So tell me about the .375 Winchester...

[GatorFarmer]

And the rifles chambered for it, particulary that short run of rifles that Marlin did. Is this a mere failed brush busting big bore child of the late 70s, or something useful and worth having that wrongfully fell from favor and into obscurity? Enquiring minds with the trade prospect of a Marlin rifle w/200rds want to know.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

Don't know about hunting, but I got one made by Winchester that's a take down like the Model 12/97.

Work was done in Alaska, who did it escapes me at the moment. Got it from an aquaintance at our local gun show.

Also have over 500 new cases and gas check bullets for it.

Haven't fired it yet.

I got it for the fun of it and because it's a take down.

I also use the same bullets in my 375 H & H. That's a fun gun to shoot with cast bullets.

 

[Andy Griffith]

It was a great idea as a caliber, but introduced at the absolute worst time. In reality, it's a hot-rod version of the .38-55.


I bought a 94 Big Bore in .375 Winchester not long after it came out. It was a beautiful rifle and nice and light for its caliber...but that was the problem. I traded it (I regret it, one of the few I got rid of) because I felt it stomped me too hard.

I think that rifle has killed it's share of bears- I haven't shot talked to its owner now in several years.

I have seen the Marlin versions, but no experience with them. The notations on the Marlins, is I am certain that they have to be all micro-groove and over-sized cast bullets are the order of the day (if you want to use cast bullets).

 

[Horseless Trooper]

It is basically an improved 38-55 Winchester. Nice woods caliber IMHO. If I found a good deal on one I would snap it up in a heartbeat. I'm not sure why it didn't catch on but the lever action crowd seems pretty happy with the old stand-by cartridges.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Aloha,

Don't know about hunting, but I got one made by Winchester that's a take down like the Model 12/97.

Work was done in Alaska, who did it escapes me at the moment. Got it from an aquaintance at our local gun show.

Sounds like one of the custom take down guns that Wild West Guns (WWG) of Anchorage does. They're semi famous for their version of the Marlin Guide Gun called the Co Pilot.

I have seen the Marlin versions, but no experience with them. The notations on the Marlins, is I am certain that they have to be all micro-groove and over-sized cast bullets are the order of the day (if you want to use cast bullets).

That's a good point about the Microgroove barrels, I hadn't thought of that. The Marlins are semi rare, having been made for something like three years, 80 to 83. I think 16k or so of them left the factory, so obviously not the hottest seller. I used to see them with some regularity on the used racks in Michigan where I'm originally from, but haven't seen one in a while.

It is basically an improved 38-55 Winchester. Nice woods caliber IMHO. If I found a good deal on one I would snap it up in a heartbeat. I'm not sure why it didn't catch on but the lever action crowd seems pretty happy with the old stand-by cartridges.

I like the looks of the Marlins from the photos that I've seen online. Prices seem to have gone up a bit from what I remember seeing them, but for some reason the idea of having one interests me.