Just my opine here, but I own a Model 70 Safari Express in .375 H&H. Now it isn't a "Custom" rifle, but it is well made and functions as it should. I like the matte finish barrel band sling and hooded front ramp. The wood could be nicer, but hey no need to get great wood if you're going to drag it thru the bush! Get a new Safari Express.

I know this falls under the "don't ask 'cause you can't afford it" heading, but how much does a new production mauser go for and who carries them? That is gorgeous, and would be more so in a 416 Rem Mag.
JCN

I would get new, also would not go the Win custom shop route, although I do like the stock pattern they are currently using, looks like they added more drop.

I would find a FFL guy and buy new classic for the right money and have it restocked and sights, bottom metal if you want one more down. Or you can just shoot it just like it comes, contrary to most thinking, bullets will come out of the end of factory guns

I'm going to get a Model 70 in 375H&H. I need some advice about whether to get a Pre-64 (about $2,500 in near new condition) or a new Model 70 out of Winchester's custom shop (MSRP about $3,000). When Winchester went back to the "Pre-64" bolt, did they change it at all or is it exactly the same? I will be using the rifle to hunt with so I'm not really interested in the value of the rifle as a collectible. Thanks for your opinions.
Gary T.

JohnCharlie, I don't recall exactly, but it seems they were more than 5K and less than 10. But they also make it in 500 jeffery....

They are impoted into the U.S. by:

SIG Arms USA Inc.
Corporate Park
US 03833 Exeter NH

Tel. 603-772-2302
email. info@sigarms.com

Your local sig dealer can get one for you. My local sig dealer is www.heritagearms.net

"...and sending it to a good gunsmith to be fixed up."

That is the most important part of any discussion about the new rifles. People naturally accept that an old gun may need some work and naturally expect a new gun to work properly out of the box.

Suffice to say that it took me over a year and TWO new Model 70 .375's (second one free from Winchester but it didn't work either), plus several hundred dollars of gunsmithing, to get one that worked properly. Some folks get lucky, I didn't. But now that it's set up right, I wouldn't sell it for less than $5,000.

I would NOT get one from the Win. custom shop as they are overpriced. You are better off getting a standard model 70 and sending it to a good gunsmith to be fixed up.



I would prefer a new production original mauser in .375.

Got any contact info, ph#, website, etc?

Thanks

Call Jim Wisner and order one of his magazine springs.

Chuck

It just depends on what you want out of it. The pre-64 holds 4 down as opposed to the new ones with 3. The pre-64 will probably weigh more compared to the newer classic.

For the difference in cost for a "hunting" rifle, just get a new one, IMO.

I have a Pre 64 and although I used it in Africa last Sept, it will soon go to the gunsmith for a makeover. Just because it's a pre 64 doesn't mean it doesn't need work. Mine doesn't feed as smooth as I would like and I'll get a custom fit stock on it. After that, it should be fine.
Russ

Thanks 500,
That picture got me all lathered up. Since I tend to beat the crap out of my rifles I cooled down and made a more practical (practical?) set of purchases today. Ordered 500 pieces of 416 Rem Mag brass from Midway, and ordered a Winnie in 416 to go with the brass. That makes two Winchesters (416 & Ultra [for 404 Jeff]) and one CZ (375 for Wby) in the pipeline to go with the two Sako's (416 & 375) and one CZ (416 Rigby) already in the safe at home. I was going to screw off some this summer, but I guess I better take that part time job at the new clinic in Boise. At least it's closer to the gun store. It's all your guy's fault anyway.
Does anybody know how many 416 cases you can get into an Echols stock from McMillan (given some new bottom metal from Blackburn). BTW, I got an e-mail from Jim Wisner a couple days ago. He has one set of bottom metal for a pre-64 Winchester in stock, and is going to be busy with his new baby. Get it while you can, and tell him congratulations.
JCN
PS Yeah, I know I could afford one really nice Mauser for the price of my herd of rifles, but that just ain't my nature.

I have a pre-64 model 70 in 375 H&H for sale. Metal is 98% and the wood is the same. It has been bedded and a new recoil pad on it. Guranteed to feed and eject flawlessly. $1700.00 to your door in lower 48.

I can get one more down in a classic 375 for $5.

Chuck

I have always had a preference for the pre-64 Winchester, I have had such good luck with them...slick guns and a used one isn't all that much...

My real preference is the Mod.98 mauser and I don't think anything comes close to a good custom Mauser....

I think that the price for the pre-64 is too high I have one from 1949 and I paid $1200 it is a supergrade and the comdition is 80% I did some refinishing of the wood but that is all.
The shape of some of the pre-64 are not suited for big modern scopes due to the drop of the heel. But a 1,5-5 from leupold or a 1,25-4 from the German companys would work great.
I have never seen the new custom shop up close... so no coment



Cheers,

Andr�