I came across a vary reasonably priced Winchester M70 Classic at a local store. The reason for the good price is that the previous owner installed a brake that left the effective barrel length at 19-1/2". How much performance will be lost as a result of the short barrel? Any other problems that I'm not thinking of? Thanks for your input.

The muzzle velocity lost will probably be in the 25 to 50 fps range per inch of barrel cut off.

The main problem; noise but that's remedied with good hearing protection.

ca,

I had my L/H'd .375H&H Winchester Model 70 cut back to 20" on purpose.

With good upper end loads of VVN160 & H-4350 I'm getting 2450 fps with a 300 gr. Hornady RN.

Haven't had any bullets bounce off an animal yet.

quote:

the main problem; noise but that's remedied with good hearing protection.

Yeah, O.K. it's a touch loud at the range and gets everyone's attention but Grumie has the right idea.

In the field I don't notice anything other than how much better the rifle handles without the extra 4" of barrel.

IMO, if you don't mind short tubes - jump on it.

If the noise bothers you you can simply remove the sissy slots and will have an easily portable rifle with enough power for anything.

If the price is good enough, it isn't awfully expensive to rebarrel. You could even change caliber while you were at it but the 375 H&H works for me.

Don't like brakes, but wouldn't mind a short barrelled .375, for small stuff (I know I overgun).

I'd like to chop mine down to 20", but it's so darned accurate at 24", I don't want to mess with perfection.

I had a Sako Mannlicher stocked 375, 20" barrel, weighed about seven pounds. Recoil was not bad, but they are a bit noisy.

Rich
Buff Killer

Jetdrvr,

Don't cut that gun down. I think you will regret it. My Ruger 375 H&H with a long barrel is a tack driver! Yes, it is a bit heavy, BUT it can hit its mark everytime. Enjoy.

I used to see some 20" barreled 375H&H rifles. They were called "Battue" or something similar and were apparently a specialty rifle meant for wild hogs in mountainous regions of France.