375 Rifle Weight

Looking for opinions as to the best weight, with scope, for a 375 H&H that will keep recoil reasonable and not be to heavy to carry afield.

Around 9-10 pounds with scope and sling, loaded is about right. Light rifles are great for carrying but not much fun to shoot. However, when shooting at game, you hardly ever notice recoil.

IMO I would say anywhere from 9 to 11lbs. Mine weighs right around 10lbs and I think the recoil is not bad at all. Recoil is more then just weight though, the straighter the stock from the receiver and the better the gun fits you makes the recoil become more of a push and less of a kick without as much muzzle jump. This makes it feel like less recoil thus making it more comfortable to shoot.

LRich

These men have it right on the money 9 to 11 pounds.

9 or 10 pounds seems to be the standard if your concerned about recoil. Unless your tracking elepahnt or eland the stalks probably wont be that long. And one of the trackers will gladly carry your gun some if need be.

I like a 9.5 lb. .375 including the 3X Leupold or 1.5x5 scope. I like the same weight with my .416 Rem. or 404 Jefferys.

I have a 8 & 1/2 lb Remington Mountain 700 that is more comfortable and less punishing (on the bench) than my Cz 550 that weighs in excess of 9 & 1/2 lbs.

Both shooting identical factory .375 ammo.

Weight is not the ONLY contributing factor to recoil.

I agree weight is not the only contributing factor to recoil, a good recoil pad goes a long way....and so does a properly fit stock. I see way to many people shooting guns that don't fit them...and because they don't have a good grip or proper alignment to absorb the recoil.

But a 9 to 11 pound gun should be fine.

You need to decide if you want a rifle that is nice to hunt with (light) or nice to shoot at the bench (heavy).

My .375 is 8.25 lbs but it has a good stock design and the length of pull is correct for me, it also has a good quality recoil pad fitted so I have no problem with it even in the prone position.

Talk to your gunsmith and have him (or her) build you a well fitted rifle or alter the current stock. In my opinion you should have a stock that is as long as possible as it will be easier to control recoil (and it prevents you mounting it on your arm as opposed to in your shoulder), you should see 2 to 3 fingers between your thumb and nose this will also help prevent you joining the "half moon club" (not a nice thing on a .375 ). The balance is also very important and it should balance near the front main screw as it will make carrying more comfortable and it also helps with the felt recoil.

I feel ideal weights are as follows:

Transitional bore .375 type rifles: 8 to 9 lbs
Medium bore .458 type rifles :9 to 10 lbs
Large bore .500 type rifles : 10 to 11 lbs

The big question is are you going to be able to carry your rifle all day and still be able to shoot it well when your trophy (?) is in your sights ?

I have to agree with Craig. I have an older model Dakota in 375 H&H with a Clifton stock. It weighs 8.25# with a 3x9 Trijicon. The recoil is very tolerable but I think the 14" LOP and straight combo stock are what makes it so easy to shoot.

My Sako 85 375 is 3.6kg without scope which is 7.9 lb plus with S&B scope 9.2lbs nots sure about mounts but they are sako QD optilocks

Long time ago Remington 700 Safari , no scope , .375 H&H 9 lb OK lower limit!
Today Winch 70 Safari Express (last model) .375 H&H Barrel length 24"+ Scope QD mount Leupold 3-9x40 : 11lb perfect !
Take care to th eye relief ... (need 9 to10 cm) in spite of the weight ...
According to the length of the shot the "perfect" (, ) weight changes : long range need
more stability ... 220 yds it's ... far! (Zero for .375 H&H : 200 yds with 40 to 220 yds inside +/- less than 2 "!)

Originally Posted by Craig Klintworth

You need to decide if you want a rifle that is nice to hunt with (light) or nice to shoot at the bench (heavy).