Hello all! First off, Wow! This web site has really grown. I used to read it back in the middle/late 1990's. It's been a few years since I last visited this forum.

I found this site way back then after I got hooked on Peter Capstick books and became fascinated with Theodore Roosevelt's safari book and John Pondoro books. Back then I was in in college with very little disposable income, so I never did get around to buying a big game rifle.

Well, now that I do have some money to spend I would like to pick up a big game rifle.

What I'm focusing on is the Ruger 416 Rigby or Ruger 375 H&H Magnum.

I had a few questions about this rifle:

1. How strong is this stock? Can it handle the kick/force of the 416 Rigby shot after shot? I've read that some gun manufactures make their rifles so light that the big bores break and crack the stock after so many shots. Is this considered a decent rifle when chambered in 416 Rigby?

2. I've read on the ruger website that the weight of the 416 Rigby is around 9 1/2 pounds. Is this heavy enough for a 416 Rigby? Their web site lists the 375 H&H magnum as a heavier rifle - 10 pounds.

3. I'm torn between the 375 and 416. I would love to get a rifle that shoots a bullet in the 400 grains level. It seems 400 grains and above is the level for big/dangerous game. So I'm inclined to get the 416. But I've read that the 375 H&H's are much easier to shoot, and most people don't really get use to shooting the big bores very well. Again, I've read about the cracked stocks in the really big bores, and haven't heard about this in the 375 H&H rifles.

So, I would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks!

Hondo,

Welcome to the forum. I like you am pretty new, it has been an outstanding reference resource for me! I have owned a 375 and moved up to the 416 Rigby. The 375 is an awesome round and is pretty easy to shoot accurately. If you were to take one rifle on safari it should be a 375; it is the one round that can do it all! I chose the 416 because I want to do lots of buffalo hunting and possibly a lion and an ele. A 375 is marginal on ele. As far as the stock is concerned; I have heard no problems with Ruger's stocks. That being said, I am sure most AR members would still recommend that you have a good gunsmith check the bedding. Most factory bedding jobs leave a lot to be desired. The fiberglass bedding will help accuracy as well as provide some extra strength. If you are seriously concerned you could have a smith slap a McMillan fiberglass stock on the rifle, then you will not need to worry about scratching up that Circassian walnut out in the bundu!

The 375 Ruger weighs more than the 416 because it has a smaller bore drilled into the same sized barrel blank.

Most of us big bore idiots (sorry about the redundancy) started out with the 375 H&H, and then later bought a 416.

I will routinely take my 375's out plinking, shooting my 416's is more of a pre-planned event.

I'd recommend picking up a used beater 375 H&H and shooting that for a while before you pop for a tarted up Ruger.

Welcome to the seventh circle of hell. No one in here gets out alive.

JCN

I have never heard of anyone regretting buying a 375.I think about everyone enjoys there 375 as much as any rifle they own....ammo is also very affordable and easy to obtain.Kinda cant go wrong with the big 375 in my book,

I've got a few RSM's in each caliber. The stocks will definitely hold up under normal practice. The only thing I'll do in the future is to glass-bed them, one at a time so that I can still have a few around while waiting for the returnee. You won't regret buying the RSM in either caliber. It also depends on whether you have a shorter LOP as I do and many others. The 375 is a pussycat to shoot and with a better recoil pad, the bigger guys won't knock the snot out of you too bad. In fact, the recoil will become manageable. Have fun whichever one you choose.

I have a Ruger RSM in .416Rigby. I have around 325/330 rounds through mine. I had my gunsmith glue the funky recoil strap/lug to the stock, then bed the action the way he normally would. It hasn't cracked yet.

The weight is fine, maybe a touch heavy.

I have a .375H&H in a Dakota 76, it's a much lighter rifle than the Ruger, but very shootable. I can't tell you the last time I fired it.

I also have the ruger M77 in 416 rigby. It is a nice looking rifle that points and shoots well. I do find it a little heavy to carry but once you get used to it it's not bad. The only thing I have done to mine is tweek the trigger. The beding has not been touched. I only have about 400 rounds through it but it seems to be holding up well. That wood is quite dense and seems strong. I have loaded mine with 400 hornadys to shoot to the iron sights at 2400fps. I also have a load with 300 Barns X that shoots 3" higher at 100 yards they are going 2650fps. Great for longer shots at smaller game. It is a very mild load with recoil equal to my 338win. I had a set of Warne quick detach rings on it but they broke at the screws holding the two halves of the ring together. They actualy broke while in the gun safe! I fired a 1 1/4 inch group at 100 yards, removed the scope shot with the irons put the scope back on and put the rifle away. Next time I picked the gun out of the safe the ring had broke. WTF? I will be using the standard Ruger rings from now on.

The only simple answer ids to purchase both !! You could buy a cz 550's in .375 & .416 and get them bedded and it won't have cot you much more than one of the Rugers

I love the looks of the Rugers there sweet....but I like the cation lug set up of the CZ better than the Ruger for what it's worth.

Hondo,

All the responses you have received are right! First it would be great if you haven't fired 375s and 416s before to try and make it happen. That experience will help a lot in your selection process. You might live near some of the members here, and most would be happy to get a range session arranged.

I love the 375 H&H cartridge! In a proper rifle ( in weight and fitted to you) it is comfortable to shoot accurately from field positions. The great old H&H does seem to be a firm push instead of an harsh whack on your shoulder. It makes a great walk around ground squirrel rifle too

Shooting the 416 Rigby can be similar to the 375 in lighter loads but to me when you get to the 400 grainers at 2400 fps+ the difference is noticeable. I have to concentrate more to achieve good shooting with the 416 vs the 375. Bench resting the Rigby is more trying (and less fun) as well.

If DG is going to be your focus, get the Rigby, handload and shoot away. For a complete Big Game rifle and some DG I have to go with the 375. At some point you will may want a bigger rifle and thats great. But I think you will keep and shoot the 375 more because it is such a good all around round. As the saying goes "everyone needs a 375."

As for the Ruger RSM stock in 416 Rigby I reccomend getting it bedded right away just to be sure. They usually have wonderful wood and it would be a shame to split the stock. However, this is advice from someone who has shot over 300 rounds from his untouched Ruger Rigby without any problems

Bottom line-get whatever rifle you desire and shoot the holy snot out of it. You will love either one!!!

John

For my 1st DG rifle I would go with the Ruger in .375 H&H only because it is so much more versatile. You can use it for anything from deer sized game on up to the big boys. Later if you need a specialized DG rifle, move on up to the .416.

Thanks for all the replies. I will probably get the 416 Rigby, mainly because I do think I am a big bore nut.

Another question: what exactly is a bedded stock? If I do get a 416 Rigby, what happens when I get it bedded? What does it usually cost?

Thanks!

I have both a 375 and a 416 Rem and I have shot the 416 Rigby a lot in the Ruger 77, it used to be our main camp gun.....

As much as I love the 375, I would suggest a 416 Rigby in the Ruger Safari grade rifle, its a winner...You can always load it down with a 300 gr. or 350 gr. bullet at 2200 to 2500 and duplicate the recoil of a .375 and still have the killing power of a 416 bore..

Glass bedding normally costs about $50 to $75.00..just be sure to use the best gunsmith available.

The Ruger will take all the abuse that you can give it, but I would recommend glass bedding all big bore factory rifles as mass production just cannot guarentee bedding on every rifle....It's a great gun and very traditional...

As usual Ray put it well...

I'm VERY pleased with my .375 Ruger RSM... can't praise it enough! Recoil is very manageable and it's a very accurate, strong and well-designed rifle. The wood on it is excellent and well-fitted. I wish it was about a pound lighter, but that's my only criticism. Like anything else you get accustomed to it thru handling and carrying it regularly.

In my book Ruger gets two thumbs up on a truly classic rifle.

458

Ain't you glad you got the RSM in 375, huh? I see you been braggin' on it.