I am wanting to start the search for an action for a future 375 project. I just want the action or a rifle that I can strip. What are some decent 375 length actions. I was hoping to spend less than a grand.

Mine is being built on a 1909 Argie. It makes for a trimmer action than using a magnum length action. They do require a significant amount of work to alter the rails, open up the action for the 375 lenght cartridge, and open the bolt face and such. You will also want a new bolt handle, surface grinding, and the other niceties. Plus you do have to use new bottom metal. But if you are wanting to build a custom rifle you would do that anyways.

But you should be able to buy the action, bottom metal, and have all the custom work and barrel fitting done for right around a grand, maybe a little more.

Any good Mauser 98 action will make an excellent .375 H&H or 416 Rem....as will any pre 64 Win. M-70..I'd opt for a Mauser...

Pre 64 Winchester Model 70s originally set up for the .300 and .375 H&H Mags. can be had for less than $1,000. I just bought one for a bit less than $800.

If the gunsmith is a lower end one I would start with a rifle that is already a 375 and that way you can test feeding etc. and my choice would be a Model 70.

Although a CZ is good because it has a much longer magazine and some loads in a 375 shoot at their best when the over all length exceeds the standard 3.6" which is also the limit of the M70 magazine.

Although as mrlexma has listed, the Pre 64 is a good starting point but I though 375s were a lot dearer, perhaps that is only Super Grades.

I think a Pre 64 for 375 gives the best combination of class in conjunction with the best receiver design out there. Much better bedding configuration than a Mauser.

Mike

If your trying to save bucks, I agree just buy a pre 64 M-70 375 H&H for about $1500 on average or a Super Grade for $3500....

For a full blown custom go with a good Mauser Mod. 98...

I like either a the cz action, M70, or an M98 if you intend to go in balls and all.

a new new 70 classic can be had for ~600 bucks...

there's no way in hell, for jeffe, i would buy a pre-64 action for a cent more than that...

heresy? probably....

jeffe

I should have been clearer. What I bought for less than $800 was an action only, not a complete rifle.

Pre 64 Model 70 rifles can be had in .300 H&H for around $1,100-1,200 and up. .375s are even pricier, starting at about $1,500-1,600 and going up--way up for super grades--from there.

Atkinson,
When you say a Mauser 98 do you mean a milsurp or a commercial magnum length? My gunsmith has plenty of nice VZ-24, available. Would this work? What do I NEED done to them to make it a reliable feeding rifle.

I have also considered the Model 70 route and may just end up with one new or old. I do want this to be CRF as I dream of Africa on a regular basis.

VZ 24s make a nice .375 H&H...open them up in back as much as possible...I recommend that you get a good drop box from Wisner, Blackburn or Sunny Hill and your on your way to one of the best in Custom rifles.....

How about a Model 1999 Montana Action? 3.65" Mag Box, CRF, 3 position safety, Right or left handed, Chrome moly or Stainless Steel, Magnum bolt face. And only for around $500. Fits the 375 H&H perfectly. Plus a 5 point gas venting system that no other action has. Hard to beat a combo like that for those larger cartridges.

Thank goodness I don't need another .375 H&H.....if I did however I'd be scouring the gun shows looking for a Whitworth Mauser.
I'd prefer a M-70 but finding one is not easy!!

I just came across a Mk10[Whitworth] in pretty good shape in a junk[ESTATE] sale last weekend. I paid the princely sum of 210.00 without asking twice. It was rather neglected but cleaned up nicely. Uncut too!! I gotta replace the old beat up pad but , other than that, the rifle is in great shape. I need another like a dose of the clap but can`t turn down a beautiful gun. Looks nice in the rack next to the same thing in 458. Not a Browning Safari but it`ll do in a pinch!LOL

Aloha, Mark

I think you could buy a pre-64 long magnum action for about 800.00 which is the going rate for them now. You could buy an unfired 375 H&H standard grade I have for 2900.00 which is a steal, or I just acquired a Mark X in 375 H&H in very good condition for 700.00. Any way you go, a 375 is a great round to have and shoot. It does reek of old Africa.

ElCaballero, I have a pre 64 375 action that I would sell. Send me a PM and we'll talk about it.

What part of MO are you in?