The .375 H&H In A NOS Model 70

[krinko]

Acquired at an auction in Council Bluffs last Sunday---1977 Winchester Model 70 in .375 H&H Magnum. (Cheap, too.)
This rifle was ratholed new in the box and never fired---until today. I have the box, the hang tag and even the Warrantee card, though it may be too late to mail that in?
For ammunition, I had eleven rounds of old SuperSpeed Silvertip that came with a bunch of odds and ends from my friend Carl's estate---so I decided to try those first, as I wouldn't want to buy ammunition for something I didn't enjoy shooting.

[There was a poor soul at the club range last year with a .375---and he was sweating blood trying to manage his rifle and his flinch factor. It was obvious that the man didn't know how to hold a rifle---know what I mean?---so I wasn't expecting abject failure on my part.]

As it turns out, there was no failure at all, I am in freakin' LOVE.

Don't mistake me, this rifle is no pussycat, but with the proper hold it is easy enough to manage and riding that recoil is big fun.
I am ordering about eighty rounds of PPU hardball tonight.
-----krinko

 

[Cocked & Locked]

You done good...I like it and am envious

 

[BrocLuno]

Ditto - that's one lovely rifle and a great all time classic round

 

[Hizzie]

Cheaper than Dirt

BVAC 285gr Grand Slams for ~$35/box

 

[Robert]

After I shot a 470 NE the 375H&H did not seem bad at all. I want a 375H&H in a Mod70 so bad. That is an awesome round and rifle. Congrats!

 

[krinko]

"I want a 375H&H in a Mod70 so bad."

Gus, I'm glad you weren't at the auction, I suppose...and I'm really glad the Winchester collectors attending didn't want any of the post-1964 stuff.

Thanks for the CTD tip, Hizzie, I will investigate---
-----krinko

 

[JohnM]

Great find.
I've used a 375 H&H Model 70.
I'm not sure I would buy one now because I don't think I could ever use one again, but the one you got is a real classic.

 

[451 Detonics]

I had one from about the same era, my only complaint was it was not drilled for a receiver sight, had to have that done. Use that rifle to win the Ernest Hemingway Memorial Shoot a couple times. The 375 H&H really is a pussycat in the recoil department compared to other medium bore guns in the same power range. It is also a great long range cartridge when handloaded. I did end up selling mine in order to fund another 375 caliber build...a 375/338 in a Browning BAR Safari.

 

[TGReaper]

I have a very similar rifle that I use for almost all types of hunting,and general shooting, The accuracy of the cartridge is unbelievable. I have some groups (3 shot)that measure 1/2 in. @ 100 yds.
This is with my plinking load,220 gr @ 2935 fps.
Great find.

TGR

 

[Loosedhorse]

I'm really glad the Winchester collectors attending didn't want any of the post-1964 stuff.

Perhaps the only big thing a post-64 .375 is missing is the pre-64 (Mauser-type) claw extractor.

In a dangerous game rifle, the dependability of a controlled-feed action is prized. The post-64 push-feeds, however, may have more accuracy potential.



However, your rifle appears to have cross-bolts, and so I think it would be a"classic" safari express; I think those continued to have claw extractors post-64.

but with the proper hold it is easy enough to manage

I often hear that the .375 is "too much gun" for any game in North America. My usual response is, "So, what?"



Congratulations.

 

[Geno]

Beautiful rifle! I agree with others, that the .375 H&H recoil is a comparative matter. After pulling the trigger on 17 rounds of .378 Wea Mag, the .375 H&H Mag is a pussycat. FWIW, I like the push-feeds. I never found anything wrong with them. As some are hung-up on "needing" the claw, you can find some great prices on the push-feed models.

Geno