Win Model 70 Safari Express 375 H&H

Oh alright if you must insist.:D I picked this one up last night. Winchester Model 70 Safari Express 375 H&H. I haven't shot it yet basically wiped it down and took some pics. I say the fit and finish is very good and the trigger is very crisp IMO. The action is very smooth almost Sako like and handle's very well. I am topping it off with a VXIII 2.5-8 and putting it into leupold quick release rings. I hope to head out to the range this weekend and try it out. Here are some pics.
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I had the opportunity to borrow a Winchester custom shop M70 in .375 when we were in Tanzania. It was a gorgeous rifle that I'd have loved to own, although the LOP was about 3" too long for me which consistently caused me to hit low. The fellow who owns that rifle is pretty long, I came up to his shoulder and I'm 6'3".


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I'll be the post of dissension. I've owned one. They are heavy, I'm not a fan of the rear bridge hole spacing/scope mounting arrangement, and unless you have a real use for it it will get little use. However, it is a step in the right direction.
 
Yes they aren't the lightest guns, They are very nice guns, I've got them in 416 and 458 I look at a 375 as an all around gun and like then to be a little lighter. In the big cals. they're fine. We're not talking 7-08s here. I've had Super Expresses in push and CRF. These are on par or nicer than the older ones. I highly recomend them.
 
Once had an oppertunity to snag one, a pre 64 in 375 H&H, beautiful big gun, didn't have the $$ at the time, and forever kicking myself. Tastes have since moved to stainless / synthetic, but those big Winnies are still a nice rifle. It's only money, what the heck, do it or forever regret it.
 
MTM said:
Yes they aren't the lightest guns, They are very nice guns, I've got them in 416 and 458 I look at a 375 as an all around gun and like then to be a little lighter. In the big cals. they're fine. We're not talking 7-08s here. I've had Super Expresses in push and CRF. These are on par or nicer than the older ones. I highly recomend them.
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I think I found the solution for those who find the weight of a M-70 objectionable. While hunting, simply swap the M-70 with a .500 NE or larger double rifle every 3 or 4 hours. By the end of the first day that M-70 feels as light as a feather.
 
I really like the new Express. It handles well and everything about it says it was put together well too. My objection is that the .375 needs to be a pound lighter, but the 416 and 458 can stay at that weight.
 
Boomer said:
I think I found the solution for those who find the weight of a M-70 objectionable. While hunting, simply swap the M-70 with a .500 NE or larger double rifle every 3 or 4 hours. By the end of the first day that M-70 feels as light as a feather.
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I think the issue is carrying 2lbs extra in a rifle for the sake of what exactly? If there is a legitimate use for the rifle go for it.
 
sealhunter said:
What kind of prices are you guys seeing for new ones...
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About $1140 + TAXES. I do find it a bit on the heavy side, but it will make for a great exercise program lugging it through the bush.:p I would recommend one, we all need a 375 something in our cabinets:D Here is the heavy weight with the Leupold glass just installed.
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My friend bought one of the new Super Express's and the only reason was I wouldn't sell him my 1980's 375 H&H Super Express!! The quality on the new ones is excellent and fit and finish is extreamly well done for the price point! The only real differences are the front barrell band, the older ones have a sweated on sling swivel attachment on the bottom of the barrel ,while the new ones have a full band around the barrell. The old Super has -SUPER EXPRESS- on the bottom of the floor plate and the new style has nothing engraved there! The barrell finish on the old model is the Win high gloss finish ,while the new model is sometype of vaporblast finish similiar to Winchester model 70 actions. And for some strange reason they kept the odd demensioned hole spacing for scope bases? I wonder why? All in all the only thing that did not please me was the vapour blast finish, but I guess this is the more pratical finish with todays tacticool buyers. The weight is just fine for me and I am all of 5'-6" tall and this short pint has no trouble carry such a fine rifle, I now need to save my pennies and buy a 458 WM in a Super Express as my friend will not sell me his 1970's Super Grade in 458WM, I guess tit for tat,hahah .Buy one you will never regret it or lose your investment on it!Dale in T-Bay
 
Not to be a dark cloud but the one I got the stock shattered at both cross pins. WW had done a poor job of drilling the holes as it was obvious where they had used clear filler on the repair. I noted that to the boys at Russel's and asked what was going to happen when it let go, they said no problem for warranty.

I was back in 8 months saying politely "I told you so" and in another 8+ months a replacement stock finally arrived after much frustration. It must have come from their refuse pile as it had a bunch of damage done to it including the top of the comb being struck hard enough to be crushed flat. I was tired of waiting and just repaired all the nicks scratches and dents myself.

The rifle shot and cycled fantastic with anything it was fed. The bottom floor plate did not fit all that well and would pop open when it shouldn't.

This was a Super Express built around `96-97. UP to that point I was a big Winny fan (new stuff) but that adventure changed my tune. No more Remchester for me.

Of course one is limited when you need a 375H&H for that magnum length action. Last time I checked it is illegal to own one in a push feed and the CZs are just a little too clubish.

Hate to say it but it's a late model one he's after, I'd opt for the over priced Wooger M77. Can't believe I just typed that. I'm gonna be sick......
 
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