Which 375 to take?

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Hey gang.
First African hunt. Experienced hunter in NA.
Leaving for Namibia in ~40 days targeting leopard, zebra…other plains game as occurs. Chance for Caprivi strip buffalo or elephant if we finish early.
375H&H in a Ruger #1 or pre-64 Model 70
Love love love single shots but the Rifleman’s Rifle shoulders beyond compare.
Either will be scoped with a Zeiss 4-16 x44 (set on 4x) red dot as I want illumination + high light transmission for leopard scenario.
I don’t think there’s a wrong choice here but for fun want to tee it up to the group to weigh in.
For those curious: that’s a #8 smoothing plane and a #6 jack.

 

[skydiver386]

The Winchester.

 

[Wahoo]

Life is too short to choose just one. Obviously take both. 2 is one and one…

 

[318AE]

4x scope can be a lot for buffalo or elephant

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

4x scope can be a lot for buffalo or elephant

Good call…likely to switch to irons for these
Both rifles are good in that regard for DG ranges

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Life is too short to choose just one. Obviously take both. 2 is one and one…

Simplicity and logistics = I’m taking one

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

The Winchester.

Hard to argue … when you pick it up you feel you’re not alone in this world.

 

[RR 314]

Those more skilled than I can quickly reload No. 1s under pressure, but I would be much more comfortable with the 70.

With the amount of money you are spending, and the safety of others as well, I would consider a solid 1-6, 1-8 etc.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Pre ‘64 Winchester Model 70. Those extra rounds are a big life saver. Plus, I’ve been really successful with them.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Winchester

 

[318AE]

no PH has ever been disappointed with a client that shows up to camp with a pre 64 70 in 375…..

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Winchester, you’ll be a little quicker on follow-ups if needed.

I used to use a VX5 3-15 on my Pre64 without any issues. I went down to a VX6 2-16 recently though because I felt the 3x was a little too much on DG. If leopard wasn’t the last of the Big 5 I needed, i likely would’ve went S&B 1-4 or Swaro 1-6

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Scopes have come up and are an interesting discussion.

At my disposal:
Leupol VX3 3-9x (non-illuminated)
Leupold VX5 1-5 x20mm Firedot
Leupold 2-10x42 (non-Firedot)
Zeiss VX4 4-16 illuminated

The most obvious answer is to buy a Leupold 2-10x Firedot but I’m pinching pennies

I love my Leupolds but want larger objective + illumination so I’m going Zeiss. Will peel off if we go for buff or elephant.

 

[Safari Dave]

I would just take both.



If limited to one, I would take the M70, but do a little scope modification.
I think a lower limit of 4X is too high for DG in many circumstances. A 1-10X would be ideal.


A thermal scope would be ideal for leopard at night.

A NV adaptor would be OK too, as long as your PH had an IR illuminator.

 

[Mountaineer]

I would put the leupold 1-5 in the Winchester and use tough bullets (Barnes, bear blow, a frame) for buff. Then use the #1 with your Leupold 2-10 using a softer bullet (accubond, partitions, cutting edge) for leopard and PG. Caprivi shots can get a little longer so personally I would not go with iron sights.

 

[BeeMaa]

I voted pre-64 because there wasn’t a Blaser R8 option.

 

[BeeMaa]

Life is too short to choose just one. Obviously take both. 2 is one and one…

I would just take both.

One hunter is not allowed to bring two rifles in the same cartridge for hunting.

Simplicity and logistics = I’m taking one

Smart. Travel light with the one that gets it done...375H&H! Best of luck on your hunt.

 

[Rafiki]

One hunter is not allowed to bring two rifles in the same cartridge for hunting.

Now there's a nugget of good information.

 

[Bandera]

If the DG critters were not on the list I would take the No.1.
With DG critters on the list if I was going to use a No.1 it would be in a 416, 450-400, 450 NE, 458 Win Mag or 458 Lott. Something starting with a 4.

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

M70.