I just booked a 12 Day buff/sable hunt with Zambezi Hunters (thanks Mark!).

I would really like to get a buff with my .470 or .500, but need a second rifle to bring. I have a Model 70 .375 H&H (and a .416 and .458) but really the .375 is to heavy for my tastes. (For a .375 H&H that is) It doesn't seem to fit well for me, So I truly believe I need another .375 H&H.

The Kimber feels like a solid .375H&H, and so does the new Mausers that are out. Should I modify the Model 70?
(As you can tell I am kind of )

Should I just use the .416 for plains game?

Any suggestions?

BTW. Trying to keep the budget from $2000-3000.

John,

What you might consider is replacing the original wood stock with a synthetic stock to reduce weight. Do check weight as all synthetics are not light weight. Also if I remember corectly you are a big guy so increasing the LOP could make all the difference in fit.

Mark

Is your model 70 a pre'64? Been looking for one if you plan on selling.

find yourself a Sako AV Hunter in 375...mine weighs 7lbs 7 ounces without scope or rings....I think in 375 H&H that's a lightweight...:-)

I've hunted my Mod. 70 a lot. I'm 67, with a bad back. I never had a problem

Since it is going to be a back-up, I would just take the Winchester and use the money for trophy fees.

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:

Since it is going to be a back-up, I would just take the Winchester and use the money for trophy fees.

Wise words to listen to. I agree 100% Jet.

You will much, much better off taking your scoped .375 M70 or scoped .416 M70.

I'd just bring the .416 as your plains game/backup DG rifle.

However, if you have time to acclimate to a new rifle before your safari, the Ruger Hawkeye has gotten good reviews on this forum.

George

I second the mod 70 375; of course, I am not a large man, but mine fits and works fine.

I'd suggest one of these. They are accurate, light and should only set you back about $1,000 so you can afford to kill more stuff.

For a lot less than another 375 you can have a custom synthetic stock fit to you that is lightweight. For my M70 it cost me about $600. Light enough to carry all day long and fits me perfectly with less felt recoil.

If you want a new rifle, off the shelf with no requirement to modify anything - have a really good look at the new Sako Kodiak. I have a couple of .375s but am in love with the Kodiak - they are just built to hunt. They point well and shoot straight without too much felt recoil. Having put quite a few rounds through mine I am quite biased.

Cheers

Sell the 375, take your 416, use the money to buy the wife something to placate any issues that may arise when the trophies show up.

John

quote:

find yourself a Sako AV Hunter in 375...mine weighs 7lbs 7 ounces without scope or rings....I think in 375 H&H that's a lightweight...:-)

I sold my 375 H&H Hunter with a Sako stock...7.5# sounds about right. It was very copmfortable to haul around, and not bad to shoot, either.

quote:

I've hunted my Mod. 70 a lot. I'm 67, with a bad back.

Sounds like a century series pilot .

I have a Kimber .375 H&H that is mag ported and I would like to sell it for $2200. It's 95% or better. Send me your e-mail and I will send pictures....Tom

A .416 does nicely on plains game. Problem solved.

I had my 416 sighed in at 150yds. At 200 yds I could still hit the Bull.

And it had a 6" spred at 200 yds. It was moving
At 2420 FPS. Just thought you might be able to use this.

quote:

Originally posted by rembo:
find yourself a Sako AV Hunter in 375...mine weighs 7lbs 7 ounces without scope or rings....I think in 375 H&H that's a lightweight...:-)

+1

CDDN investments has the remington 798 .375 H&H's that they're closing out, $499 for a laminated stock and $599 for deluxe walnut. They're zastava mausers and for what you're looking for would be perfect. Spend $600 on the rifle and a few hundred more for a good gunsmith to go through it and make sure it's right.

Thanks guys for all the info.

Mark,

Thanks again for the insight, I will probably go ahead with a McMillan or something similiar.

George,

I have a Hawkeye in .375 Ruger and it handles very well. But life is too short to hunt with a SUPER ugly gun. I can take hunting with a ugly gun, but the Hogue on the Ruger is a bit much. LOL

Trapper,

Thats a great price, but I don't do porting on any of my big bores.

Big Bore,

My wife is going with me on safari. She is horse back riding, taking pictures etc. Shes not the stay at home type. I would actually be A LOT worse off if I left her at home.

Boltman,

Sorry I couldn't lower my standards down that far.

Thanks again guys for all the info.