Winchester Safari or Alaskan?

[dogcat1]

I have used both and really cannot state a preference. They both work.

 

[Ruraldoc]

I have both. The Alaskan feels lighter and quicker in my hands.

My friend who also has a Safari, plans on getting an Alaskan after handing mine.

If possible, handle them both. The thicker barrel of the Safari may be better if your going to cut it and thread it.

If I wanted a threaded short barrel 375, I would just buy a Ruger. The iron sights are already in the right place, the cartridge is made for short barrels, the thread pattern can be easily accommodated by a modern suppressor which takes multiple thread reciever attachments.

If the Hawkeye lacks smoothness from the factory, there are a lot of smiths who can polish it and tune the trigger. Frankly some model 70s need the same work. Both of my Safari’s, a 416 and a 375 needed work to feed and function perfectly.

 

[jbirdwell]

From my understanding the barrel profiles are different, hence the difference in listed weight. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

The barrel profile on the Safari Express was .722 at 24" on mine and I think they are using the same profile barrel on the 375 as they are on the 416 & 458. That comes out real close to a Shilen or Douglas #5 contour which is definitely heavier. I'm converting mine to a 400 H&H.

 

[samson7x]

I have both. The Alaskan feels lighter and quicker in my hands.

My friend who also has a Safari, plans on getting an Alaskan after handing mine.

If possible, handle them both. The thicker barrel of the Safari may be better if your going to cut it and thread it.

If I wanted a threaded short barrel 375, I would just buy a Ruger. The iron sights are already in the right place, the cartridge is made for short barrels, the thread pattern can be easily accommodated by a modern suppressor which takes multiple thread reciever attachments.

If the Hawkeye lacks smoothness from the factory, there are a lot of smiths who can polish it and tune the trigger. Frankly some model 70s need the same work. Both of my Safari’s, a 416 and a 375 needed work to feed and function perfectly.

That's good intel and aligns with most of what I've read.

The ruger would be the "easy button" solution, but it just doesn't appeal to me like the winchester does. I'd consider that new MRC Tsavo but haven't heard anything about availability date and MRC hasn't been responsive.

 

[samson7x]

The barrel profile on the Safari Express was .722 at 24" on mine and I think they are using the same profile barrel on the 375 as they are on the 416 & 458. That comes out real close to a Shilen or Douglas #5 contour which is definitely heavier. I'm converting mine to a 400 H&H.

Good to know. Now, does anyone have an OD measurement for the Alaskan?

 

[crossone]

@samson7x - I want the opinion of others (that are enamored with Suppressors) to explain “Why” would anyone cut down a barrel - likely affecting rifle performance - of a good rifle to accommodate a Suppressor? If that worried about barrel length, balance, awkwardness etc… consider Not adding a suppressor. It seems that having a Suppressor is becoming more important then having an accurate, well balanced rifle.

Truth! Suppressor fanatics are insane!

 

[spike.t]

What you going to use it for?

 

[samson7x]

Truth! Suppressor fanatics are insane!

Well that doesn't add much value to the conversation, does it?

 

[samson7x]

What you going to use it for?

Killin stuff.

It'll be my Africa rifle for PG, DG, and bear when I get the opportunity.

 

[BigHill]

Winchester Classic Safari Express, 416 Rigby.

 

[spike.t]

Killin stuff.

No shit......wouldn't have thought that......haven't heard of any bear introduced into sa yet.....but there anything is possible.....

 

[samson7x]

No shit......wouldn't have thought that......haven't heard of any bear introduced into sa yet.....but there anything is possible.....

That was said in jest. Bear would be hunted here in the states....or Canada.

 

[spike.t]

That was said in jest. Bear would be hunted here in the states....or Canada.

Was kinda being sarcastic.......

 

[Doug3006]

My model 70 Custom Express( just a tuned and tweaked Safari Express from the Winchester New Haven Custom Shop) balances right at the front action screw. Not sure where the balance issue comes from. The weight is right at 9 pounds naked. Not at all objectionable.

 

[uplander01]

You have to have a pretty stout suppressor for a 375, Hybrid 46 from Silencer Co maybe,....With stock winchester sights I would make sure it won't interfere with the use of irons

 

[samson7x]

You have to have a pretty stout suppressor for a 375, Hybrid 46 from Silencer Co maybe,....With stock winchester sights I would make sure it won't interfere with the use of irons

Yes, I do have a hybrid but will be purchasing a thunderbeast magnus for this specific role.

 

[CRCO]

I'm thinking that has to do with the larger bore in 416. I don't think it would be a problem on the 375 but I'll double check.

Hybrid 46M can have a 3/4 inch x 24 direct thread which leaves plenty of meat on the barrel. I know because i have one on my 416 rigby

 

[Monski]

Winchester Classic Safari Express, 416 Rigby.

A lefty yet. Ok Big Hill, I'm officially jealous!!

 

[HankBuck]

Tinnitus is the reason I have all of my rifles treaded for suppressors. An unintended benefit is it reduces the felt recoil of my 458 win mags by about 1/3. I had three inches cut off of the 458 with no effect on accuracy and two inches cut off the 338 win mag and the accuracy actually improved. Using lightweight titanium suppressors the weight is a wash with the removal of a couple inches of barrel so handling remains the same.

@codofish - tinnitus is why I wear ear plugs, works great and doesn’t make my Rifle look like a Grenade Launcher. But I’m getting your point and many agree with You - Cans are increasing in popularity and some already believe they are essential, I’m waiting to start seeing them at Sporting Clays tournaments —- lots of noise on skeet & clays fields

 

[jbirdwell]

You have to have a pretty stout suppressor for a 375, Hybrid 46 from Silencer Co maybe,....With stock winchester sights I would make sure it won't interfere with the use of irons

I use my Hybrid 46 in the short version on my 375 H&H, 375 Ruger, and 45-70 so far