I just picked up a Whitworth (marked) action in .375 H&H. It does not have the forward barrel lug on it. Is this common? Do I need to get a lug put on it?

Sorry, above I meant to write barreled action.

If you are going to bed it in wood it is probably a good idea however I've seen a good number of them being banged around up here without lugs. If you use a good synthetic stock with solid bedding I doubt you will have a problem without a bbl lug.