SAKO .375

[Louis G]

I have been looking for a while for a .375 H&H. I am a big Brno/CZ fan but I was offered a .375 Sako model AV/L61R. The rifle is in "as new as it was just taken off the shelf" condition and a very experienced gunsmith that looked at it says that he does not think it had ever been fired. These models were made in the 80's and apart from Sako's good name I have also read some negative comments on these rifles like--they kick like a mule (compared to Brno/CZ), stocks tend to crack and it has pushfeed with a small extractor claw and not controlled feed and this can lead to problems in extracting the casings. Can anybody comment on this. Asking price is R12 000 with no scope.

[Hickers]

At that price, especially for a sako, you cannot go wrong. BUY!

Controlled feed only an issue/requirement if you intend hunting dangerous game. 375H&H cartridge is known for a smooth feeding action...and so is Sako. If the stock had to break/crack you could always have a custom stock made. Even if you do this it will cost the same or less than a new sako 375. As for recoil a 375 is not a benchrest gun. It is an awesome bush calibre and I love mine for use on large antelope like wildebeest in thick bushveld conditions....and evering else of course. You could get away with a 308 for this perhaps a 7x57, but neither of those are a 375H&H!!!! It is a special calibre with a fantastic heritage. If you use lighter monomental bullets the recoil should also be more tolerable.

[driepootx]

I see a new Sako 85 is R25 000 so you do have some way to go if you have to modify it to suit your pocket.