Right, not to open Pandora's box or start any other form of shitstorm, but I would very much like to solicit options and opinions for a first 375. I would prefer the 375 h+h and I would like to keep it within a budget of 2-3K, optics included. I've looked over (via websites) the Sako 75, Winchester, Remington, Browning, Ruger and CZ.

Are ther other alternatives?
I like rugged reliable tools. No safe queens.

Thanks and cheers.

If it is a starter I might suggest the Ruger RSM in 375 H&H. Some say it is a little bit heavy but it will soak up some of the recoil and for the money I think it will give you a lot of value.

i have a push feed m70 in 375 h&h... has a redfield 2-7, 20mm scope...redfield bases... gun was less than $800, scope, rinngs and bases were around $150... for thhe time being i'm shootiing factory 270 gr federal premium..i'm getting <2" groups at 100 yds... recoil is not bad, i'm planning on adding a mercury reducer somettime in thhe future....i like the m70's looks, the 3 position safety....and i like the fact that i can do trigger adjustments myself...

quote:

Originally posted by Bamabow:
.....I like rugged reliable tools. No safe queens.....

I prefer a used firearm to a new one. One of the first places to try would be the gun auction sites like Auction Arms or Gunbroker.com. I just cruised Gunbroker and they had this one http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=57039682

My brother bought his .375 off one of the auction sites and is quite pleased with it. The only thing to be aware of is to have a receiving dealer lined up before you bid. Other than that it is quite easy.

And keep an eye on the classifieds here.

I'd look for a used Interarms Whitworth. A genuine 98 Mauser, slick positive feeding, very accurate, excellent value for under a grand.

Bama,

there is a young guy here in town that has/had a 375PF new model 70 that was offered for $500 two weeks ago. It wouls be a great start, until you decide just what you want in a DGR.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by fla3006:
I'd look for a used Interarms Whitworth. A genuine 98 Mauser, slick positive feeding, very accurate, excellent value for under a grand.

It is needless to say more.

Blaser offroad then you could switch barrels and it is a take down. If you shop around you would be under $3g's

505ED

Here is one.

Interarms

Don't forget a Rem 700 if you can find one. Very accurate, excellent trigger, moderate price. Otherwise, a Whitworth - for reasons previously stated. I might know where you could get a real nice one, if the guy wants to sell.

A CZ 550 will set you back around $800 give or take.
Rings $50.
Kahles 1.5 X 6 X 42 $1100
Leaves you $50 for a box of Federal premium's.
CZ's are certainly rugged and reliable, and I highly doubt anyone has ever considered one a safe queen.
KC

I have a 700 in 375 that I bought used. Very happy with it, 1" groups @ 100 with a 4x Leupold. They pop up used now and then.

quote:

Originally posted by Bamabow:
Right, not to open Pandora's box or start any other form of shitstorm, but I would very much like to solicit options and opinions for a first 375. I would prefer the 375 h+h and I would like to keep it within a budget of 2-3K, optics included. I've looked over (via websites) the Sako 75, Winchester, Remington, Browning, Ruger and CZ.

Are ther other alternatives?
I like rugged reliable tools. No safe queens.

Thanks and cheers.

I am in the same situation as Bamabow. I have narrowed the choices down to a CZ550 in 375 H&H or a poor man's custom, rebarreling a Howaby Vanguard to 375 H&H or 375 Weatherby.

Decision will be made when I know what my tax refund will be and whether or not I get to my tax refund before my Wife does.

ZM

Wow, thanks for all of the feedback. I've got several guns bookmarked on Gunbroker. The biggest cncern I've got there is I don't know if the quoted prices are ripoffs or if they represent fair value. Here are a few that I've got marked.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=56836319
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=57218318
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=57327202

I'll start sniffing for the whitworth. I'm not in a hurry. Unfortunately there aren't any gunshops in my area (middle Alabama) that carry this kind of inventory. We got a butload of 270's but not many 375's.

Thanks again.

Here's my thoughts. Or should I say questions.

What are you going to use the rifle for? What weight rifle do you like?

Here's why I ask. I owned both a CZ and a Whitworth. Nice rifles, shot great. They were the Safari style rifle. Meaning that they are pretty heavy. They were both too heavy for what I would consider a general hunting rifle.

So my advice would be to go to a bunch of gunshops/shows and handle as many rifles as you can. Pick the one that feels best to you.

A friend of mine has a 375 H&H in a Rem 700 Alaskan. It handles very nicely.

I have a CZ 416 Rigby that is currently at the gunsmith's getting a rework. That would be an option for you also. By the time it's done, it's going to be a lighter better handling rifle. I think when it's all said and done I'll have less than 3k in it.

I went with the 416 because I am going to Africa someday.... and I wanted a bigger rifle than the accepted minimun in most countries for Cape Buffalo.

quote:

Bamabow: I'll start sniffing for the whitworth. I'm not in a hurry.

You really can't go wrong with one of these. I've owned 2 Whitworths, a Brno 602 and a pre-64 M70 in 375H&H. All are very nice but I think the Whitworth handles best. Brnos/CZs are a little large and cumbersome for the 375, better suited for 416-length cartridges. Those you have earmarked on GunBroker are all push feeds, something I would avoid.

basically you've got
interarms whitworth express. be PICKY but you can get one for under $1k,

CZ 550, about $750 going rate

Ruger RSM, for about 1400.

Of the three, the ruger will have the better wood. in fact, you can just specify "amazing wood" to your dealer, who'll tell the distributor

assuming leupold 1.5x4 EURO (30mm tube) 370 bucks,

interarms +300
position safety, installed, $250, rings should be included, if not, $50

CZ, can live with the safety, trigger 90 bucks, rings $120, +210

Ruger - replace pad - $50

Totals, with glass, basically list
Interarms 1670
CZ - $1410
Ruger - $1750

CZ will hold a FIST full down, and is not undercut.. should hold 6.

jeffe

This thread demonstrates why I think the .375 ruger is going to be such a big hit. All of the .375 H&H options are fairly expensive and/or hard to find. The .375 ruger is going to give full 375 H&H performance and all you need is a $350 commercial mauser donor (interarms mark X/ daly/ herters j9 etc) in a magnum caliber and simple barrel swap and you have what you are looking for.

Weagle

quote:

Originally posted by weagle:
This thread demonstrates why I think the .375 ruger is going to be such a big hit. All of the .375 H&H options are fairly expensive and/or hard to find. The .375 ruger is going to give full 375 H&H performance and all you need is a $350 commercial mauser donor (interarms mark X/ daly/ herters j9 etc) in a magnum caliber and simple barrel swap and you have what you are looking for.

Weagle

Minor Hi-Jack!!!
Does this mean the 375 Ruger would fit into a Czech 98/22 action?

Returning to the regularly scheduled thread.

ZM

It's gonna be pretty fat to get thru the magazine and into the chamber, eh?

Rich

Alright, so after a Google search I come up with these.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976782168.htm
And this one with the gay stock
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976752791.htm
http://www.griffinhowe.com/riflemoreinfo.cfm

I assume based an the above comments that the Whitworth has a controlled feed. Does any other manufacturer have a controlled feed? I think the first and third of the links above are the same rifle and is surely my preference over the gay stock version. Can anyone tell me about the whitworth safety?

Thanks Guys. This has been very enlightening.

Yes the Interarms Mark X has a Mauser claw extractor. So do the Brno/CZs and "classic" & pre64 M70s. The rifle on GunsAmerica looks like a very nice early vintage specimen. Price is high though. Same thing with the G&H Whitworth. If you look around you should still be able to get one for $6-800.

tha second one listed has a very,hmmmmmmmmmmmm,shall we say interesting interpretation of the Wby-style carving...IMHO gonna need a stock. On the other hand, I do know Dave Crosnoe and it will meet your needs well.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Zeke:


Minor Hi-Jack!!!
Does this mean the 375 Ruger would fit into a Czech 98/22 action?

Returning to the regularly scheduled thread.

ZM

Yes, the .375 ruger will work in a standard length 98 without all the mods needed for the H&H.

Weagle

quote:

Originally posted by weagle:

quote:

Originally posted by Zeke:


Minor Hi-Jack!!!
Does this mean the 375 Ruger would fit into a Czech 98/22 action?

Returning to the regularly scheduled thread.

ZM

Yes, the .375 ruger will work in a standard length 98 without all the mods needed for the H&H.

Weagle

Thanks
I have a Czech 98/22 milsurp collecting dust and dripping primordial gun ooze in the safe. Waiting patiently for the 375 Ruger to be released.

Returning to the regularly scheduled thread.

ZM

Find yourself a 700 Rem BDL stainless, do the appropriate gunsmithing if you have to have CRF, put a 3pos safety on it, bbl band sling stud, etc. I bought one here in Denver nearly unfired with an aftermarket stock for 400 bucks, stainless rings. Shot great, easy to carry, and looong magazine, can load all the way out to about 3.65. That was a bargain rifle. It is now with a friend in Alaska whose wife shoots it.

Thank everyone for your posts. Y'all have been very helpfull. I've just gotten a line on a pre 64 winchester being sold privately and a Ruger 77 both in 375 H+ H. I have developed several opinions over the last few days. First, I'm very leary about purchasing a firearm over the internet. I much prefer an opportunity to touchy feeley prior to buying. Second, while the new Ruger round may, after a period of years prove itself, I am also leary of new products untillthey have some age on them. Over all I'm having alot of fun exploring my options, I just wish I had somewhere to go to "shop" for a big bore.

Cheers

I bought the cz 550 about a year ago and couldn't be happier. It shoots around an inch at 100 yards with my 300 gr handloads, which weren't loaded for accuracy as much as point of impact with solids and soft points.

If I buy another hunting rifle it will probably be a cz. I've even thought about replacing some of my other rifles with their cz counterparts but can't justify the expense. Just my opinion but I like the cz more than any of the Rugers, Remingtons, Winchesters, Mausers and Savages I have owned.

RUGER......very sweet wood (yes, I asked) and mine feeds perfect right from the box. Trigger sucks but Timney is available (and already installed) for about $75-80. I also put a NECG front sight on it as I didn't like the stock one. It has a Luppie 1.5x5 in Warne QD rings. This rifle is the s#!t!!! For a NEW rifle, I think they're tough to beat.

Good luck on your choice.

Gary

If and when you can locate a Remington/ZASTAVA 798...
I guess they're hard to come by at the moment, but the basic format is the same as the 'Whitworth'.

Main page:
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_798.asp

Specs page:
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_r.../model_798_specs.asp



HOGUE makes a stock for these guns ( there's even a provision for the type of safety they come with ).
This stock can be either pillar-bedded or use a full-bedding block.
Real utility type of stock.

Optics can be whatever you want or wish to budget for.

It might get you into a new gun without spending too much for it.
Good Luck!