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A .450-400 version of the Iphisi is in the making. It will probably be a 2025 offering.
Re. the markings. As an importer, we must include certain inscriptions and display them on the firearm in a conspicuous manner, i.e., prominently visible when the firearm is assembled with the action closed. These are the legal requirements--and as the importer we are obliged to follow them.
Here are the markings guidelines for
all importers:
Engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the frame or receiver:
Serial Number
Engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, receiver, barrel or slide:
Name of Manufacturer
Country of Origin
Model
Caliber or Gauge
Name of Importer
City & State of the Importer
All markings are to be a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a
conspicuous location.
The guidelines go on to further define conspicuous:
“Conspicuous means that all required markings must be placed in such a manner as to be wholly unobstructed from plain view…" and “required markings may not be placed on a portion of the barrel where the markings would be wholly or partially obstructed from view by another part of the firearm.”
Re. an independent assessment of the Iphisi, we have given a number of them to writers, and articles will be forthcoming. For instance, one was successfully used by Mr. Dale Evans of
Petersen's Hunting in an Alaskan bear hunt that took place in June. Also, by the end of the year, enough of them will be in the hands of end users, and when I talk to a client I always encourage him to sign up here at AH.
Re. its selling potential in Africa, the Iphisi is currently the Chapuis model with the most demand in the USA--within the whole of the Chapuis line, including all shotguns and all rifles. I honestly don't see why it wouldn't sell in Africa as well, but surely an importer knows his market (or should) much more than me here in the USA.
Perhaps the market in that area is more skewed toward bolt actions? I honestly don't know. Maybe the importer could special order one for you,
@Kevin Peacocke ?
In any case, its weight, caliber, configuration, looks, regulation, features, etc., seem to be extremely attractive to buyers, especially at that price. And the ability to scope it with two different systems (Talley rings or Recknagel mounts) seems to be an extra perk to prospective buyers, ditto for the ability to special-order it in a left-handed configuration at a nominal surcharge. Again, this is true of the US market, which is the only one I know.
I remain eager to hear comments from users (positive and negative), so I can help keep the rifle a favorite among big-game hunters!