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My African Rifle: John Ricks M70 in .375 H&H

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07 February 2004, 20:17
Matt in Virginia
My African Rifle: John Ricks M70 in .375 H&H
Gentlemen,

I wanted to post a couple of pictures of the Custom M70 in .375 H&H that John Ricks recently delivered and I would also like to extend a sincere Thank You to the membership. You have graciously answered many questions for me in the process of building this rifle...



I would also like to thank John Ricks for the quality of his work and the courtesy he extended to me on soo many occasions...



Regards, Matt.



The rifle is pictured with the spare Leupold and my Leica Ultravid 8x42 BL Binocular...











Theuns Prinsloo Hunter with Cape Buffalo Sheath..









Rifle Specs:



Winchester M70 Stainless Classic Express Action

Precise Metal Smithing Spring Steel Extractor

Pac-Nor SS Super Match Barrel #5 contour at 24"

Chambered .375 Holland & Holland Magnum

Williams SS One Piece Trigger Guard w/custom guard bolts

NECG Masterpiece Banded Front Sight

NECG Masterpiece Island Rear

Talley Barrel Band Sling Swivel Stud

McMillan Winchester Super Grade Stock in Black

Pillar bedded on custom SS Pillars in Steel Bed

{2) Leupold Vari-X III 1.75-6x32E Scopes in Talley QD Lever Rings

ROBAR ROGUARD on Barreled Action

ROBAR NP-3 on Bolt, Trigger, & internals

Murray A-1 Quick Set Sling with/Mil-Spec Swivels

Fitted Pelican Take Down Case

Seekonk 65 inch pound T handle for guard screws

Seekonk/Premier Reticle's Adjustable Torque Screwdriver Kit



Btw, It was brought to my attention that my African Gear was incomplete wihtout a good knife. Hence I received the pictured hunter from Theuns Prinsloo of South Africa as a Birthday Gift...
07 February 2004, 20:25
Rusty
She's pretty Matt!
John is building a 404 Jeffery for me!
07 February 2004, 23:00
PC
Matt,

that is a great rifle, it reeks practical and is in a great chambering. Well done !!
08 February 2004, 00:02
scrappy
The rifle and knife both look good.
08 February 2004, 01:48
sdgunslinger
Just curious Matt..........what does the rifle weigh with scope and mounts ??

It looks to be an excepional outfit..........
08 February 2004, 02:00
jorge
That's one hell of a nice looking rig Matt. Did you supply the action and how how was the delivery time? jorge
08 February 2004, 02:03
LongShotRX
Matt, thats a beautiful rifle but I think the knife is even more stunning. Who is the craftsman that turned that out?



Joe



OPS, I missed the last part about the knife maker.
08 February 2004, 02:29
retreever
Matt Great looking rifle...That is what I took to Africa and it really knocks them down..Good shooting and great hunting...
Compliments to John and his craftsmanship...

Mike
08 February 2004, 04:19
DavidC
Matt,

Congratulations, that is a great looking setup!

Regards,
Dave
08 February 2004, 04:28
Chuck Nelson
You've heard this from me before, but....very nice.
09 February 2004, 02:33
Matt in Virginia
Gentlemen,

Thank you for the kind commentary. I'm looking forward to getting this rifle in the field...



Jorge,

I supplied the action and delivery was about 18 months, however, I understand Mr. Ricks lead time is much shorter now...



sdgunslinger,

I'm afraid I hav'nt weighed it yet.



Best Regards, Matt.
09 February 2004, 03:16
<allen day>
Matt, I really like your rifle! It's my kind of hunting rig.......

AD
09 February 2004, 09:03
Dago Red
A serious rifle, very serious. If you can't get the job done with that you ain't gettin' it done. I saw the mention of the pelican take down case? is the rifle a takedown? mind posting pic of the case?

Have fun with your beautiful gun!

Red
09 February 2004, 11:13
Muletrain
I am interested in hearing more about the take down details as well. If you would give us details including the use of the 65 inch pound T handle. This is the first time I have heard of this.
10 February 2004, 12:38
Matt in Virginia
Gentlemen,
Thank you for the kind comments.

The take down idea actually came from a discussion with Kenny Jarrett on his "Professional Rifle". It was said that a short cases do not illicit as much attention from the wrong sort of baggage handlers as a regular rifle case does.

Mr. Ricks made custom allen guard bolts that allow for proper torque application without distortion. The T handle is the same unit used to torque Badger/Mark 4 rings to spec. The bedding appears absolutely bullet proof and the rifle comes back to zero perfectly when reassembled and properly torqued down. I'll try to post a few photos of the case tomorrow...

Best Regards, Matt.