TC Custom Shop ?

[oliverstacy]

Well I just sold a 375 Winchester pistol barrel for my Contender and want to have one made for my Encore.  Looking at getting a 24" taper barrel.  Will this be too light of a contour or will it be ok?  What will I sacrifice by going this way?  I was also thinking about a 22" bull barrel but just don't know.  Don't want to go with a JDJ since I have 200 rds of brass and dies.  

What is the difference in a Bull and a custom heavy bull barrel?  Is it worth having them install sights ($59) or are other gunsmiths cheaper?

Not going to be doing any extreme range practice with this just want a nice close quarters walking stick for the heavy timber.  So I don't think the extra barrel dia. is needed.  Just my thoughts.

Thanks,

Josh

[oliverstacy]

Well I took the plunge today...ordered a standard taper 24" 375 Winchester barrel from the the TC Custom Shop.  6-8 week, can't wait to get the package.  Decided to have factory sights installed.  Grand total with shipping was just under $340.  Probably spent way to much but oh well what's a person to do.

Question about a scope.  What scope would you put on this and why?  Leaning towards a 2-7x VX-II.  Not sure though.  A Nikon 2-7x in the UCC Monarch is about the same amount.  Might look around Ebay and see if I can get a deal.

Just wanted to pass it along.  Thick timber Whitetails had better watch out!

Josh

[Encore28]

Josh
I believe the 24in taper is the way to go. I am ordering a 26in taper in .257 Roberts tomorrow. I purchased a 26in taper from the TCA and was surprised when it arrived and it was a heavy barrel (thankfully the TCA allowed me to return it). I spoke to Fox Ridge and they told me that their 26in tapers are not heavy barrels.
I think the tapers are just right for a hunting rig being they are light and much shorter than a bolt action with the same length barrel. I am going for the 26in this time being the overall length is shorter than usual and I will get the benifit of the longer tube.
I am pleased the wait is only 6-8 weeks being I have waited 10-12 weeks for barrels in the past.
As far as a scope........I have a 2-7x Nikon on my 209x50 and love it. It should be plenty of glass for that Winchester thumper.
Good Luck
Encore28

[oliverstacy]

Encore28...

Don't know if they told you over the phone or not...the standard taper from the custom shop is .725" at the muzzle @26".  The bull from the custom shop is .995" at the 26" mark and requires a special forend.  I did measure the muzzle of my 220 Swift barrel that Cabela's states are exclusively made for them.  It measured .805" and it is also 26" long.

I had just over $300 to play with and debated what to do.  Really liked the 257 Roberts, 6.5x 55 Swed. and the 358 Win.  Since I sold a 375 Win. in the Contender and had all the reloading components and dies, I decided to stay with the 375.  Should be fun to play with and if I go Black Bear hunting, it would be a great choice.  :grin:

Thanks for the reply, I'm leaning towards the 2-7x-33, either in the Nikon or Leupold.

Josh

[oliverstacy]

Just talked to TC about the barrel and they informed me that it went out in the mail on 5/26, they also gave me a tracking number.  Checked and it will be here tomorrow.  Can't wait!!!  I'll be at the range with it Thursday morning.  Finally going to burn some of that wonderful ammo up that has been sitting around for a couple of years.

Josh

[Encore28]

Josh
I received confirmation today that my .257 Roberts barrel was shipped the 26th also----Cannot wait to scope it and get it out to the range. I may go with a T/C scope being I never had one before and have heard only good about them.
Take care and get shooting!!!!!!!!!
Encore28

[oliverstacy]

I've looked at a couple of scopes for this combination.  Encore 24" 375 Winchester barrel.  I really like the VX-II 1-4x20 and the VX-II 2-7x33.  I'm going to be in the timber with this combo and also walking around with it.  Planning on using it for a hog and bear hunt in the next couple of years and whitetails going forward.  Is the extra X needed for this application.  Also since the VX-II 3-9x40 is the same amount, is there a reason to go that way also.  Thanks in advance.

Josh

[Encore28]

My .257 Roberts barrel arrived yesterday-I ordered a 3-9x T/C scope for it today. I cannot wait to get it out to the range!!!!!!
Encore28

[handirifle]

oliverstacy
I have a Win 94 BB in 375, but not in a singleshot.  I am more limited in bullet selection than you.  You might want to take a peek at my web site (the www button below my post) and see what I'm up to.

I'd look into some of the other bullet offerings in the 375 cal besides those made for the leverguns.  You might also want to investigate Paco Kelly's writins about the 375 Win and what it is capable of, especially in a Contender action.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/375-356.htm

As for scopes, I'd suggest the 1X4 if it were me.  The quick on-target time of the 1X would be really nice and 4X is plenty for the top range of 200-250 for this caliber.

A 4" high, 100yd zero is going to give you a max point-blank of about 250 with top loads and that is on an 8" bullseye.  Most would stick to 200 or less.

I have no problems hitting a 8" steel plate at 300 with my 30-06 using a 4X scope.  Other than that, go with the one that you like the most.

With top loads (250gr) the 375 will kick about like a 308 Win.

Enjoy it, I do mine.  I may yet make a 375 barrel for my H&R.  Will have to have a 30-30 barrel reamed.