Cool. Thanks for the input. If you don't mind my asking what exactly (er, if anything) would you change or improve about the 550? At this point your comments would actually free up money to direct at some good optics. The project is actually for my Dad and I. We have two lovley claro Walnut blanks (his is fiddleback and mine crotch-figured) that we intend to use. Looking at the gun I think I would perhaps talk to the gunsmith about a couple of crossbolts in the stock and a different bolt handle; I like the look of the longer straight ones.

Have you ever had a stock custom built for you? Did it make a difference? How about in terms of perceived recoil? BTW, our choice of 375 is based upon a desire to have one rifle to cover all of out intended sporting applications although I did recently see a beautiful 450-400 NE double...