I am going to build a 416 Remington on a Winchester model 70 action. I shoot let handed so I will have to use the newer "classic" model 70 action. I have a question regarding which action to use, the heavier express action of the LH 375, or base it off the regular "magnum" action? I currently have a light weight Browning stainless stalker 375HH that I shoot all the time. It is very manageable recoil wise. I do not think that I would want a very heavy 416. What are your opinions/ suggestions?

Iron Buck,

I'd use the Express action since it already comes with the crossbolts and correct magazine. The weight will come in handy during recoil. Using the other action will require more work to make it .416-ready.

I don't know why a .375 is not enough for your needs, but I recommend you acclimate to the recoil of a .375 before you jump to a .416.

A fellow lefty,
George

Either the Safari Express or the 375 Classic Stainless should work just fine. The Safari Express is chambered in the 416 Remington so it might save you some work there. Unlike the Classic series, the Safari Express has a one-piece trigger guard and floor plate assembly and it also has a walnut stock with cross bolt reinforcement. If it were I, I would get a 416 Safari Express and put on a PAC-NOR Super-Match grade barrel and a set of NECG sights. I had a 458 Winchester custom-built last year using a Classic Stainless action but it cost me quite a bit more than anticipated and I would not do it again. Unless the action opening port is made for the 375 H&H length, you will need to have it open up to accommodate the 416 Remington. Good luck. Cheers! Ming

George, Iron Man:

If you can go buy a Win. 70 Magnum in 416 Rem., why is it you want to build one?

Not that this applies, but I bought one and put a McMillan stock on it, but still weighs 8.3 lbs (1 lb. less than as from the factory) and now somewhat barrel heavy.

I would like to send it off later this year and get a lighter barrel installed, to bring it down to 7.5 lbs. I know there will be much more recoil but carrying a heavy gun is not my idea of fun.

I just can't decide whether I want to do this, as I'm not sure that the 416 is enough gun.

Will

Need has nothing to do with this project.......God knows that the last thing I "Need" is another rifle! LOL. It is simply a matter of "wanting" one.

The reason that I can not just buy a M70 Safari Express in 416 is because they do not make them left handed in this caliber. Oh the joys of shooting left handed! Because of this I will have to have one made.

I like the idea of a lighter 416. Built to be 8 lbs unscoped. I want to have a walnut stock on it, not synthetic. This is purely for a traditional look. I want the CRF of the model 70.

I would want to use this rifle on my first Bufalo hunt to Africa. This is a trip that I have at least 2 years left to save for. The Rifle project will alow me to "Dream of the hunt" while I pass the time!

Will,

Remember, I have a .375H&H and a .470 Capstick, so the .416 doesn't interest me.

However, if someone wants to sell me one cheap...

George

Iron Man:

Oops. Sorry, I glossed over the left-handed part.

Will

Unfortunately, they only make the left handed version in the Safari Express series and only in 375 H&H. There does not seem to be a whole lot of choices for a left handed shooter. Good luck. Cheers! Ming

So if a [i]left-handed] shooter wants a 416, and if he doesn't mind paying for a stock, is there much difference between a "Classic" and a "Safari Express?". If considerable gunsmithing (including rebarreling) is going to be needed anyway, is there any meaningful difference in the metal parts of a left-handed M70 in 7 mm Remington Magnum and a left-handed M70 in 375 H&H caliber?

H. C.