Controlled feed action thoughts

[jimbo1972]

So about to go on my first plains game hunt. Would like to start building a semi custom dangerous game rifle for my next hunt. Here’s my thoughts. I built a semi custom rifle from an abused Weatherby Mark V Action that was originally an early 1972 Japanese action. Had Hart rifle barrel blueprint the action, install a new 7mm rem mag 1-8 twist and bed into a McMillian stock. (Note to original rifle has a thin barrel that was shot out and a stock that looked like it was pulled behind a ATV) It took 18 months because of Covid to get it back but it’s a work of art.
Would like to do the same in a controlled feed action in 375HH with a suppressor. Any suggestions on best place to find a donor action? Been looking at local pawnshops for an abused model 70 Winchester

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

You’ll likely find Post64 CRF 375 rifles in good shape cheaper than a donor Pre64 magnum action or beater Pre64 375. Beat-up Pre64 300H&H rifles can be found but you’ll need to rebarrel and at this point you’re likely at or above the post64 complete gun. Most 375 guns here in the states aren’t shot, carried, or hunted the way grandpas old .270 are so they tend to be in better shape and not quite as abused.

A cheaper alternative you might consider is a Interarms or BRNO. Those can sometimes be found at gun shows or online cheaper than a Pre64 Magnum Action. I’ve seen several in the $700-1000 range over the last 18mo but going rate seems to be $1200-1500 now. Sakos and Browning Safaris are other ones to keep an eye out for that you can sometimes snag on a deal and aren’t as sought after

 

[jimbo1972]

You’ll likely find Post64 CRF 375 rifles in good shape cheaper than a donor Pre64 magnum action or beater Pre64 375. Beat-up Pre64 300H&H rifles can be found but you’ll need to rebarrel and at this point you’re likely at or above the post64 complete gun. Most 375 guns here in the states aren’t shot, carried, or hunted the way grandpas old .270 are so they tend to be in better shape and not quite as abused.

A cheaper alternative you might consider is a Interarms or BRNO. Those can sometimes be found at gun shows or online cheaper than a Pre64 Magnum Action. I’ve seen several in the $700-1000 range over the last 18mo but going rate seems to be $1200-1500 now. Sakos and Browning Safaris are other ones to keep an eye out for that you can sometimes snag on a deal and aren’t as sought after

Didn’t even think about Sako or Browning Safari. Yea this is not about saving money, just enjoy having something built exactly to my desires. Thanks for the great advice

 

[BeeMaa]

You could also look into a CZ550 that's had an AHR #2 or #3 upgrade. I've seen a few of them with threaded barrels. If Wayne had his hands on it, it's DG ready.

Another option would be a Ruger or Kimber and have the barrel threaded and maybe change the stock if you want. I'm a big fan of the Kimber Caprivi and Talkeetna as a CRF option.

Lastly, there are a few PF or modified CRF rifle actions out there that are extremely reliable and DG ready like the Blaser R8 or the Bansner Safari. Not trying to start the whole CRF vs PF debate. Just making a suggestion the OP may not be aware of.

 

[jimbo1972]

You could also look into a CZ550 that's had an AHR #2 or #3 upgrade. I've seen a few of them with threaded barrels. If Wayne had his hands on it, it's DG ready.

Another option would be a Ruger or Kimber and have the barrel threaded and maybe change the stock if you want. I'm a big fan of the Kimber Caprivi and Talkeetna as a CRF option.

Lastly, there are a few PF or modified CRF rifle actions out there that are extremely reliable and DG ready like the Blaser R8 or the Bansner Safari. Not trying to start the whole CRF vs PF debate. Just making a suggestion the OP may not be aware of.

Thanks
Like Ruger a lot but limited aftermarket stock options. Truly don’t care for anything with the name Kimber on it, especially as a foundation for a DG rifle.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Get a military surplus Enfield Model 1917 or (better yet, a Pattern 14 Enfield). There, you’ve got a solid Magnum length action.

Holland & Holland made extensive use of these actions between 1919 -1957.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Didn’t even think about Sako or Browning Safari. Yea this is not about saving money, just enjoy having something built exactly to my desires. Thanks for the great advice

You’re very welcome,

As mentioned above, the Ruger and CZ options exist as well. I saw a beautiful Ruger wearing a 1-4 Leupold, with 2 boxes of ammo at a shop in Austin, TX on consignment Tuesday. It was priced at $3200 you might be able to get it for a little less. If you’re interested, send me a PM and I’ll get you the name of the shop and who to speak to.

 

[KY Hunting Guy]

I just saw this thread and know of a local gun shop that has a used Model 70 super express in 416 rem for sale for 1800.00. Don’t know if that’s what you are looking for or not. PM me if you are interested in the details.

 

[Berettaco]

Post 64 model 70 in 375HH. Likely not shot much and probably $1000-$1200. Get barrel threaded and upgrade stock if needed.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Get a military surplus Enfield Model 1917 or (better yet, a Pattern 14 Enfield). There, you’ve got a solid Magnum length action.

Holland & Holland made extensive use of these actions between 1919 -1957. View attachment 616585

Good idea. You'd be making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I have a P14 junker in the safe right now that I can barely stand to look at. They are one strong action but gawdawful ugly. It always amazes me the beauties a good gun builder can turn some of these beasts into. They become very special guns vs some impersonal factory mass produced thing wearing a different barrel.