” it leaves a couple different options. Personally, I’ll only pick a CRF actions, since you’re picking a .375 meaning Dangerous Game is on the menu. I’d suggest a budget of $2-3k. This will allow you to upgrade or make some improvements where needed. My personal choice is the Pre-64 M70, but some options are below.

1) BRNO ZKK602 - probably the cheapest option. Have been used in Africa for years, many like to bed/crossbolt and upgrade or change the safety.

2) CZ550 - many want similar upgrades made like on the BRNO. Is a solid and proven option but since it’s discontinuation the rising costs + upgrades have made it as expensive or more than other options.

3) Modern Production M70 - questions about quality, but all examples I’ve seen and handled have been excellent. One of the more affordable options on this list.

4) Pre64 M70 - extremely well proven in African and around the world. They typically don’t need upgrades. Collector examples and Super Grades are pricey, but a decent looking shooter can often be had for a good price. Even with an extra hole or two, it’s often cheaper than the other options after factoring in upgrades and even the shooter’s hold their value. My personal choice and what I hunt with is a Pre64 M70.

5) Browning Safari - Salt Wood stocks are a concern for certain years. Demand isn’t as high as the other options.

6) Sako - never personally used one, and don’t know many who do. Heard about issues with bolts. Costs have been rising significantly.

7) Interarms Mark-X - similarly priced to the BRNO before upgrades. No frills, but functions well.

8) Ruger RSM - Costs have been rising. Some of them have great pieces of wood on them

 

[dhughes66]

I would definitely look around for a Ruger M77 RSM. They tend to run around $3,000 or a little more now but definitely still the most rifle you will get for the money. They are a little heavy in the 375 but make them sweet to shoot.

 

[Moody808]

I am in Canada, so my options are greatly limited in comparison to my brothers and sisters south of the border.

If you are in Canada I would try Ellwood Epps. They probably will have your best chance of getting some of the rifles mentioned in this thread, especially some of the older ones. They get some really nice rifles from time to time, in addition to the new stuff that's currently being manufactured. The other place I would look it is the Calgary Shooting Center. Those two tend to be where I have found quality hunting rifles. Gunpost is a classified ad for guns and obviously it is a bit more hit and miss you can get quite a few finds on there. And of course there are the classified's here on AH. Once you have decided on a rifle you can see if any of the members may be willing to part with what you are looking for.

I bought my double rifle from a fellow member here and it was a great experience.

 

[DaddyFlip]

There's a nice 375 package in the Classifieds that appears to be well under your entry level budget. Includes all the extras. Don't know if you can buy from the seller or not?

375 in Classifieds

 

[Franco]

A friend had this Remington Model 700 375 H&H mag with Kahles Helia C 1.5 - 6 X 42 for sale awhile ago. I don't know if she still has it, or if you'd be interested in a Remington. She was asking $3500/best offer.

 

[Aiden204]

I am in Canada, so my options are greatly limited in comparison to my brothers and sisters south of the border.

im in Alberta, Just finishing up a pre 64 model 70 in 375 H&H that should be basically perfect and dealt with (possibly for sale as I have other projects.) Also if you dm me I can send you some links to Sako 375's that are under 1500 CAD & within Canada. All the Sakos are push feed, but depending on your use case that may be fine.