pre6422hornet
Handloader
- Jan 24, 2012
- 974
- 12
Well a few weeks ago I came across a rare bird. In all my years of Pre 64 obsession I have never seen a 375 H&H in person. Well two weeks ago I walked into the X here in KC and while looking through the Library I saw the tag first as she was hiding in the back... I took her out and holy cow I was in love. Standard low comb stock unmolested, rear sight intact, front sight intact with hood, zero rust or blue loss anywhere, bolt being a pre 1952 solid and 100% blueing, and by the serial number made in 1951. She met every criteria I had for a 375. This is my holy grail rifle. I have always wanted a 375 in this configuration.
I saw right off that she was engraved a bit, on the trigger guard and floorplate, and also above the chamber. Winchester's custom shop did this same treatment back in the day, but usually it didn't extend all the way into the rear sight.
I started asking questions and the Library manager invited me into his office. The owner was a now deceased gentleman from Kansas City who bought the gun brand new in 1951. He was a big time collector/shooter/hunter. X had just procured 9 guns from his collection for the sum of $45,000 after his family picked over the other guns and kept what they wanted. He showed me a colt lighting rifle that looked like the day it left the factory that came from this mans collection. Anyway I asked the mans name or a phone number to contact the family to answer more of my questions, but they are not allowed to do that and I understood. I asked about the engraving and he couldn't give me any info on it.
Anyway the price was about 1000 less than any other pre 64 375 in original condition so I told them thanks, went home and put my current Safari Express for sale, and I also sold a couple lots of Harley stock out of the vacation fund ( don't tell the wife :grin: )
I went back the next day, and as I was filling out paperwork for thes layaway, 3 other guys came in to look at it/ buy it as it had hit the internet that previous night. They were pretty amazed that a younger guy had any interest in " that old wore out rifle".. I just laughed and said " who you kidding?".. They all laughed and congratulated me on the purchase.
Fast forward to yesterday and she is now home where she belongs. I have a Lyman 48 peep that I will install on her and I already have some loads worked up. With a little luck, she may even make it out to the deer woods this year.
And here she is with my other pre 64's. The 1952 375, 1949 .270, 1960 243 and the one that started it all, my 1941 Hornet.
All I need now is one that has a "3" in the chamber designation. I'm thinking a 338 would be nice.
I believe I can now hunt the world.....
I saw right off that she was engraved a bit, on the trigger guard and floorplate, and also above the chamber. Winchester's custom shop did this same treatment back in the day, but usually it didn't extend all the way into the rear sight.
I started asking questions and the Library manager invited me into his office. The owner was a now deceased gentleman from Kansas City who bought the gun brand new in 1951. He was a big time collector/shooter/hunter. X had just procured 9 guns from his collection for the sum of $45,000 after his family picked over the other guns and kept what they wanted. He showed me a colt lighting rifle that looked like the day it left the factory that came from this mans collection. Anyway I asked the mans name or a phone number to contact the family to answer more of my questions, but they are not allowed to do that and I understood. I asked about the engraving and he couldn't give me any info on it.
Anyway the price was about 1000 less than any other pre 64 375 in original condition so I told them thanks, went home and put my current Safari Express for sale, and I also sold a couple lots of Harley stock out of the vacation fund ( don't tell the wife :grin: )
I went back the next day, and as I was filling out paperwork for thes layaway, 3 other guys came in to look at it/ buy it as it had hit the internet that previous night. They were pretty amazed that a younger guy had any interest in " that old wore out rifle".. I just laughed and said " who you kidding?".. They all laughed and congratulated me on the purchase.
Fast forward to yesterday and she is now home where she belongs. I have a Lyman 48 peep that I will install on her and I already have some loads worked up. With a little luck, she may even make it out to the deer woods this year.
And here she is with my other pre 64's. The 1952 375, 1949 .270, 1960 243 and the one that started it all, my 1941 Hornet.
All I need now is one that has a "3" in the chamber designation. I'm thinking a 338 would be nice.
I believe I can now hunt the world.....
