lancaster, I've seen a few variations on the bolt handles. A butterknife bolt handle would fit right in with your classical rifle theme. Would have to cheat regarding the iron sights. Can't see the irons as well as I used to. So some form of scope mount will have to do. I have a semi turned douglas 375 barrel blank that I picked up some years back. If I remember right it has a 1x14 twist. so should be good for the 375x54. The bullets manufactured here in the states for the 375 winchester run @200 grains and the other runs at 220 grains. Speer makes a 235 grain spitzer soft point (I have 3 100 bullet boxes.That would be my bullet of choice. The action is a hex receiver moisin and have a Finnis trigger and sear spring for that action. Should be very workable. I'm thinking of keeping the barrel a little heavier than a normal sporting rifle contour. Still will double check the twist before it goes into the lathe for some weight reduction. Thanks for the advice. Frank