Gents:

I know there are lots of posts on the topic, but I wanted to ask a question anyway: this weekend I got to handle a 375 Ruger Alaskan with a 20" barrel. I gotta say I really liked the way it mounted and swung. I also took down a CZ 550 in 375 H&H with the factory 25" barrel to compare the two. That one was like a railroad tie! I have never shouldered a 22" 375 and will need to give Dennis Olson my decision later in the year for my project. Shall I assume the common sense approach is to keep trying different rifles I can find with different barrel lengths and ultimately go with what feels best?

Thanks.

Sounds logical but I've found that stock design has a part to play in the way a rifle handles that is equal to if not more of a factor than barrel length. As an example,my 24"bbl rifle with its Brown Precision stock handles and balances better than my sons 24"bbl rifle with its Ramline stock. Both have bbls of similar contour. So yes handle as many different rifles as possible but take stock design into consideration also.

til later

til later

Umm, I am a newbie on big bores.

But if this is just a question of balance, can't this be adjusted by adding weight to the butt?

If this was a medium bore I would ask questions like:
How much velocity difference are we talking about between a 25 and 20 inch barrel?

Will you be using this only in the open plains, or will it be used in thickets and new growth woods?

The application will be general purpose and I imagine the rifle will see mixed contry use over time, meaning some woods, some open some mixed.

quote:

Originally posted by jsl3170:
The application will be general purpose and I imagine the rifle will see mixed contry use over time, meaning some woods, some open some mixed.

Barrel length for me has alot to do with your arm length/ht. For me @ 5'10", long bbls. on bolt guns feel gangly. Still, not a big fan of anything under 22".