Winchester Safari or Alaskan?

[Wydmac]

I have zero experience with either rifle but I just ordered a safari express in 375h&h earlier this week. Something about it catches my eye vs the Alaskan. Also just based on comparing the two from pictures on the website- the safari express has 2 cross bolts and the sling stud is on a barrel band whereas it’s on the fore-end of the Alaskan.

 

[codofish]

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

I use the Anechoic on my 458s and love it. https://asilencer.com/product/anechox-45/

 

[codofish]

@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

I use ear plugs also. They are made by SoundGear with the auto noise cancelation and are rechargeable. They are one of the best investments I have ever made for my health. When I hunt I put them in at breakfast and take them out at dinner. But I still want the suppressor in case I forget them or lose one bouncing around on the truck.

 

[codofish]

FYI-I have a Winchester mod 70 Safari in .416 Rem Mag, my gunsmith told me there was not enough meat to the barrel to thread for a suppressor. He has treaded at least one other rifle for me.

I think the problem with the large bore rifles is the large hole. It doesn't leave a lot of metal for a shoulder to tighten against. My gunsmith threaded the barrel and then added this bolt to create more meat for the suppressor to tighten against. It works great.

 

[jbirdwell]

I think the problem with the large bore rifles is the large hole. It doesn't leave a lot of metal for a shoulder to tighten against. My gunsmith threaded the barrel and then added this bolt to create more meat for the suppressor to tighten against. It works great.

I used a 5/8-24 thread and had plenty shoulder to tighten too. On my Hybrid I use 2 different end caps depending on the contour of the barrel

 

[Philip Glass]

Why not get the .375 Ruger Guide Gun?

It already comes with the shorter barrel and threaded at no extra cost.

And the .375 Ruger was designed to function better in a shorter barrel than the 375 HH.

And it is probably cheaper, especially since you will not need to cut or thread it.

RUGER Guide Gun Green Mountain 375 Ruger 20ʺ SS 3rd | KYGUNCO

www.kygunco.com

Good idea.

 

[Philip Glass]

Which one do I want? Refreshing this topic as I couldn't find a recent one relative to my specific question. I'm in the market for a 375 and debating these two options. From what I've read, it seems folks prefer the balance of the Alaskan and comment on the excessive weight of the Safari. My intention is to chop to 20" (I realize folks hate this idea) and thread for suppressor use. My thought process is that if the Safari already balances poorly, being front heavy, adding a suppressor certainly won't help despite the 4" chop. I feel like the Alaskan would be better suited to my configuration. Other than the barrel profile, monte carlo stock, and different rear sight, are there any other notable differences?

What ever you decide to do rifle wise you need to get it fitted to you by a competent gunsmith. When we begin discussing potential DG rifles we have left the realm of DIY deer setups. Guns are more expensive, harder to get, ammo is scarce and expensive, and if used for its original purpose it could save your life. Now it is the time to get out of he reloading room and go to a top gunsmith for assistance. Here you can discuss barrel length, recoil reducers, suppressors and the like and get it fitted and balanced where you not only like it, you love it! Speaking of suppressors you would need that in hand ahead of time. I would advise looking at the new Thunderbeast arms .375 suppressor line. They give you options in length and the removeable brake that looks to be something that would be great at the range and then removed for the DG safari.
Have fun with it what ever you decide.

 

[samson7x]

What ever you decide to do rifle wise you need to get it fitted to you by a competent gunsmith. When we begin discussing potential DG rifles we have left the realm of DIY deer setups. Guns are more expensive, harder to get, ammo is scarce and expensive, and if used for its original purpose it could save your life. Now it is the time to get out of he reloading room and go to a top gunsmith for assistance. Here you can discuss barrel length, recoil reducers, suppressors and the like and get it fitted and balanced where you not only like it, you love it! Speaking of suppressors you would need that in hand ahead of time. I would advise looking at the new Thunderbeast arms .375 suppressor line. They give you options in length and the removeable brake that looks to be something that would be great at the range and then removed for the DG safari.
Have fun with it what ever you decide.

Great points.

That TBAC can is the exact one I had in mind and I had the same thoughts as you. Currently trying to source a flat endcap when brake is removed. I haven't been able to find one but there's a guy on another forum attempting to put together a group buy from a local machinist to produce them. I'm a huge TBAC fan.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

FYI-I have a Winchester mod 70 Safari in .416 Rem Mag, my gunsmith told me there was not enough meat to the barrel to thread for a suppressor. He has treaded at least one other rifle for me.

I might suggest you get another opinion. And for sure the .375 he is talking about will have more "meat" on the barrel due to the smaller chambering.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

FYI-I have a Winchester mod 70 Safari in .416 Rem Mag, my gunsmith told me there was not enough meat to the barrel to thread for a suppressor. He has treaded at least one other rifle for me.

I might suggest you get another opinion. And for sure the .375 he is talking about will have more "meat" on the barrel due to the smaller

@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.

Obviously personal preference but i wpuld say most folks will shoot a suppressed gun more accurately than non-suppressed. I am damn near deaf from 45 years of 12ga blasts at ducks and geese. I really wish i had worn hearing protection.

Compared to a muzzle break (which flattens folks around you) the can will reduce recoil and muzzle blast volume. In our experience in south Texas, every single old guy shoots better with a can. We won't hunt without them now because ethically there is a better chance for a better shot.

On loss of velo, it is quite minimal in our experience. We have chrono'd with old school amd Garmin and before and after when chopping 2 inches was about 75fps. I think you would be losing around 100 to no more than 150fps chopping off 4 inches but that is a guess.

The SilencerCo Ti Scythe weighs damn near nothing. It won't handle a .375 but their Hybrid 46 would.

What puzzles me, is folks will put on muzzle breaks (that come with some fairly real drawbacks in noise) or insert weights to reduce recoil (but also change balance quite a bit) but question a can. Other than optics, i think the suppressor is a much better solution to noise and recoil...like not even close. But that is why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors and i think two hunters can disagree on this and both be reasonable.

Signed,

Damn near deaf in Fort Worth

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

@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

I will say, the cans made for shotguns really don't work well or none of the ones we have tried. I think the only solution there is wearing hearing protection.

 

[crossone]

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

I'm always surprised by people's willingness to cut their rifle barrels down to 16 or 18 inches just so they can use a suppressor. Turning their 30-06s into 30-30s. That's what I was saying

 

[samson7x]

I'm always surprised by people's willingness to cut their rifle barrels down to 16 or 18 inches just so they can use a suppressor. Turning their 30-06s into 30-30s. That's what I was saying

Well, I'm not cutting to 16 or 18. I plan to cut it at 20 which will reduce velocity 100 or so fps.

How much velocity do you really need? Are we shooting elk across canyons at 600yds? Whitetail at sub 100yds in timber? I think folks are realizing that, in actual hunting scenarios, chopping a few inches of barrel doesn't make much practical difference in terminal performance with proper bullet selection.

 

[crossone]

Well, I'm not cutting to 16 or 18. I plan to cut it at 20 which will reduce velocity 100 or so fps.

How much velocity do you really need? Are we shooting elk across canyons at 600yds? Whitetail at sub 100yds in timber? I think folks are realizing that, in actual hunting scenarios, chopping a few inches of barrel doesn't make much practical difference in terminal performance with proper bullet selection.

Of course you're correct. And also, yes, I was exactly referring to people who are using these rifles out to 600 yards on elk. 200 yards is practically point blank on elk in open country.

 

[HankBuck]

I'm always surprised by people's willingness to cut their rifle barrels down to 16 or 18 inches just so they can use a suppressor. Turning their 30-06s into 30-30s. That's what I was saying

@crossone - I’m also surprised and seems that the focus is now more on Suppressors then the rifle itself. But it is consistent with many that prefer plastic stocks over wood, matt black steel over blued, stainless over “everything else”, and “need” a Magnum to kill a whitetail. I have enjoyed a Suppressor on a few occasions but never for big game and unlikely I ever will. I do agree with some that Suppressors help Hunters kill more game — they’re so UGLY the looks alone kill animals.

 

[samson7x]

@crossone - I’m also surprised and seems that the focus is now more on Suppressors then the rifle itself. But it is consistent with many that prefer plastic stocks over wood, matt black steel over blued, stainless over “everything else”, and “need” a Magnum to kill a whitetail. I have enjoyed a Suppressor on a few occasions but never for big game and unlikely I ever will. I do agree with some that Suppressors help Hunters kill more game — they’re so UGLY the looks alone kill animals.

Sheesh, we’re really getting off topic now.

We get it Hank, you hate suppressors. You’re not going to change anyone’s mind about them and no one will change yours. Just move along.

 

[Wiley64]

I have shot both, the Alaska kicked more.

 

[samson7x]

I have shot both, the Alaska kicked more.

Do you feel like that was more a result of the advertised weight difference or ergonomics of the stock? Or perhaps both?

 

[Wiley64]

Do you feel like that was more a result of the advertised weight difference or ergonomics of the stock? Or perhaps both?

I don’t know. It was materially different across the board. Both were current models, the wood on the express was also much nicer.

 

[codofish]

Do you feel like that was more a result of the advertised weight difference or ergonomics of the stock? Or perhaps both?

I think the rifle recoil tables show that the 375 Ruger cartridge itself has more recoil than the H&H