Thinking about choping my .375

[KO]

I am debating cutting down the barrel length of my cz 550 375 h&h. I love this rifle, but I'm trying to figure out if it would be a bit more handy with a 22" or so tube. My marlin GG has been my go to bush gun for a long time, but the cz just begs to be used. I have read that there is nominal velocity loss with the shorter barrel, but what other draw backs would there be? Would the express sights become useless? Maybe better to leave well enough alone. As always input is appreciated!
KO

 

[cam1936]

In my opinion I'd leave it as it is. 3 inches isn't a big differnece, certainly not enough to jusity the cost to me. The sights certainly wouldn't become useless, but shorter sight radius means less accuracy of course.

 

[crazy_davey]

Here is mine cut down to 20". The sights dont become useless, I just needed to order new sight inserts from CZ.

 

[geologist]

I chopped mine to 20" as well, had the front ramp re-installed and had to go to the lowest front sight, a #7 from London Arms. It shoots GREAT with the irons (see below).

I had the front sight installed a little further back so that it is easier to tape the muzzle. I also had the barrel swivel installed.

If you only chop 3" off it, you won't lose very much velocity, <than a 100fps, tops.

They handle much better in the bush with a shorter tube.

Or you could go over to the dark side and buy a "New King" .

 

[SuperCub]

In my opinion I'd leave it as it is. 3 inches isn't a big differnece, certainly not enough to jusity the cost to me.

Cutting a 25" 375cal bbl back to 21" will make a huge difference in handling and is highly recomended. I've never heard anyone say they regret it.

.

 

[Boomer]

I can't think of a situation where a long barreled .375 would be an advantage.

 

[220Swifty]

I just bought a 375 Ruger, because they built it right the first time.

 

[KO]

Thanks guy's. I'm fairly sure I would enjoy this rifle more if it were a bit quicker handling. Does anyone know of a smith around central alberta who could get it done in relatively short order?

 

[crazy_davey]

I just bought a 375 Ruger, because they built it right the first time.

I chopped mine long before the "New Queen" came out, so did geologist.

 

[Gatehouse]

I just bought a 375 Ruger, because they built it right the first time.

Yup, and then some manufacturers like Sako started offering their H&H's in "Alaskan" style versions once they realized how well the Ruger was selling.

 

[X-fan]

I can't think of a situation where a long barreled .375 would be an advantage.

Geez Boomer!
That short barrel must come in handy out on the open tundra!
My knock over a tree with a longer barrel!


Nice picture btw.

 

[Toomanyguns]

Is that a flashlight for late night creeping bears? What a bright idea. Brilliant. I'd like to see a close up if you would please.

I chopped mine to 20" as well, had the front ramp re-installed and had to go to the lowest front sight, a #7 from London Arms. It shoots GREAT with the irons (see below).

I had the front sight installed a little further back so that it is easier to tape the muzzle. I also had the barrel swivel installed.

If you only chop 3" off it, you won't lose very much velocity, <than a 100fps, tops.

They handle much better in the bush with a shorter tube.

Or you could go over to the dark side and buy a "New King" .

 

[geologist]

Is that a flashlight for late night creeping bears? What a bright idea. Brilliant. I'd like to see a close up if you would please.

It is a bit of a tactical joke using a clip I found from a set of hiking poles.

Would work well for the first shot though .

 

[medvedqc]

so finally the advantage of taking 3" is making a 375 ruger in a magnum size box ....

 

[Boomer]

Geez Boomer!
That short barrel must come in handy out on the open tundra!
My knock over a tree with a longer barrel!


Nice picture btw.

Thats the cool thing though isn't it, it'll stretch its legs to a quarter mile, but is quick handling in the thick stuff.

 

[medvedqc]

Boomer seems he s too close for my own confort but i dont have your background with those lovely babies ....

 

[X-fan]

Thats the cool thing though isn't it, it'll stretch its legs to a quarter mile, but is quick handling in the thick stuff.

Another nice one!

Personal taste is the only real difference in most things rifle.
I honestly don't notice the difference between 18 and 26 inches here on the wet coast...I actually prefer the feel and balance of my 26 inch barrels....Go figure?

Maybe I'm a retard?

 

[geologist]

A lot of the felt advantage in a carbine is logistical/transport based. In tents, helicopters, fixed wings, snow machines, ATVs etc, the carbine is easier to store and to access.

 

[medvedqc]

A lot of the felt advantage in a carbine is logistical/transport based. In tents, helicopters, fixed wings, snow machines, ATVs etc, the carbine is easier to store and to access.

my 1899 Savage .300 Savage take down is hard to beat for that.
you should have seen the face of pilots and helpers with my little take down suitcase.

never had to use it for bigger than black bear so i cannot comment on other bears ...

but i prefer my 375 ruger. maybe a sauer take down, Mauser 03 or Blaser93 or blr take down can be good idea but dont know for reliability.

 

[KO]

Wow boomer, you see some incredible sights! Geologist, it was a post you put up with your 375 that started me thinking of doing this. Now that I've heard from you guys and Davey, I am quite certain I want to get it done. The only complaint I had with it last season was it felt slow handling. Even just getting in land out of the vehicle, pushing bush and packing on the quad. I would like it to become my go to bush gun, and I really doubt I'll notice a down side. Now just to figure out who can do it, with out taking 3 months to get back, and how much they'll charge. My brother owns a fab shop and I have experience and access to a industrial lathe, but this is not something I think I'd attempt. The cutting would be probably be ok but I have zero idea on crowning, installing sight and so on.