What would it take?

13 June 2011, 03:32

Jim Kobe

What would it take?

I am doing a 375 on a pre-64 action for sale eventurall with drop-box bottom metal. What else should I do to make it right? Planning on an express rib with one standing and front barrel band sight, barrel band sling swivel,

Jim

13 June 2011, 03:45

N E 450 No2

Since it is a 375, I would also set it up for a scope with some kind of good hand detachable QD mounts.

13 June 2011, 03:49

Michael Robinson

I can only tell you what I like and did with mine.

I like all you are doing, but for the drop box and quarter rib.

I think a drop box on a .375 Win. M70 detracts from the smooth lines and handling qualities of the rifle. The quarter rib, IMHO, just adds weight.

I'd use a good piece of dense walnut and double cross bolt the action, just to be safe. Glass bed it, of course.

Ebony fore end tip and steel grip cap.

Good, simple, point patterned checkering.

And Bob's your uncle.

13 June 2011, 03:53

LJS

Make it 14 inch LOP to the end of pad. A half inch pad can be used if 13.5 is needed. I have passed on a zillion guns in my life that are too short for me. Much easier to shorten them than to lengthen them.

13 June 2011, 03:55

RIP

Champlins has an interesting .375 H&H Mauser, barreled action by Rigby, rebored from a 1909 made 350 Rigby,
restocked by Pachmayr, they want about $5500 for it, "New Gun Notification" today:

This too could use some scope mounting provisions as noted for yours, by N E 450 No2.

13 June 2011, 04:05

Michael Robinson

Forgot to add that I like a shadow-lined oval cheek piece. And I agree with LJS on LOP.

13 June 2011, 04:29

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Since it is a 375, I would also set it up for a scope with some kind of good hand detachable QD mounts.

N E 450 No2 has it right. A nice set of custom mounts for Talley rings would increase the resale IMO.

I know I will get flamed for this, but I think the quarter rib should be left off. IMO a quarter rib on a M70 is akin to a "tactical" bolt handle on a Mauser.

With resale in mind I would go with an island rear sight, as I'm sure that I am not the only person with taste....

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

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-Jason Brown

13 June 2011, 04:46

shootaway

quote:
Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
I am doing a 375 on a pre-64 action for sale eventurall with drop-box bottom metal. What else should I do to make it right? Planning on an express rib with one standing and front barrel band sight, barrel band sling swivel,

Jim

If you are going to use express sights you might want to drop the rear of the stock for easy sight aquisition or offhand shooting.IMO,the rifle wouldn't make sense otherwise.I've seen express sights on H&H rifles in 375 cal with very conservative wood and they looked great( I got a picture of one).You might want to shorten and slim the forearm stock as well and straighten the bolt.The M70 action will not suit this project because it is really a sniper action but if it is a favorite of yours...

13 June 2011, 06:20

Biebs

Jim, I think an ebony forend cap would be an expectation. I like dark wood with a red recoil pad, ala Griffin & Howe, but many don't find that attractive. As mentioned, some type of scope attachment, like dovetails in the bridges (depending on the action used), and Talleys add a touch of class on a custom rifle.

13 June 2011, 06:31

bwanamrm

I guess that is why they call them "custom" rifles... I do like the express sights and drop box magazine. I think a little perch belly on my Express rifles looks puta African and I always like an extra cartridge in the mag! And I prefer the black pachmayer pad but don't mind red, especially if 'the rifle looks "continental"! I hope we we are not making this more confusing Jim!

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Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
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13 June 2011, 06:37

zimbabwe

The scope mounts sound like a reasonable idea. I too would leave off the rear sight and install one of Rusty Marlins bolt peeps mounted on the cocking piece. I put one on a 375 with a Westley Richards single square bridge Mauser action. Looks and works nice.