African Rifle: Lefty going in next few years
- Thread starter JasonS
- Start date
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
A .375 bore rifle is perhaps the best choice for the single rifle hunter going to Africa. Your budget does allow for a fine custom rifle, however, the time frame of 2 years might leave things a little tight depending on which shop does your build. Once you get your rifle you want to have time to become familiar with it, prior to leaving. If the left hand CZ fills your needs, I would choose it, shoot it, carry it around, then have any adjustments that you think are prudent made to it in time for your trip. The magazine capacity of the CZ is a big seller for me.
The VX-7 is a very nice scope, a pal of mine has one on his Ruger Alaskan, but perhaps finding 30 mm extension rings for the CZ action might take some doing. For that reason, I personally would be inclined to stick with a 1" scope tube. The 1.5-8X32 is a really good choice, especially if you get a shot at a smallish animal at longish range.
The VX-7 is a very nice scope, a pal of mine has one on his Ruger Alaskan, but perhaps finding 30 mm extension rings for the CZ action might take some doing. For that reason, I personally would be inclined to stick with a 1" scope tube. The 1.5-8X32 is a really good choice, especially if you get a shot at a smallish animal at longish range.
See how wise some people are. It is just that easy. No ca ca.
A left handed CZ will make a few of my friends very happy.
Me - I would go that route with a very very good removable low power variable scope and mount.
Tune it up a bit if needed. Load up a batch of TSX "soft" and solids in 300 gr and go have fun! You will never look back.
aaah maybe for lion I would use something softer then a TSX -- Woodleigh, Nosler or even Hornady would open nicely.
Me - I would go that route with a very very good removable low power variable scope and mount.
Tune it up a bit if needed. Load up a batch of TSX "soft" and solids in 300 gr and go have fun! You will never look back.
aaah maybe for lion I would use something softer then a TSX -- Woodleigh, Nosler or even Hornady would open nicely.
The Mauser rifle suggested is a beauty but the bolthead doesn't look like a controlled round feed. I want the CRF for obvious reasons. The CZ550 is so good in every respect I think I've set my budget way too high! I can buy the CZ550 with a incredible piece of glass for half what I planned on spending. My wife would love that and the extra money can go towards the actual hunt and accommodations. What does flying first class cost? 
Glad you came to your senses.
"Came to my senses!"
Honey is that you?My wife's a horseback fanatic so a hunt like that would be a great gift for her. You guys could charge for this kind of advice.
Ya think?
.375 H&H Dogleg?
That particular one was a .416 Rigby, but the three seven fives will kill any buffalo you point them at. In fact, I have a nagging suspicion that the 3/8 bore may even work better. At least the 3 water buffalo I shot last month seemed impressed.(Wrong head gear, I know, but a buffs a buff)
Velocity is a good thing, within reason.
Velocity is a good thing, within reason.
Well, you could always rev up the Rigby if you feel the need for speed.
Already did that, some aspects weren't all that pretty. My reasoning is that if I'm to take the recoil it may as well be for a .458, or more likely the Lott. Which is probably why I ordered one of the new M70s.
The only issues I have with the big 458s is poor ballistics and the additional muscle effort required to control the rifle.
If the animal of a lifetime pops out at 300 yards you are certainly facing a challenging shot.
I think the 40s are a better compromise, and the 375s might be the smartest choice but hey....Sometimes a guy has to do that other thing !
If the animal of a lifetime pops out at 300 yards you are certainly facing a challenging shot.
I think the 40s are a better compromise, and the 375s might be the smartest choice but hey....Sometimes a guy has to do that other thing !
Ahh the debate continues
-me, I choose a 416 Rigby with a 400 gr at 2450 ft/sec with a 1-4 USO scope on quick mounts. It can make shots to 300 and on and it is a big bore with great power for anything.
I still argue with myself to use the 450 Ackley in the BRNO 602 that is sooo nice as well, but I agree it is just that much more heavy and harder to control. But a 500 gr at 2350 ft/sec is soo nice.
For the close in fun gun or stopper - A 470 NE with the 500 gr at 2150 always is there.
I admit the two guns get heavy after a while through airports etc - but I find I like the backup of 2 capable guns at all times (even tho with my eyes the double is only good to less than 100 yds - after that im in trouble)
-me, I choose a 416 Rigby with a 400 gr at 2450 ft/sec with a 1-4 USO scope on quick mounts. It can make shots to 300 and on and it is a big bore with great power for anything.
I still argue with myself to use the 450 Ackley in the BRNO 602 that is sooo nice as well, but I agree it is just that much more heavy and harder to control. But a 500 gr at 2350 ft/sec is soo nice.
For the close in fun gun or stopper - A 470 NE with the 500 gr at 2150 always is there.
I admit the two guns get heavy after a while through airports etc - but I find I like the backup of 2 capable guns at all times (even tho with my eyes the double is only good to less than 100 yds - after that im in trouble)
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BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
