I need some input from you folks on my next rifle. I have a CZ 375 that I like, but after handling and shooting a pre 64 M70 in 375 I definitely can appreciate the trimness and overall feeling of the famous old Win and I have to have one.

Question is one of a excellant condition original versus a project gun based on a pre 64 action. I don't want to spend $1200-1400 on a rifle that has seen better days (a little rough), therefore my "excellant condition" remark and that moves the price to the $1600-2000 region. I was thinking a project gun in this price range could have a trued action and Lilja barrel but to keep the price down use an original replacement stock instead of something fancy.

The nostalgia factor definitely favors the "old rifle" and resale really isn't a concern as it will go to Zim in 2004 and I won't think of selling it! What other factors should I consider? My heart leans to an old original but my friends think I'm nuts

What say the gurus of the big bores?

John

JKS,
I would vote for taking the action off a 300 H&H pre-64 M70. You find those much more reasonably. If you like the original stock, use that too, and have your smith do his magic to recreate the look and feel of the 375 H&H classic African rifle.

I turned a 30-06 Pre into a 35 Whelen much the same way.

However, for my 375 H&H, with which I did most of my shooting in Botswana, I chose to go the modern route.

I used a stainless Douglas "Premium" barrel and a Brown Precision kevlar-graphite-fiberglass stock. My action was from a 300 H&H Pre-64 Winchester M70 that I found in Tallahassee, Florida during the 4 years I lived down there. It was made in 1958 and was gathering dust among the Floridians.

This works fine for the Ultimate Hunter in 375 H&H. Easier and cheaper to find a 300 H&H than an original 375 H&H, which deserves to be cherished as is, you are so right. Your 300 H&H rebarrel to 375 H&H will likely be more rugged and accurate than the original.

My original pre-64 M-70 .375 H&H has the 25" bbl of course. It is very accurate and easy to shoot but it weighs 10 lbs scoped. Some feel this is heavy.

Perhaps a well worn pre-64 M-70 .375 would do the job. Why go for a collectors piece? I have never seen one with a worn barrel.

Mine is like new. With that there is the concern about damage. Just get an old one and use it. It will have character.

The 300 H&Hs are beginning to dry up and finding one these days isn't so easy or cheap!
The original 375s are heavy but many of them shoot very well so I'd likely look for a good one and use it, if the weight doesn't hinder you.
Before I chopped up an original 300 H&H, I'd just buy a new model and use it for the action. With some TLC they become quite nice and with a good quality barrel and stock you are still money ahead of the other two options.

Oh lordie! I better unpack the stowed away barrel and stock of the original 300 H&H and screw them back together!

What a fool I have been!

And all along I thought that 300 H&H ammo was only good for fireforming into 300 Weatherby! Doh!!!

JKS, one thing to consider is that the pre64 in 375 was notorious as a stock splitter. Finn Aagard loved the rifle but remarked they would all split their stocks if fired enough. Unlike the pre64 in 458, you have to remove the stock on the 375 to see if any significant damage has been done. If you go the collector route and then properly prepare the rifle by bedding the stock and adding two crossbolts you have significantly reduced the collector value. If you try to fool yourself into going the collector route, put your Zim hunt on the rifle in original condition, that's a very risky deal that I attempted twice on pre64 458's and it did not work. My advice, as a friend of mine did who hunts all over the world, would be get a good original rifle with a sound stock and then spring for $300 for a McMillan internet special drop in stock for your shooting and hunting needs. No downside save for taking a fiberglass stock to Africa, but it's a lot easier knowing you own the original walnut and, in fact, it's being repectful to a classic rifle.

Check out John Thompson's comments in this thread before you consider going the "original" route:

http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004479#000009

Thanks for all the responses. I will seriously consider them, especially JoeR's about "fooling myself" with a near mint original. If I take a $2000 collector rifle and then bed, cross bolt and tune it what have I really gained over a "decent" condition user that is worked over? Call me stubborn but I really want to hunt with wood stocked rifles in Africa. Much to ponder but that adds to the fun, doesn't it?

John