differences in winchester models?

[george]

I was browsing the winchester site and started comparing the offerings in 375 H&H Mag.

Can anyone help me with the differences between the Model 70 Custom African Express ($4663) and the Model 70 Custom Safari Express ($3104)? Is this $1500 difference for nothing but a different stock and the extra round in the magazine? Other than those two things I cant work out what's different between them.

Additionally... has anyone got any experience/comments on the Winchester Custom-Shop rifles? It basically triples the rifle's price - eg the M70 Classic Stainless in 375H&H is just $943 (as a comparison).

Thanks.

[george]

oops sorry meant to post these links in the first msg:

african: http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=912&cat=001C

safari: http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=911&cat=001C

classic: http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=012&cat=001C

[Ramrod]

The Custom shop guns are built to order. Notice they don't give stock dimensions, because it will be built to whatever dimensions you want. The custom Safari Express is based on the standard Safari express, with better wood and different sight. See link below.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=023&cat=001C
And yes, the basic difference between the Custom African and the Custom Safari appears to be the drop magazine and the better wood. The hand fitting on these guns is what you are paying for. That stainless model you linked to is too light for a .375, it will kick the snot out of you.
Hope this helps.

[Moose-Hunter]

You can have a gunsmith build you a custom rifle on a Winchester action that will be cheaper and more than likely shoot way better, and you can have the rifle built to your specs.

[george]

And yes, the basic difference between the Custom African and the Custom Safari appears to be the drop magazine and the better wood. The hand fitting on these guns is what you are paying for. That stainless model you linked to is too light for a .375, it will kick the snot out of you.
Hope this helps.

Thanks Ramrod... seems a big price jump between the two custom models for not so much actual difference... yep I saw the weight on the stainless model, just a comparison on price really.

Also, as Moose-Hunter suggested, I might ask for some price estimates from a gunsmith.

I can see this 375 idea of mine turning into an expensive (but satisfying) little adventure! :grin: