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taw1126
.333 member

Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas

Winchester Custom African Express: Any Experience/Comments?
#139794 - 30/07/09 02:56 PM

I've lusted after these since the first time I saw them catalogued, and I'm seriously considering buying one. Anyone own one, or have first-hand experience with them? I know the later New Haven Model 70's had some issues, but from what I understand the "factory" work on African Express rifles was limited to providing the action and marking the barrels (which I think are Kreiger). Apparently NECG installed the sights and two independent stock makers were contracted.

Anyway...they ain't cheap (about the same price as a pre-'64 Super Grade African) so if anyone has some comments to share I'd love to hear them before I drop any money on them.

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buckeyeshooter
.275 member

Reged: 04/02/04
Posts: 54
Loc: ohio, USA

Re: Winchester Custom African Express: Any Experience/Comments? [Re: taw1126]
#139838 - 01/08/09 01:04 AM

I had one commissioned in September 2000. It arrived October 6, 2001. Had the measurements taken and specified several items. It has been a very nice rifle. It was pricy (just over $5200.00 with tax) but I'm hoping the rarity of it will allow it to appreciate well. Fit and finish was very good and the gun is quite well made. Mine has not been hunted with and frankly this one is unfired. It is chambered in .470 Capstick. I would love to know production numbers on this rifle in this chambering. I've got a 'beater' big five capstick for a shooter.

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taw1126
.333 member

Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas

Re: Winchester Custom African Express: Any Experience/Comments? [Re: buckeyeshooter]
#139841 - 01/08/09 01:49 AM

I think the .470 Capstick was only catalogued in 2001 (along with .416 Rigby), so yes, you have a very rare piece. There are also some "uncatalogued" calibers floating around (7mm RUM, 300 RUM, 338 RUM, and 375 RUM for certain). I'm trying to figure out who the barrel maker was in that period; Krieger trued actions, installed & chambered barrels from September 2003 until the factory closed.

I see .416 Remingtons more often than other calibers, though I suspect that part of that is due to people holding on to .375 H&H African Expresses.

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taw1126
.333 member

Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas

Re: Winchester Custom African Express: Any Experience/Comments? [Re: buckeyeshooter]
#139842 - 01/08/09 02:27 AM

One other thing: your rifle appears to have taken longer than others to make its way to you, perhaps because of the custom dimensions, perhaps just a function of the time when it was produced. At least at Krieger, there seems to be a ~6 month lag between them shipping a barreled action to Winchester, and the completed rifle being shipped to a receiving dealer.

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