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I recently bought a Savage 99-375 from a fellow. He also has an unfired Winchester 94XTR Big bore in 375 Winchester.
Is it collectable? What would be a fair offer to make?
Thanks, Keith
Predicate observation: The 375 Winchester cartridge was a solution seeking a problem. And now the ammo itself a problem involving a typical ‘if you’ve got the money honey’, your ammo supplier has the time! 🙂
As you probably know your Model 99 in 375 Win is collectible IS collectible. I have a shooter grade because the barrel has been trimmed to 16 1/2 inches. Still interesting and with straight grip/lever, really handy!
The Marlin Model 375, a 336 by any other name, is a somewhat collectible if the ”pre-safety 1979-80 production vintage. Mine, acquired during a contemporary close out of a slow selling model, remains NIB. I like it!
Now finally returning to your question re the 94 Win angle eject, my own opinion… Not particularly collectible. I understand there were some earlier top eject models (“BB” serial prefix) which, like the Marlin, would seem relatively more desirable. Also reputedly these were not offered long before sliding into the AE configuration; eg. TE config more scarce.
Yet in all this others may disagree. Especially in some forums more attuned these later guns, opinions may well differ. Likely more of a ‘classic-purist’ view here, including mine. The angle eject was specifically designed to better accommodate scope mounting. To me just ‘counter-culture’ to a classic design and I’m just not attuned to that configuration on a Model 94. Just to frankly admit that prejudice!
Yet another more indisputable universal is it all comes down to price and buyer intent. IF an investment bet on appreciation, unless a ‘steal’, I’d look elsewhere. If as a shooter, with the ammo situation, I’d definitely look elsewhere.
But ‘ain’t it great’ we have so many options! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Good luck and…
Just my take.
Like Iskra says, not particularly at this time. But I am sure an unfired model 94 Big Bore in .375 WILL BE collectable at some time in the future. Even standard post 64 model 94 carbines are climbing in price if in as new condition. The distinction between post 64 and pre 64 Winchesters seems to be lost on many of the younger generation and I am starting to see post 64 rifles selling for what I consider stupid prices. As far as acquiring a rifle as a future investment I think an as new 94 Big Bore would be a good choice if the price is reasonable. Many of the very high priced pre 64 models on the market today were acquired in the 1960’s and 1970’s for chicken feed prices. My 2 cents.
Ammo price not really a consideration if you could get a few brass. as 375 should be very easy to load for, with the big advantage is that standard .375 dia bullets are readily available that will suit the consistent .375 bore size
I reload for 38-55 that has a very similar case , but the 375 has thicker brass. The 375 bullets dont suit the older 38-55’s (unless re-barreled with .375 dia bore that is a popular choice) as the bore size ranges from .377 (Barnes bullets good , but expensive) to about .381 , for some reason without much consistency from gun to gun , so custom sized cast needed for each individual gun, and a challenge to work up a good load.
Google 375 Win reloading, lots of good info out there
Phil
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