CZ or Sako ???

[16n69]

Help me decide...I have narrowed down my BG / DG hunting rifle purchase down to 2 or maybe a third?
Sako Kodiak or Brown Bear models in .375 H7H vs.
the CZ Magnum Express .375 H&H:

CZ:
The Safari Classics line from CZ-USA features the CZ single set trigger system set up to your specifications, matte or gloss blue finish on metal parts, #1 Fancy grade American Walnut stock with dual crossbolts and straight comb, glass bedded to the individual action, and a barrel band sling mount.
The rifles chambered in .505 Gibbs and .500 Jeffery include a mercury recoil reducer installed in the stock as well. We have also added several optional upgrades that you can add at the time you place your order. They include bolt jewelling, a muzzle brake, ebony fore end tip, rust or satin blue finish, weather resistant coating, and more.
CZ 550 embodies aesthetic elegance and ergonomic design. On closer inspection the heart of the machine shows its time honored features.
Mauser style claw extractor
Square bridge receiver
Hammer forged barrel
Single set trigger
The CZ 550 has a positive 2-position safety. All CZ 550's feature a classic square bridge receiver with a 19mm dovetail milled right into the receiver for the mounting of optics. For accuracy and long life these rifles are fitted with hammer forged barrels.
Price $2510.00 USD

Sako:[/b]
SAKO 85 BROWN BEAR has an action which is designated Long (L) action. The ACTION continue to offer traditional SAKO features such as: action sizes matched to cartridges; mechanical ejec- tion and integral tapered scope mount rail. Additionally there is a controlled feed on all models to ensure reliable cartridge feed to the chamber on all situations (Pat. pend.). The MAGAZINE is detachable and it can also be loaded through the ejection port. Magazine release is prevented against accidental release (Pat. pend.). The single-stage TRIGGER pull is adjustable from 1 kg to 2 kg (2 to 4 lbs). The SAFETY features a mechanism that allows loading and unloading of the rifle with safety engaged. The straight, classic STOCK is made of brown mattlaquered laminated hardwood and reinforced with two cross-bolts. Strong, extended recoil lug screwed on the fore-end. Band type front swivel around the barrel in front of the forend. SAKO 85 BROWN BEAR is available with adjustable open sights. Integral rails for the scope mounts are on the top of the receiver. The short, totally free-floating bull BARREL is cold hammer-forged.
TECHNICAL DATA
Action
L
caliber
375 H&H Mag
rate of twist
12”
Overall length L Barrel length L
Weight L Length of pull L
1065 mm (42") 540 mm (21 1/4") 3.6 kg (7 15/16 lbs) 355 mm (14")
Cartridge capacity L 5 rounds (1 in chamber, 4
Price $1,950.00

So they are around the same cost...well oddly the CZ is 'bout $500. more

It is the 20"(CZ) to 21"(Sako) barrel length and hence shorter overall, that I am interested in among other features...
BTW, some have said that the Sakos are NOT really "controlled feed"...though the Co. says they are...what gives ?

 

[Robert]

maybe a third?

For those prices you can buy a Winchester M70 Safari Express and a decent scope. That is what I am getting.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535116

Rememebr $1400 is the MSRP. Around here they are going for around $1100.

 

[16n69]

For those prices you can buy a Winchester M70 Safari Express and a decent scope. That is what I am getting.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535116

Rememebr $1400 is the MSRP. Around here they are going for around $1100.

Gee...I added this line to my post, so everyone would NOT tell me what other rifles to consider (that I have & ruled out do to LENGTH)...
..."It is the 20"(CZ) to 21"(Sako) barrel length and hence shorter overall, that I am interested in among other features...
I have answered 7 posts on 2 forums repeating the above...???
No one reads anymore...?

 

[a-sheepdog]

I am partial but I say Sako is the way to go with those two choices, I think that the Sako is a little smoother. I have actually been trying to justify the exact Sako 375 H&H that you are considering. I have an older Sako L61R in 338 win mag and its a great rifle, though I am not crazy about their method of scope mounting.

 

[Dr.Rob]

You are talking about a 'factory custom' rifle from CZ. I have been impressed by the fit and finish of their rifles for a long time. You're paying for pretty wood and a short, bedded barrel. The express sights look like an 'option' in this form at $600.

I'd get a full quote from CZ on exactly what you want and compare that price point to the Sako.

 

[finnwolf64]

Either of the rifles you list would work, so it comes down to your personal preference. I own 4 Sako rifles, but prefer wood rather than laminate stocks, so in this instance the CZ with wood stock would be my choice.
I've hunted Africa several times & have noted most guides carry an old CZ rifle.
Both the Sako & CZ are controlled feed, although the CZ is the more traditional design, the Sako can still be cycled while holding the rifle upside down.
I've hunted using a couple of different makes of rifle in .375 H&H Magnum & I actually prefer a heavy rifle in this caliber. I used a custom heavy barrel .375H&H & its felt recoil was less than a 30-06.
After using the .375 to hunt with in Africa, I too have considered buying one, and narrowed it down to CZ & Sako. My preference would be the Sako in the wood stock Hunter, although with a longer barrel than the Sakos you list, it would not be suitable for your application. I would also consider adding weight to the stock if I found it kicked too much.
One .375 H&H that I used in Africa had a muzzle brake to tame recoil, that was deafening to shoot. I disliked this particular rifle as I could tell it would damage my hearing. Much preferred to lug a heavier rifle around all day that was a pleasure to shoot.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Have you looked into a Tikka?

 

[16n69]

Have you looked into a Tikka?

Yes...they don't seem to come in .375H&H?

 

[Robert]

I offered the 3rd option because you asked for one or at least left the door open for one in the original post.

Help me decide...I have narrowed down my BG / DG hunting rifle purchase down to 2 or maybe a third?

If the length is that big of an issue you could afford to have it cut down with what you save. No need to get testy. When you ask for opinions you will get just that. Get the one you like best. It is your money...

 

[Hizzie]

You could also buy a rack grade CZ550 in 375HH for under $1K and send it off to American Hunting Rifles (AHR) for tweeking. They are THE CZ specialists for DGR's.

http://hunting-rifles.com/CZ/CZowners.htm

 

[16n69]

I offered the 3rd option because you asked for one or at least left the door open for one in the original post.



If the length is that big of an issue you could afford to have it cut down with what you save. No need to get testy. When you ask for opinions you will get just that. Get the one you like best. It is your money...

such is the internet...cannot type in "tone"or attitude...
I was not getting "testy"...just explaining that the "3rd" was one of the TWO models of Sako "Brown Bear & Kodiak...vs. the CZ.

 

[16n69]

A curious thing also...Also ...MANY others on other boards, are telling me that the SAKO is NOT a "TRUE CFR" ...not like a Winchester 70 or the CZ Safari...I don't understand that...either it is "Push Feed like a Remington or Weatherby or it is "controlled feed" (CFR) like the Win or CZ / Mauser ? What is not TRUE CFR mean...SAKO lists it as CFR???
Either it IS or ISN'T...no?

 

[9mmepiphany]

My understanding is that the Sako has limited control of the round until it is most of the way into the chamber...but it is in complete control for the last .25" of bolt travel

It does not have a full-length extractor like the Mauser 98 pattern. It's bolt head mounted extractor is much smaller than the full-length extractors on a Mauser 98 and takes a smaller bite on the case rim. It is possible to cause a double feed with the Sako, if you double stroke the bolt while chambering a round.