Got my License and my Dad's Weapon! Now!?

[simplythebest]

Hello everyone.

As mentioned, I have finally got my License and have taken my Dad's weapon.
The only formality left is to go and show the weapon to the authorities and show procession and serial number etc.
Hopefully it will be a formality.

Now the weapon is a Winchester .375 Magnum

My dad has forgotten the exact model
He says it was procured in the early 70s
I'm unable to see any model marks on it.
The serial number search didn't help
So a few questions

1. How do I find the model

2. What do I do with it?
Do people use such big bores now? That too here in India.

3. Otherwise should I sell it and

Either get a .22 and get back to target practice
Or change the licence and get a 32 pistol for target and protection

Thanks!

[timmy]

simplythebest:

Firstly, let's make sure that we know what rifle you have in mind: look on the barrel near the rear sight, above the fore end of the stock. There should be a stamp mark saying Winchester, and next to that, it should state the model of the rifle. Then, it should also state the cartridge the rifle is chambered to shoot. Come back and tell us what these stampings say. BE SURE to tell us EXACTLY what it says, without adding or omitting your own words.

Secondly, from this information, it will tell us for what use the rifle is intended to be used. I have my own ideas, but let's wait until you share this information.

Thirdly, after that, what to do? Does the rifle have any family or sentimental value to you because it was your Dad's? You are allowed two weapons. Maybe you could add another gun to your license and keep your Dad's rifle?

Please let us know what you find out.

[simplythebest]

Timmy:

Thanks a lot and really appreciate the detailed explanation.

I clearly did not look well enough the first time!

It says

Winchester ® Model - 70 - 375 H&H Magnum

Wow... props to my dad! I will tell him he had a really nice one and that I should have paid more attention to his old stories
Seems to be a good weapon!

Sentimental value
Not much.
I've never fired this... nor have seen him do so.

My dad used to let me shoot when I was young.

I am planning on adding another weapon to my license.
My thoughts were a 32 Pistol or 22 Rifle as mentioned above & a shotgun for Skeet.

The only skeet I'll be able to is in the competitions around here.
Its been decades since I tried. But something that is possible to do.

[timmy]

simplythebest:

I can well believe that you have not shot this rifle, because if you had, it would be memorable! 375 H&H is a fair sized boomer and would be likely to push you around a bit, when you fired it.

It would be suitable if you were dealing with tigers or leopards, but it is pretty much an African hunting cartridge. You would have to have government permission for eliminating big cats, as hunting is forbidden in India. Therefore, the rifle's sentimental value, which you don't have, would be the gun's value to you. This would seem to indicate that selling the rifle would be your best choice.

You would then be able to geta pistol or 22 rifle, and also a shotgun for a total of two.

Maybe your best course would be to go ahead and have another gun added on your license now, while you are trying to sell this 375 H&H, and then you can work on getting the second gun after it is sold.

These are only my suggestions.

[Vikram]

What Timmy said. That is a great rifle chambered for a great cartridge but of little practical use to you. You will be better off getting a rifle or a handgun that you can enjoy shooting. Good luck.

[dev]

Congratulations. Believe me, you would remember shooting a 375 Magnum. A .22 rifle should be a more handy firearm, easier to find at a 50m range.

[simplythebest]

Timmy:

Sir, thank you for the feedback that was frank.

And most of all for the suggestion of getting a weapon added to my license before deciding.
And putting a thought in my mind about the 375 - indirectly

Going forward, I will

1. Get a pistol added & have some fun
2. Find a range for my Rifle
3. But limited ammo
4. Spend a day with it.
5. Then decide on the next course of action

There is time and no need to hurry.

Thanks again for all the wisdom!

[timmy]

simplythebest:

You have a good plan! It is great to see you start a new chapter in your appreciation of firearms and shooting. Your idea to try the 375 is lovely, for whatever comes afterward, you will have added an experience.

Congratulations and all the best to you, sir!

[shooter50]

Wonderful to know a fellow 375 H and H owner. If your rifle has a bull barrel (thick barrel) then it could be a prewar model which is a rare peice. If you share the serial number I could let you know. I too am a proud owner of a 375 H and H, but it is manufactured by Holland and Holland. I had one in Model 70 Winchester (pre war) with which I hunted in Africa. Beautiful rifle.
Shooting a 375 Magnum requires a different technique from shooting a 22LR or even a 30-06. You do it wrong and you will end up with a bruised cheek bone, hurt fingers and an injured shoulder. The fun of shooting would be lost. The 375 mag kicks for sure. But believe me, with the right technique it is great fun to shoot.

[simplythebest]

Timmy:
Thank you sir!
I will update based on how things pan out and also request for advice as was so nicely given at times.

Shooter50:
The serial is a 7xxxxx - I don't have the exact number with me.

However the 7x shows its exactly a 1964 model.
And not a pre '64 model.

Reading the history and seeing events, I'm assuming there was a price drop after '64 and people made the best use of that and as a result, sometime in th elate 60's or very early 70's my dad got his chance on this.

Looking forward to doing all and hopefully firing a round atleast if not more!