Well it showed up today and is in great condition. There is one tiny blemish on stock and I knew about it. The barrel looks perfect, the action is smooth, and I traced it with Win/Browning. Found out it is a 2001 model and it looks like indeed it does have a Shilen custom barrel. The trigger also feels pretty darn good, but I haven't "officially" checked it.

Just bummed that it is going to be almost a month before I get to shoot it. I have 3 trips planned between this Wed and April 12, so I won't be around to set it up and go to the range. I guess something to look forward to outside of shooting alligators and turkeys.

I appreciate all the info from you guys and advice. Still need to get rings and mount the scope, but that will all be fun...

I don't believe you.

Nope. Not even for a minute.

You're just gonna have to post up some pictures to prove it.

These are not very good - bad light in my office- too much flash... but...


[IMG]

Tim,

Looks nice. If I were you I would change the rear base. It could interfer with quickly puttin shells in the magazine.
Just my thought.

Tim,

That'll do nicely!

I believe you now...

I'd have to agree on the scope bases. Go ahead and order a set of Talleys. You'll need the 1/4" extended front and get the QD rings. You'll be set up right then. Put a 1.5-5 or 1.75-6 on it and go kill stuff.

David

Congratulations on a fine rifle!

Looks great Tim, enjoy.
Michael

Thats a very fine looking rifle.
I have a SAKO 75 Hunter in 375 H&H myself.

You'll love it. Mine is a great shooter. I got Mark Stratton to build custom bases for my Talley's and I put a 1.75 -6 Leupold on it. It is what I call a lifetime rifle; one that will outlast mine.

Have Fun.

_Baxter

Very nice rifle!

I have those Leupold qrs on mine. Doesn't seem to slow me down and has held up pretty well. I had it drilled and tapped for a size larger screws though. Happy shooting!

I think you'll enjoy it. Mine is still a tack driver with over 1100 rounds through it. Has a buff and other game to it's credit, including a Canadian whitetail. I have more expensive rifles, but I shoot the Model 70 the most.

Very Nice. I also would throw those scope mounts away and replace with Quick Release type Mounts and Rings.

I have a stainless steel M70 Classic in .375 H&H with the same mounts. They are Leupold QRs. I did not have any problems loading ammo with these mounts, nor did I have any problems with the scope coming back to zero when taken off and out back on.

That being said, I am in the process of making new mounts that will have the same centers as the mounts on all of my other rifles. These mounts will not overhang the magazine.

The M70 is a most useful rifle in this chambering. Either it or my 9,3x62 will go back to Africa in May. The major difference between the two is that the M70 was obviously designed to be shot from sticks as its heavy profile barrel makes it a bit nose heavy ... perfect for sticks.

Winchester M70 or stay at home! No home should be without at least a dozen or so.

Michael

What happened, the loaner program fall through?

quote:

quote:
It needs to be a new gun, as I can get most from the manufacturers on a loaner program, and if I really like the gun, I can but (sic?) it out.

Nice score on an excellent rifle!

quote:

Originally posted by x2mosg:
I'd have to agree on the scope bases. Go ahead and order a set of Talleys. You'll need the 1/4" extended front and get the QD rings. You'll be set up right then. Put a 1.5-5 or 1.75-6 on it and go kill stuff.

David

Does anybody have a picture of these "extended rings"?

I would like to put a 2-7 Leupold on my MRC 375 H+H, but the ring spacing is too far apart.

If no one beats me to it I will post one later.

HEre you go. th 1x is of course the extended base.

Thanks alot BB.

I'm guessing these bases will work with all Talley rings?

nice rifle but the bases are junk. try and locate yourself some talleys.

To my knowledge yes. Just be sure you double check how accurate the holes are drilled. Both my mod 70's were a teeny bit off thats why i got the custom bases made; they were machined while mounted and are perfectly aligned.

FYI, the extended base just barely hangs over the front of the ejection port.

Good Luck!!

_Baxter

I remember when my custom winchester 70 in 375 arrived, and how that felt. It is still special today. There is no rifle I have shot, handled or owned that matches it in reliability, smoothe feeding, balance, and just plain all around trustworthy.

KB

YEs, there is just 'something' about a MOdel 70 375. I was talking with HArry Selby a few years ago about one I had just got and he said to me "You could not do better than the Winchester Model 70." Of the 375 he said "I have to say that during my hunting career, the .375 never ceased to amaze me, my opinion of it only grew as the years went by, it has something that mere ballistics do not adequately explain, maybe just a superbly balanced combination of components."

I think that about covers it.

Cheers,

_Baxter