Guide gun build in 375 H&H?

I've had the bug to build a big bear gun, something a guide would want to pack. The 375 H&H seems to be a favorite for game heavier than an elk, or game that puts you in a situation to defend yourself, it sounds like the 375 H&H is a round that is commonly on the shelf in Alaska or Africa and that really adds to solid practical use aspect of a build which this will be all about.
Looking for guns spec from guys who have put bullets in big bears and hunt these areas, details like sight options, stock type like walnut or synthetic, weight, barrel length, action all stuff I'm wanting to get!! If the 375 H&H isn't the sauce give another opinion but with the above criteria in mind of ammo availability local to these areas.

This is how I envision the gun, use a Montana 1999, Winchester Mod70, Weatherby MK V or a Sako action. Mid weight barrel like a #5 or #6 which is actually not that heavy with a 375 hole, 24 inches, stock something like the McMillian Winchester Express which comes in Weatherby and the others as well, stainless everything I could. I would take a Walnut stock myself but I'm looking more at what a guide would carry and I think wood in that climate would just not cut it full time. Throw out bullets as well as I'd be spec'ing the reamer.
Really want to get an action nailed down, the Montana I can order as an action, the rest I would have to get a doner rifle and tear it apart, I lean to the Montana simply because as a dealer I can get quantity if I wanted if I ever wanted to do more than a one of.
I would think a guy would want open express sights also as a back up for a low power optic but I want to know from actual guys who take big northern bears regularly, maybe I'm not even on the map but I've been itching to build something like this!

Well I packed my 375 MDL 70 for a couple of years up there. If I was doing it again I'd go with 375 Ruger; 18 to 20" bbl and a composite stock.

Is the availability of 375 Ruger fodder good? Could you elaborate more on the H&H vs the Ruger?
I assume the 20 in barrel for handling?

I've been wanting to build myself a 375 H&H as well and the MRC action is at the top of my list. Next is a LAW action. I'm also thinking a #5 fluted barrel at 22-24" overall with a nice brake. Most likely I'll do a stockys or Boyd's laminate, I can't see doing a carbon/synthetic on a 375.

Now with ADG making brass a 375 RUM is catching my eye...

bigngreen said:

Is the availability of 375 Ruger fodder good? Could you elaborate more on the H&H vs the Ruger?
I assume the 20 in barrel for handling?

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I wouldn't guess 375 Ruger is as available as H&H, but I did see a box out in King Salmon last summer, that's pretty remote.
Ballistics are slightly better then the 375 H&H with a 20 inch bbl.
Yes portability and handling. I much rather carry my Marlin guide gun then my 375 H&H. When guiding in bear country. If I was hunting, 375 H&H is about perfect.

adam32 said:

I've been wanting to build myself a 375 H&H as well and the MRC action is at the top of my list. Next is a LAW action. I'm also thinking a #5 fluted barrel at 22-24" overall with a nice brake. Most likely I'll do a stockys or Boyd's laminate, I can't see doing a carbon/synthetic on a 375.

Now with ADG making brass a 375 RUM is catching my eye...

Click to expand...

I've built on enough of the MCR actions I know what needs a little tune up, with the Mauser collar it makes for ****** level barrel fitting, feeding is good, trigger good, price is good and it's design is one I really like. Later Mod 70s are nice cause you can Wyatt's mag box them but I don't like farting with cutting g the cone and extractor slot but with a tune up they run good to. Have not played much with the LAW.

Wish we were closer I've owned that rifle for about 35 years. You're on the right track I think. Brown Precision Kevlar stock, did shoot the bedding out once, repair plus cross bolts, and no more issues.

I went with a 20" barrel, and as straight H&H ammo has always clocked where it's supposed to. It was supposed to be 1-10", but shooting the 395 Hammers they definitely key holed, measured after and 1-11". We got 2250 ish if I remember correctly. 350 grain Barnes Originals at 2450. I'd go with a 1-9" if it was me. I think it's 0.8" at the muzzle fairly straight taper. Douglas Match Grade.

A decent compromise is the Weatherby, as H&H can be used in a pinch, or fire forming, and is more useful in the heavier weights I think. With the heavier bullets available it nudges into .416 territory. The 357 Sledge Hammer would do me nicely.

Interarms Mauser, Winchester style safety, Canjar trigger

I like the Montana, building today I'd go with their PH model, and longer magazine.

I have a 3 leaf express sight on mine, not enough sight radius to be useful even back when I could still see them.

I've got bits of boxes left if you need some bullets to look at let me know, and I can send them your way.

I know this is not the classified section but I have a Remington 700 in 375 H&H for sale.
Thanks, Kirk

Think Stainless Barrel and action. Salt water and rain are hard on Chrome Moly. Control round feed with claw extractor and a long enough mag box. The 375 Ruger will give you more action choices than the 375 H&H. Synthetic stock, 20-21" barrel. For durability I would full length bed the stock to the action using a number 3 or 4 barrel contour. Barrel band front swivel and a forestock stud as well. Single express rear sight regulated at 75 yards with a 300 grain bullet. Glow front sight and outlined rear square, flat bottom notch. QD scope rings with bases that don't block the sights. The Ruger Guide gun in 375 Ruger is pretty close to the ideal configuration and it is what I now carry, except it has a laminated stock..

HARPERC said:

Wish we were closer I've owned that rifle for about 35 years. You're on the right track I think. Brown Precision Kevlar stock, did shoot the bedding out once, repair plus cross bolts, and no more issues.

I went with a 20" barrel, and as straight H&H ammo has always clocked where it's supposed to. It was supposed to be 1-10", but shooting the 395 Hammers they definitely key holed, measured after and 1-11". We got 2250 ish if I remember correctly. 350 grain Barnes Originals at 2450. I'd go with a 1-9" if it was me. I think it's 0.8" at the muzzle fairly straight taper. Douglas Match Grade.

A decent compromise is the Weatherby, as H&H can be used in a pinch, or fire forming, and is more useful in the heavier weights I think. With the heavier bullets available it nudges into .416 territory. The 357 Sledge Hammer would do me nicely.

Interarms Mauser, Winchester style safety, Canjar trigger

I like the Montana, building today I'd go with their PH model, and longer magazine.

I have a 3 leaf express sight on mine, not enough sight radius to be useful even back when I could still see them.

I've got bits of boxes left if you need some bullets to look at let me know, and I can send them your way.

Click to expand...

This sounds about perfect, not that I'm going to start chopping up a pre 64 safari grade.

As far as mag length goes I can do quite a little with a milling machine and Tig welder. The Ruger is making a lot of sense looking at it though, the only thing I'm wondering about is local ammo availability up in local towns in bearcountry!?

bigngreen said:

I've had the bug to build a big bear gun, something a guide would want to pack. The 375 H&H seems to be a favorite for game heavier than an elk, or game that puts you in a situation to defend yourself, it sounds like the 375 H&H is a round that is commonly on the shelf in Alaska or Africa and that really adds to solid practical use aspect of a build which this will be all about.
Looking for guns spec from guys who have put bullets in big bears and hunt these areas, details like sight options, stock type like walnut or synthetic, weight, barrel length, action all stuff I'm wanting to get!! If the 375 H&H isn't the sauce give another opinion but with the above criteria in mind of ammo availability local to these areas.

This is how I envision the gun, use a Montana 1999, Winchester Mod70, Weatherby MK V or a Sako action. Mid weight barrel like a #5 or #6 which is actually not that heavy with a 375 hole, 24 inches, stock something like the McMillian Winchester Express which comes in Weatherby and the others as well, stainless everything I could. I would take a Walnut stock myself but I'm looking more at what a guide would carry and I think wood in that climate would just not cut it full time. Throw out bullets as well as I'd be spec'ing the reamer.
Really want to get an action nailed down, the Montana I can order as an action, the rest I would have to get a doner rifle and tear it apart, I lean to the Montana simply because as a dealer I can get quantity if I wanted if I ever wanted to do more than a one of.
I would think a guy would want open express sights also as a back up for a low power optic but I want to know from actual guys who take big northern bears regularly, maybe I'm not even on the map but I've been itching to build something like this!

Click to expand...

I do like how you're putting this together.
I have no idea if it's possible but with my old eyes express sights are almost useless. Can a guy mount a peep sight aft of the rear scope mounts?

Sako's Model 85 Kodiak with a 21" barrel would be an interesting option. I saw one at a Cabelas Gun Library in Lone Tree, CO.

When you get out in the bush, even places with a commercial air field; King Salmon, Dillingham, you can't count on finding Diet Coke by the end of summer, much less ammo. Pretty typical to see .22, .223, 06 and 300 wm. I wouldn't want to bet on finding specific ammo anyplace outside Anchorage or Fairbanks.
Build it in either 375, make sure you have a box of ammo in each of your checked bags.