I posted this up in the Big Bore forum, but this might be a better place for a Winchester question.

I am contemplating purchasing a 1997 Winchester Model 70 "Classic Express" in .375 H&H. It's an itch that I have had since my first pre-64 Model 70.

From everything I have read this is a great rifle from the end of a great period in Winchester's manufacturing history in New Haven.

Is there anything that I should be aware of from rifles manufactured during this period, good or bad?

Not bad rifles better handling than CZ 602s or 550 Magnums some even had ERA Recknagel rear sights. The cartridge itself is overpowered for North American hunting recoil is heavy and ammunition needlessly expensive. Some years back it came out near or on top of modern mass-produced rifles of some professional African Hunter assessment. The guys that would point you in the right direction usually hang out at AccurateReloading Big Bore portion of that forum. There is little they do not know.

Thanks for the pointer Slavek. I will check the AccurateReloading Big Bore forum also.

I doubt at my age that I will get to Africa, but you never know. Maybe I can use the .375 H&H on a Moose, although I am sure my favorite cartridge, .30-06, would work just fine!

See bigbore forum.....

I've owned 3 of the Pre 64 .375 H&H rifles and loved all of them. Extremely accurate with minimal load work up and desirable rifles in any market. But, the recoil is at the very limit of what I could tolerate from the bench, so they all went down the road. I have a .338WM in a Stainless Classic and it is one of my favorite rifles, especially since adding the McMillan stock to it. Extremely accurate in factory trim with my handloads and carries well in the woods even with the 26" barrel.

Also, unless you are hunting the Big Five in Africa, you really don't need a .375. A good 30-06, 300 WM, or 338 WM will do just fine for just anything short of the Big Five and will work fine for the Big Five where allowed. But then again, what did need ever have to do with it?

Bob