Threaded vs not on 375 HH mag

[Wiley64]

My Dad and I just hit the range with our rifles, first time I have ever had a side by side comparison in shooting a 375 with a can vs a 375 without. Even on a really light rifle (fierce), the recoil was much more enjoyable than that of my model 70. I am really conflicted on the pros and cons of carving up my model 70 safari express. Has any one ever regret grinding off that front sight and putting a can on a classic hunting rifle like a safari express? Would love some input.

 

[Wiley64]

FYI this was the banish 46

 

[Hunter4752001]

The 375 is designe as a hunting rifle not as a benchrest rifle. For its intended use, you'll most likely be carefully slalking through the bush and taking your shots standing either unsupported or on stcks. Therefore, before making any decisions compare both systems firing and also carrying. You may find the recoil siuation inconsequential when standing and the cn just unwieldy when stalking. Alternatively you may find the recoil diference significant and the ease of carrying irrelevant. Either way, at least you'll know before making permanent changes.

 

[Andrew62]

I had the barrel of my .375H&H cut down from 24" to 20", had it threaded, and when I am sighting in or just shooting to shoot, I use a muzzle brake. When I go hunting, I remove the muzzle brake. My 416 Rigby is at the gunsmith having the very same thing done to it. Cans are wonderful, but hunting dangerous game with all that barrel length could possibly prove a challenge.

 

[375Fox]

I took off the iron sights on my Sako 85 Kodiak and have no regrets about doing it, but I couldn’t imagine putting a suppressor on a 375 especially the model 70 safari. The suppressor adds no value hunting DG. It just makes it longer and less balanced, neither are good qualities for tracking through brush or needing to shoot quickly. Threading the barrel will also take away part of resale value and make it difficult to find a buyer. The suppressor is also illegal in many DG hunting countries. Leave the suppressors for dedicated PG rifles you’d take to Namibia or South Africa.

 

[ActionBob]

I shudder at the thought of doing that to a model 70 with Express sights. Especially a 375.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I agree, shooting a thumper gun from the bench is brutal, yet same rifle can have relatively negligible recoil shooting offhand, on the sticks, or even from sitting position. Anyway, shooting at game one seldom pays any heed to recoil, no matter how severe. For the range double up on hearing protection (muffs + plugs) and shoot from some other position. I bought a camera tripod yoke off ebay for twenty bucks and attached it to my late wife's quality tripod. I can shoot quite accurately from sitting position with it. Seems less sturdy than traditional shooting sticks for standing. I use it for zeroing my 404. It's not a gun I can afford to shoot a lot at the range for both economic and health reasons.

Personally, I don't feel shooting a heavy recoil rifle will make the shooter "get used to" the kick. If anything, it promotes flinch. One can become proficient shooting a lighter recoil rifle at the range and safely transition to the heavier gun for hunting, provided the two guns have reasonably similar fit and triggers. I am of the opinion the latter is most important. My plains game 30-06 and dangerous game 404 both have Timney triggers with approximately same weight and crispness. Safeties are different but I seem to adapt to that easily.

I have optional iron sights and quick detach scopes on both rifles. Always a good plan to have optional sights in case scope craps out or conditions make it impractical (steep rocky mountains or hunting in a snowstorm or both).

 

[Red Leg]

I shudder at the thought of doing that to a model 70 with Express sights. Especially a 375.

Rather like putting a lift kit on a 1970 Chrysler New Yorker.

 

[BryceM]

I'm a huge fan of silencer/suppressors for just about everything...... except for rare classics or a dangerous game rifle.

This is pretty close to being both, so I would probably leave it as-is. Why not just get another rifle and put a can on it? There always needs to be a reason to get a new rifle.

 

[HankBuck]

My Dad and I just hit the range with our rifles, first time I have ever had a side by side comparison in shooting a 375 with a can vs a 375 without. Even on a really light rifle (fierce), the recoil was much more enjoyable than that of my model 70. I am really conflicted on the pros and cons of carving up my model 70 safari express. Has any one ever regret grinding off that front sight and putting a can on a classic hunting rifle like a safari express? Would love some input.

@Wiley64: I would Never stick a “Can” on my custom .375 H&H even if it reduced noise to zero and eliminated recoil completely….I just hate the look of them and question any real “hunting advantage” they provide. “Cans” are fine for Campbell’s Soup but I don’t want one hanging on the end of my hunting rifle. Many others will disagree, especially those born after 1980 ! I admit I am stuck-in-the-Past…

 

[Nevada Mike]

When hunting with my M70 .375 H&H or my M98 404 Jeffery I find no need or recoil moderation at all. Keep it simple.

 

[RR 314]

I agree, shooting a thumper gun from the bench is brutal, yet same rifle can have relatively negligible recoil shooting offhand, on the sticks, or even from sitting position. Anyway, shooting at game one seldom pays any heed to recoil, no matter how severe. For the range double up on hearing protection (muffs + plugs) and shoot from some other position. I bought a camera tripod yoke off ebay for twenty bucks and attached it to my late wife's quality tripod. I can shoot quite accurately from sitting position with it. Seems less sturdy than traditional shooting sticks for standing. I use it for zeroing my 404. It's not a gun I can afford to shoot a lot at the range for both economic and health reasons.

I agree with offhand and on the sticks, but just sitting, at least shooting a true big bore, can be rough. I have done it after being busted by buffalo 3X in one day and was fearful standing would have resulted in yet another bust. Not enough lead in my (backside) to pull that off anymore. Kneeling is Kosher. Sitting on your (at least my) butt is tenuous. OK with .375 subject to the question, but no go the big boys.

 

[Puddle]

I cringe looking at that fella hunched low on the bench positioned perfectly to eat all the recoil the rifle/ammo has to offer. Instead, get the rifle up high, such that you are sitting up as straight as possible.

Be like the palm tree in the wind.

 

[Inline6]

Several people have set the front iron further back so that they could tread in front of it.

If you are worried about resale or unsure you want to chop up your current barrel. Have your current barrel removed and install a custom one set up the way you want to use it. I'm a function over form guy. I also like to keep my hearing(what I have left of it). I use electronic ear pro when I hunt with the bigger bore rifles that are not suppressed.

YMMV

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Probably not on a classic rifle but on a new fiberglass stock version absolutely. In the end it’s about practice. If a suppressor makes you feel more comfortable and shoot more than go for it.
As others have suggested, I would cut the barrel to 20-21 inches and shoot away.

HH

 

[Hooknbullet2]

I currently have 2 suppressors in jail for a 375. One is the new TBAC Magnus RR and the other is a Hybrid 46M. While I’m waiting for them, I’m shopping for a new 375. I’m leaning towards the Blaser R8 professional. My gunsmith is Tip Burns that worked for Blaser many years. He will thread whatever I get. It should be fun….

 

[khesser]

Recoil reduction and reduced noise. I run a suppressor on all my hunting rifles. Besides it’s nice to hear that bullet impact your target.

 

[Wiley64]

I cringe looking at that fella hunched low on the bench positioned perfectly to eat all the recoil the rifle/ammo has to offer. Instead, get the rifle up high, such that you are sitting up as straight as possible.

Be like the palm tree in the wind.

Great point!

 

[Wiley64]

I shudder at the thought of doing that to a model 70 with Express sights. Especially a 375.

I do too! But that suppressed fierce of my Dad’s is sure easy shooting. I’ve had a bad concussion so I am more sensitive than I used to be to recoil.

 

[MD Driver]

The 375 is designe as a hunting rifle not as a benchrest rifle. For its intended use, you'll most likely be carefully slalking through the bush and taking your shots standing either unsupported or on stcks. Therefore, before making any decisions compare both systems firing and also carrying. You may find the recoil siuation inconsequential when standing and the cn just unwieldy when stalking. Alternatively you may find the recoil diference significant and the ease of carrying irrelevant. Either way, at least you'll know before making permanent changes.

Hi Wiley,
Lots of good replies, so this one will probably be on the low end. Hunter (above) nailed it. You’re presumably not going to be shooting a thumper cartridge very much, compared to more typical types that are suppressed for long range accuracy and repeated noise. With your 375, you’ll be much better off getting proficient in shooting off of sticks after a stalk. Too, many 375 guns are gorgeous works, and making a change like this seems like a move you might regret someday.

Good discussion.