Hey all, I am soon to be taking delivery of my latest project. A MRC .416 Rem. Mag. Its time to get going on another one!

Heres what I am thinking. I have 4 custom jobs all with "glass" stocks. I have always been intrigued with the "Classic Express" bolt action. I have been in contact with Karl at W. Hein, and have started the ball rolling on a new rifle. I want this to be my one and only classic type rifle with a real nice piece of wood on it. It will possibly be used for AK Brown Bear, 1 or 2 trips to Africa, possibly a Mtn. Griz, and use here in Alberta for Elk, Moose, and Black Bear. I have been looking on some websites for wood (any suggestions, on some links to further my search?).
The biggest dilemma I have is in choosing theee "Classic" chambering. I had in my mind a .404 Jeffery, then it was a .416 Rigby, now its a .375 H+H. I know all those are "Classic" chamberings, any other ideas?
I most recently started thinking .375 because I am to recieve the .416 (not much need for another .40 Cal.) I have a .280 Rem.,30/06, 7mmSTW, a .300 WM, a .338 WM, .450 Marlin, and a .416. I'm thinking there is an opening in there for a .375....
Any ideas at all folks, I would love to here them!!

Heres a couple pics of what Karl and I have in mind.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/cmfic1/100_1082.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/cmfic1/100_1078.jpg


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That is certainly in keeping with the idea of the big game express bolt action rifle. Looks like an ideal candidate for a 375 H&H.

For wood, depending on how fantastic you want it to be:
http://www.denli.ch/
http://www.metalandwood.com/
http://www.dressels.com/
http://www.bestwalnut.com/home.htm
http://www.heritagewalnut.com/
http://www.oldworldwalnut.com/main.html
http://wattswalnut.com/index.html#exh
http://www.hunterbid.com/
http://www.wood4guns.com/Rifle_Blanks.html

One thing I really recommend is going to the American Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG)show in Reno in January. There will be a lot of blanks brought in for sale and auction there, some are stunning. Prices will vary, but you might be able to find a really nice blank for a steal from someone who does not want to lug it back home to their shop and put it back into their inventory. The ACGG show is held at the same weekend as the SCI convention. Typically the ACGG show is held at the Silver Legacy hotel. I'm fairly certainly Hein will be at one or the other and can help you with selecting a blank they would like to work with. Besides, there isn't anywhere else you will see as many rifles like you are thinking about building in one room by the top custom gunmakers at the same time. The SCI show will have several walnut blank vendors as well.

One thing about the chambering for that rifle. When I went to Zimbabwe last year, my guns and luggage were delayed for about 3 days. For those first 3 days I had to borrow a rifle and ammunition. When we went looking for ammo, the only thing we could find were 458 Win Mag, 375 H&H Mag, and 308 Win. My PH carried a 416 Rem Mag and was having a terrible time finding ammo for it. He was only able to keep himself supplied by clients leaving ammo with him or him trading with other PH's for the ammo. Pretty much, no matter what happens to your ammunition in Africa, and in Alaska, you'll be able to find a box of 375 H&H and will be able to continue your hunt. Something I have given great credence to since returning and will be carrying a 375 H&H when I go back.