Thoughts on "entry level" .375 H&H

[farmer_john]

I've been looking for a .375 for a few weeks now and would like your input on what you view as an entry level, or basic, serviceable .375 H&H rifle. I don't mean "least expensive" - I am looking for something that is reliable above all else, but not fancy with extras.

I live in a place that has one local gun shop, so for the most part it is buying sight unseen.

I had initially thought a new Winchester Safari Express, or maybe Alaskan, would be a good way to go. However, since joining this forum I have seen numerous posts indicating that the quality of new M70 rifles is hit and miss. I have read of potential feeding issues too.

The other options are:

Brno ZKK-602. I have a line on a used one, but understand (again from this forum) that I may need to upgrade the safety, bed the stock to help prevent cracking and possibly upgrade the trigger as well.

Sako AV or similar older version. These seem to pop up quite regularly. I recently read on this forum that these older Sako rifles can have their bolt "seize up". I can't find what this exactly means, or is caused by.

The odd pre-64 M70 or Browning Safari comes up for sale. The former are usually a bit beat up with extra holes or collector grade rifles and I am familiar with the latter having potential salt stock issues.

All of the above are available for a similar amount up here - between US$1100 (for older Sako) and US$1800 for the rest.

What would you get and what would you do to get it up to a satisfactory level? Thanks for your time!

Here is my last .375 H&H, a Remington BDL Custom C Grade. This and a Ruger No.1 are the only two I have owned:

View attachment 734073
View attachment 734074

My advice is to not worry about entry level vs not.
Entrey level implies its just something to get by till you can trade up to what you want.

My advice figure out what you like or think you do. And maybe while on a trip to larger town thats a dealer for what you like feel it hold it ect. And all the while save for it. Im of the opinion that its better to buy one nice thing you really really want than 5 alright things kinda what you want that end up being just as much as what you really wanted.
And use that rifle to put all your adventures and memories into.

 

[Arac]

My advice is to not worry about entry level vs not.
Entrey level implies its just something to get by till you can trade up to what you want.

My advice figure out what you like or think you do. And maybe while on a trip to larger town thats a dealer for what you like feel it hold it ect. And all the while save for it. Im of the opinion that its better to buy one nice thing you really really want than 5 alright things kinda what you want that end up being just as much as what you really wanted.
And use that rifle to put all your adventures and memories into.

Excellent points and I agree with all of them.

What I really want is something that is reliable - it will feed, fire and eject every time, should fit ok and has decent accuracy. Would I like an original Mauser M98, or maybe a Hartmann & Weiss double square bridge? Of course. But I would rather spend the difference on taking my son to Africa.

I ended up buying a new M70 Safari Express today. I may have it cerakoted, possibly a trigger upgrade if necessary and maybe a few other things (sights, Sunny Hill bottom etc). Or not. I will hopefully have the basics of a good, serviceable .375 and I can be happy with that!

I'm actually quite excited to take my wife and son out with it. I will have fun working up some practice loads and seeing them experience the grand old .375 H&H. I get a lot of happiness from sharing these kinds of new experiences with my family and friends.

Thanks again for all the thoughtful suggestions!

 

[farmer_john]

Excellent points and I agree with all of them.

What I really want is something that is reliable - it will feed, fire and eject every time, should fit ok and has decent accuracy. Would I like an original Mauser M98, or maybe a Hartmann & Weiss double square bridge? Of course. But I would rather spend the difference on taking my son to Africa.

I ended up buying a new M70 Safari Express today. I may have it cerakoted, possibly a trigger upgrade if necessary and maybe a few other things (sights, Sunny Hill bottom etc). Or not. I will hopefully have the basics of a good, serviceable .375 and I can be happy with that!

I'm actually quite excited to take my wife and son out with it. I will have fun working up some practice loads and seeing them experience the grand old .375 H&H. I get a lot of happiness from sharing these kinds of new experiences with my family and friends.

Thanks again for all the thoughtful suggestions!

Thats a solid choice and will serve you years to come. Im also in a similar journey to you as I will be taking my first trip in a few years and need a rifle for DG.

I would recomend getting a competent smith to glass and pillar bed the rifle. (If it doesnt come that way.

But either way solid choice and keep us updated on your adventures

 

[LimbNoMo]

Congratulations on a great purchase.

 

[Hedge774]

I am a admitted rust o phobe. I don't know what the finish on your rifle looks like now, but a cerakote job would probably be the first thing I did. Of course, if it has that deep blue finish that you find yourself getting lost in.... Your call! Congrats on the purchase. (Send a pic or we don't believe you!)

 

[Moody808]

Just came back from the local gun shop. They had an Alaskan in .375 and it seemed quite light. The stock setup didn't feel great to me - I kind of had to crank my neck a bit to line up the sights. And I don't like the rear sight at all. I checked out a Ruger in .375 Ruger and it fit much better, plus the open sights were far superior. They have a Safari in .375 at their other location so I will wait for them to bring it in.

Have to tell you though, the Ruger felt good.

Excellent points and I agree with all of them.

What I really want is something that is reliable - it will feed, fire and eject every time, should fit ok and has decent accuracy. Would I like an original Mauser M98, or maybe a Hartmann & Weiss double square bridge? Of course. But I would rather spend the difference on taking my son to Africa.

I ended up buying a new M70 Safari Express today. I may have it cerakoted, possibly a trigger upgrade if necessary and maybe a few other things (sights, Sunny Hill bottom etc). Or not. I will hopefully have the basics of a good, serviceable .375 and I can be happy with that!

I'm actually quite excited to take my wife and son out with it. I will have fun working up some practice loads and seeing them experience the grand old .375 H&H. I get a lot of happiness from sharing these kinds of new experiences with my family and friends.

Thanks again for all the thoughtful suggestions!

Congrats on the new rifle! Good luck with that spring bear!

 

[Arac]

I am a admitted rust o phobe. I don't know what the finish on your rifle looks like now, but a cerakote job would probably be the first thing I did. Of course, if it has that deep blue finish that you find yourself getting lost in.... Your call! Congrats on the purchase. (Send a pic or we don't believe you!)

I had to buy it online as they are hard to come by in Canada. It will probably take a week or so to get here.

I was thinking of Cerakote SOCOM blue as in photos it kind of looks like bluing. What is your preference when trying to have an end result similar to bluing?

 

[LimbNoMo]

I would leave it as is. The bluing they have on it will rust, but a wipe with an oiled cloth and you will never know it was there.

 

[Hedge774]

I had to buy it online as they are hard to come by in Canada. It will probably take a week or so to get here.

I was thinking of Cerakote SOCOM blue as in photos it kind of looks like bluing. What is your preference when trying to have an end result similar to bluing?

I use "Midnight Blue" and I am very pleased with it.

 

[DaddyFlip]

Nice choice. I like mine very much in 416Rem. The extra barrel weight of the 375 will make it a good all-rounder off sticks for the family. I don't think the factory finish should give you any trouble; keep the whole gun wiped down with a light coat of mineral oil and you should be good to go. UNLESS you just want the joy of a different color with Cerakote. Either way, enjoyed the thread so enjoy your rifle.

 

[Arac]

Nice choice. I like mine very much in 416Rem. The extra barrel weight of the 375 will make it a good all-rounder off sticks for the family. I don't think the factory finish should give you any trouble; keep the whole gun wiped down with a light coat of mineral oil and you should be good to go. UNLESS you just want the joy of a different color with Cerakote. Either way, enjoyed the thread so enjoy your rifle.

I was vacillating between the .375 H&H and the .416 RM, but after some figuring I felt that even with mild 300gr loads it would be a bit much for my wife who typically shoots a T3 Superlite in .270 Win. With the .375 I can start with some mild 235's and slowly work up to a stouter load. With the mild 235gr loads it shouldn't be too much of a leap from her .270 in the recoil department.

 

[Alistair]

Excellent points and I agree with all of them.

What I really want is something that is reliable - it will feed, fire and eject every time, should fit ok and has decent accuracy. Would I like an original Mauser M98, or maybe a Hartmann & Weiss double square bridge? Of course. But I would rather spend the difference on taking my son to Africa.

I ended up buying a new M70 Safari Express today. I may have it cerakoted, possibly a trigger upgrade if necessary and maybe a few other things (sights, Sunny Hill bottom etc). Or not. I will hopefully have the basics of a good, serviceable .375 and I can be happy with that!

I'm actually quite excited to take my wife and son out with it. I will have fun working up some practice loads and seeing them experience the grand old .375 H&H. I get a lot of happiness from sharing these kinds of new experiences with my family and friends.

Thanks again for all the thoughtful suggestions!

It's a good pick. Enjoy it. I think I already mentioned that I went that route. Certainly a solid, reliable rifle for what it is.

I assume your is also the 'latest' modern M70 with the CRF action?

I believe the finish is already some variation on cerakote, or at least my 2013 was. Certainly not 'true' bluing, but it seemed reasonably durable and looks 'ok'.

The trigger on mine was pretty good. Not 'match grade', but for a DG cartridge, perfectly serviceable.

I'd take a look at the bedding and the sights if you feel the need to tinker with stuff. They're probably the areas where the most real improvement could be made for reasonable expenditure. That said, I never felt the need to do so!

 

[major hunter]

I have been looking - the biggest I could find in Canada was in .300 WM. Please DM me or text me if you know of one!
Thanks!

Sent you a pm, know of a Sako & Sauer chambered in 375 H&H in Canada.

 

[Arac]

I’m happy to report the rifle arrived today. On initial inspection I have to say that I am quite pleased. Fit and finish is good, the stock has some figure in it and it feeds/ejects the dummy rounds I made up for it.

While it is a chunky one, I prefer to the Alaskan - it just seems to fit me better.

Thanks to all for your valuable insights. Next step is the range!

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Beautiful piece.

 

[Arac]

I forgot to post that the rifle is a hair under 9lbs.

 

[BJH65]

Congratulations on a fine rifle! I look forward to your future hunting reports. You have made an excellent choice!

 

[RedTag]

If looking for entry level, I think it’s hard to beat the old tried and true Winchester Classic Stainless M70. You can reasonably make it whatever you want from there. Have a banded express front sight added, barrel shortened, threaded even, if not a fan of stainless, coat it. Almost limitless options for stocks and quality reasonable synthetic options when ready, but it should prove accurate and reliable as is until that time.

And, has a good market once you are ready to move it and get something else. They are sought after for use here in Alaska but find them heavy for backpack hunting purposes…in comparison to 338wm or other options. But it would serve you well in hunting outside Africa too is the point.

Good luck. Many great options out there.

I saw a Winchester 70 classic stainless .375 H&H in perfect shape (with Leupold scope) for sale here in town the other day for $850. Yes, $850. The poor guy didn’t know what he had. I got there as soon as I could but too late, someone else had already snapped it up. Oh well. Way she goes.

 

[RedTag]

I’m happy to report the rifle arrived today. On initial inspection I have to say that I am quite pleased. Fit and finish is good, the stock has some figure in it and it feeds/ejects the dummy rounds I made up for it.

While it is a chunky one, I prefer to the Alaskan - it just seems to fit me better.

Thanks to all for your valuable insights. Next step is the range!

View attachment 737637
View attachment 737636

Excellent choice. Among new rifle offerings, I think you made the best choice for the price. The recommendations in the preceding pages are all over the map. It seems everyone is going to recommend his personal favorite, i.e. “the one he has”, which isn’t necessarily wrong, and it’s a natural inclination, but there ought to be a thorough discussion of the merits (and drawbacks) of each design. The trigger, the safety, the recoil lug design (or lack thereof in some of the newer “innovative” configurations), stock design, sights, etc. The matter of controlled round feed versus push feed comes up a lot, and it’s a valid point of contention, but there are other things that may matter more and don’t get anywhere near as much air time. I’m a Model 70 guy, with a strong preference for pre-‘64 examples, but I’d still say that the often maligned post-‘64 push feed rifles are miles better than a lot of the “innovative” rifle designs of other brands more recently manufactured. And while I don’t particularly care for the MoA trigger that Winchester has employed since 2006 or so, I think the M70 is the best value for a new CRF rifle today.