Out of Africa...

[Stalker62]

Recoil? What recoil ?

Too true.

Zeroing for the .375 or the .416 - like being struck on the shoulder with a mallet. We won't even talk about the 'sniper's scar of shame' when the scope came back and split my eyebrow wide open, the first time I fired it on the farm.

Three and I am done.

Hunting on Safari - they both recoil like a Nerf gun - never feel a thing.

 

[finnbear270]

Had the pleasure of trying a Rigby .416 when at Diggle, found it very reasonable considering the intended use.

 

[Stalker62]

Had the pleasure of trying a Rigby .416 when at Diggle, found it very reasonable considering the intended use.

Two of our group are taking double 500s.

I had a go with one of them before our last deployment. I found it not uncomfortable.

 

[finnbear270]

Did you see the video of the people shooting the Tyrannosaurus rifle thingy?

 

[Herb64]

What a terrific thread. One of the best I’ve read here. I’d love to go one day but it just won’t happen sadly. At least I can enjoy reading the eloquent writing of those who are going or have been before.

 

[Stalker62]

At least I can enjoy reading the eloquent writing of those who are going or have been before.

If you will forgive me, and those of my ilk (and your generous prose).

It is the only reason I (we) post drivel on here - in the forlorn hope that is will generate some joy in those that read it.

 

[Tazz]

A few hunts ago in SA the guy who owned the reserve had a formidable selection of rifles in the gun room. After a few beers one night the youngest PH was selected to fire the double barrel .700 nitro express, even with a exaggerated forward lean he still had to take a step backwards when he fired it. I passed up on the opportunity as like many I have a small flinch and it doesn’t need developing further

 

[Mountain Bug]

I have greatly enjoyed reading this thread and it gets my blood up to do the same one day. Was wondering if you could elaborate further on some of the non-hunting details of the trip. For example, what are the accomodations like? Tents or comfortable beds? Meals prepared or self-catering? Drinks and nibbles by a fire while listening to the night sounds? I simply don't want this thread to end as my dream is currently lived vicariously through you and others.

Scott

 

[Jamouk]

Depends where you go ! Can be pretty rough and basic

 

[bowji john]

Carl's place in Mozambique

1 million acre unfenced hunting reserve

 

[Tazz]

I have greatly enjoyed reading this thread and it gets my blood up to do the same one day. Was wondering if you could elaborate further on some of the non-hunting details of the trip. For example, what are the accomodations like? Tents or comfortable beds? Meals prepared or self-catering? Drinks and nibbles by a fire while listening to the night sounds? I simply don't want this thread to end as my dream is currently lived vicariously through you and others.

Scott

I was in the same position prior to my first trip to SA. Hunting in SA or Namibia or any of the other African countries you ca still hunt in covers a vast spectrum. Hospitality varies from “ basic tented camps” ( rare unless you are going properly in to the bush, mostly it’s lodges and varies from decent and basic meals up to circa 4 star lodges food and service. Even mid priced lodges are good enough to take your partner if that’s what she is in to and they are not mad money and you get well looked after. The other key element is how large is the reserve you are hunting on and do they promote “ Fair walk and stalk” because a large chunk of the industry caters for guys who want to either shoot from a truck or not far walking from it on relatively small reserves. My preference is minimum 20K acres and fair walk and stalk, but that’s just my view. Like lots of things after you go on your first you are much cleared about what you would add/change on your second. Off to Namibia Sunday ( Provided we both pass PCR tests prior). Can’t wait

 

[bowji john]

This chap popped up when the resident zoologist returned from an early morning run. A perfect illustration of just why long grass has such a reputation



A kudu I shot for the pot




Walking up on buff

 

[Jamouk]

Is Carl ok havent seen him on here for a while ?

 

[Stalker62]

Is Carl ok havent seen him on here for a while ?

Fairly sure he is good.

Out in Mozambique - doing what the rest of us are dreaming about...

 

[finnbear270]

Carl's place in Mozambique

1 million acre unfenced hunting reserve

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Brings to mind the films with Indiana Jones that map!, But it's also a tug on the heart strings drawing me toward the Dark continent.

 

[bowji john]

Brings to mind the films with Indiana Jones that map!, But it's also a tug on the heart strings drawing me toward the Dark continent.

I had that map drawn for my website

The idea was a sort of treasure map with hot spots to be able to go to real pics of the area together with descriptions

It couldn't be used in that manner as most people use a phone and hot spots would be too difficult on a small screen

The purpose is for advertising the ACET courses African Conservation through Education and Training

Taking school groups out there to teach them of the realities of conservation and to teach them ''track and sign'' and how to live in the bush



This picture - supposed to humorous - I had drawn to emphasis not getting too fixated on the small picture when tracking, thereby missing the bleeding obvious

 

[sh1kar]

Carl's place in Mozambique

1 million acre unfenced hunting reserve

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Yep he is next door to where we usually hunt. He will know Derek Littleton. Also a million acres. For those that can’t visualise, about the size of Switzerland with a human population of a few hundred

Btw would you contact him and check if he is out there 31/10-14/11 and we might catch up with him or dinner in Pemba on way home

S

 

[sh1kar]

Carl's place in Mozambique

1 million acre unfenced hunting reserve

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[sh1kar]

 

[stevec]

Apologies for a deviation from topic - it is related (just)

4 years a go I had a 404 Jeff built specifically for the kind of thing @Stalker1962 is planning

Thing owes me £3700 as it currently stands

Has never worked (properly) since I have had it - single feed is fine but in with 3 rounds in, the thing will not cycle correctly

Sent it to a knowledgeable gunsmith - he has just rung saying

1. The rifle not fit for purpose
2. Action will not be modifiable without spending about the same again in workmanship and time

Options

1. Turn the bloody thing into a bit of wall art and start again

If so ... options are

1. Mayfair Engineering action (£££££)
2. Abandon 404 jeff and apply for variation for 416 and buy a barrel and bolt head for my R8 pro success
3. Sell the 404 ammo and brass and dies and start again with different ammo (416 or 458 Lott)

or....

Abandon the whole idea, stick with the 9.3 x 62 and stay away from big things with attitude

those of you with an African interest - what would you do ????

I am currently reading Craig Boddington's book on Safari Rifles. He speaks very highly of the 404. I did notice that Sabi rifles are building them at a very competitive price:

Standard Rifles

We have decided that we will produce standard model rifles with no frills to make our rifles more affordable. The stocks will not be custom fitted and no changes or upgrades will be made to any of the components or features. In this article we cover the following Sample Gallery Calibers and Prices

www.sabirifles.co.za

No idea if you could import one though.