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I didn't reply to the other thread, and didn't vote, but this is what I was going to say.

Scott you will probably read this, so will direct right to you. If you want a big bore, and want something that is going to be slightly "unique", why not buy the CZ in 458 win or lott, both are supposed to be factory offerings now. You should be able to get that for <650. Then have it rechambered to 450 Watts. Not much practical difference, but it is different. The safety to 3 position if it tickles your fancy, a different trigger, still not over 850. Then take and have the extra crossbolt installed if ya want. I don't know how their sites are, but the whole NECG setup front and back can be had for 200. You could easily stay within your 1200 budget.

You just have to be very careful, you cannot imagine how easy it is to go over budget!

Red

I'd buy a used Whitworth 375 or 458 for about $500 or $600. Has every desirable feature of a DGR except a bolt safety, looks like a classic British rifle, nothing to be done except shoot it.

I'll dirrect this to Scott as well! I'd also buy a good used Whitworth but only in 375 H&H! Replace the safety with a mod 70 type, and the trigger with a Timmney, scope it with a Luepold 3-5x20 scope, on Quick detach rings and bases, and get used to a real rifle, before you get into anything like a 458 LOTT, or 500 anything! This outfit shouldn't cost you much, and will do for 100% of the animals that are legal to hunt, and has no flinch effect, like the real big bores! Just a thought!

MAC, I second your suggestion. The .375 will take out anything Scott will ever hunt. I'd rather be a good shot with a .375 than a half-ass shot with some big "Loudenboomer Magnum." The critters will be just as dead with a good hit from a .375, at least in this hemisphere.

Sounds like excellent advice and I agree completely on Mac's suggestion to the letter.

I voted for the cz .416 Rigby but I'd say the CZ in .375 H&H is the best real choice. If he couldn't afford the whatever it was then shooting the .416 isn't much more realistic. The .375 H&H, on the other hand, has much more affordable factory loads, is cheaper to reload, and will kill anything on the N. Am. continent.

Ya know.. on the 375...

we've al heard/argued/discussed and cussed that the 375 is truely a heavy medium, rather than a big bore. I think it's a big bore...

BUT, i made the poll to insure that there is NO question of it being a big bore

jeffe

Understood. Given that and the points I made about the financial situation I'd say get a .458 winnie. At least it's a Big Bore by virtue of caliber if not performance and not something he'd have to sell due to afordability.

id say the 458 win mag. loaded with 450gr its fine for dg. load it lighter for other use. Bullets can be had cheap. If you need even more thump later on bore it to 458lott.
Dean
ps id look for a whitworth.

Re a 375. I disagree with getting a 375 H&H. Respectively of course. You guys are right, it is a great hunting rifle....but "it ain't no BIG BORE. This is why I think the 458 [WIN or Lott] is his, or anyones best choice for their first BIG BORE. Bullets and brass are dirt cheap, compared to most BIG BORES. And there are several bullets suitable for North American hunting that perform at less than full recoil levels making this a rifle that will be affordable to shoot a lot, and one that is perfect for weekend plinking sessions and all your local hunting, deer, pigs, coyotes, etc.
No other BIG BORE rifle even comes close to having the shootability and "funability" of a 458. IMHO

None of the above. He should get a .416 Rem. Model 70.

JMHO,

JohnTheGreek

2 of my shooting buds bought .416 Rigbys as their first large bore rifles ("medium bore" to the .500 & .600 fans out there). The 350 Speer is a fine, relatively inexpensive bullet to shoot, and I've heard that it performs well on moose and such.

I think my first .40+ is likely to be a .416 Rem. The Rem doesn't have the panache of the Rigby, but it does all I need done in a rifle that can be made a bit lighter, and it burns about 80 grains of powder to push a 400 to 2400, versus 97-101 grains for a Rigby. That's 5 rounds out of 400 grains of propellant for the Yankee upstart versus 4 for the venerable, classic Rigby.

Regards,
BigIron

Seems like we ought to find out what he wants to do with it before we make too many recommendations.

Mikel,
He asked for suggestions in another thread, I just thought I'd help him out!!!

See, I am actually trying to be decent and helpful, even to someone that has, in teh past, bitten at me for it.

Since I know by bias (.400 or bigger) for big bores, and I also realize $$$ will be a factor, surprisingly, only the 416 rigby is high dollar brass.

This is non-binding, of course, and the idea is to give him our collective suggestion as to what he should build/buy to "nut up" to playing in the big bores.

Myself, I honestly hope he does a .510 xweatherby based one.. it can be loaded DOWN DOWN and be tollerable for anyone, or all the way up to flying rifle

jeffe

I think we were thinking more of the pragmatic aspects of starting out a tyro with the 375, and if all goes well, no reason Scott can't then get a .400 cal + something in the future. By my lights, thats the way to go and then work up if desired.