Double Rifle for Your First Safari?

[PARA45]

Yeah, Mike has been hunting elephants with Buzz for decades, very experienced. He has hunted more elephants than most have hunted Impalas.

I wonder if the outcome would have been similar or very different with someone behind the double who maybe was hunting elephants for the first time? Would the PH have been faster than the hunter with a double? Obviously this hunter is well seasoned and experienced.

Disclaimer, I don't have a dog in this fight since I don't own a DG double and will probably never will. Not for not wanting one, but for not being able to afford one.

If someone can afford a $150,000 double, good for him/her. Who am I to criticize this person for being able to afford something like that. If I don't like double rifles, Blasers, push feed, Weatherby rifles (insert whatever you want here), why should I criticize those who do. Afterall we are all different with different taste, income and what not. We are all entitled to our opinions but be an adult and don't criticize those who like fine things, just because it's not your cup of tea. Unless you like to argue. My 2 cents.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

To me it’s a great safety point. Walking single file on a track with several excited people, watch the videos and see how many times the barrel crosses people in front. On PH I know won’t let the hunter carry with a loaded chamber.

Yes, some of those African hunting videos are scary that way. My PH lets me carry with one in the chamber because he knows I have twice a normal lifetime of experience. Still, I usually carry empty chamber unless game is visible. Hunting alone, round is always in the chamber. No one has a problem with me scoping but nothing in chamber and no fingers anywhere near trigger guard. Still, I wouldn't let myself be filmed doing it.

 

[Tanks]

To me it’s a great safety point. Walking single file on a track with several excited people, watch the videos and see how many times the barrel crosses people in front. On PH I know won’t let the hunter carry with a loaded chamber.

If you are hunting DG then one needs to stalk with a loaded gun. SOP is to load up after one gets out of the truck and safety on.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

If you are hunting DG then one needs to stalk with a loaded gun. SOP is to load up after one gets out of the truck and safety on.

Yep, that goes without saying. But you'd be surprised how many guys say I'm crazy dangerous for stalking other big game with a round in the chamber. Same guys think nothing of hunting uplands with a loaded shotgun. Go figure.

 

[Rare Breed]

If it were me I would look at the used Kreighoff market. Some people like them and some don't because of the cocking lever. I like mine a lot, that being said they seem to take a little bit of a hit price wise on the used market due to this. So sometimes you can really get a good deal on a used K gun. They are solid and very accurate amd not too picky on ammo from what I've seen with mine.

I’ve owned Chapuis, Merkel, Westley Richards, Sabatti and one other. For $10-$12,000 you can’t beat the Chapuis and Merkle. In my own personal experience

 

[Sideshow]

How about O&U single trigger?
Not exactly traditional but I can pick one up for £3000 v £10000

 

[Sideshow]

I

Yep, that goes without saying. But you'd be surprised how many guys say I'm crazy dangerous for stalking other big game with a round in the chamber. Same guys think nothing of hunting uplands with a loaded shotgun. Go figure.

Imo for rough shooting working the dog on pheasant partridge etc rounds in the chamber safety on barrel up. Walking gun broken is a little hazardous. Inevitably you’re lifting a foot when the bird breaks. So now you’re trying to close the gun mount and swing. That’s a whole load of drama that can be cut in half with just a safety of mount and swing. Yes it’s a different discipline to DG but your still have to have muzzle awareness.
A slight deviation to the op. My bad

 

[Troubleshooter]

I think you hit on the two biggest things: personal satisfaction and realistic expectations. If just killing animals is the goal, well that's fine, but maybe there are better options. But if the gun choice itself is a part of the overall experience then go with it! And do so understanding that it may come with limitations, and be OK with those.

I heard from some along the same lines about my choices in lever action rifles, which is my preference. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Kudos to you sir for deciding what was important to you, implementing a plan, and being happy with the results.

Agreed. A good friend is contemplating taking his first (perhaps only) safari in the next year or so. A big part of the motivation for him is taking the Winchester Model 71 that his late father gave him, while wearing his father's safari jacket. Obviously, he will need to stalk in fairly close in order to get the job done.

 

[HankBuck]

Agreed. A good friend is contemplating taking his first (perhaps only) safari in the next year or so. A big part of the motivation for him is taking the Winchester Model 71 that his late father gave him, while wearing his father's safari jacket. Obviously, he will need to stalk in fairly close in order to get the job done.

Gotta respect that, hunting with a rifle given by your Father And wearing your Father’s safari jacket — is as important (or more so) then any other aspect of the hunt —- at least that’s how I would feel....there are No words - you either feel it or you don’t.

 

[Franco]

History, mystique, lore, romance - all the words which entered my mind when I first considered hunting in Africa. I pictured myself, outfitted in khaki with the traditional double rifle in hand.

It seemed right, and that's what I saw in all the movies.

I was 65 and retired when I made my first hunting trip to Africa; after 45 years of hunting nothing but the occasional pheasant.

I made the decision I would go with a double, and after a conversation with Chris Sells of Heym USA, I was fitted for a 450/400. On that first trip I also took a Heym 375 H&H and my 300 Wthrby.

The 450/400 seemed a bit small, but Chris convinced me it's about shot placement not calibre. I went to FTW for a warm up and off to Tanzania I went; and I have since been to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Four hunts in total to date, and that 450/400 has proven quite formidable.

3 elephants, 1 at 21' with a front brain shot, 4 cape buffalo, a giraffe, and a zebra - all with that 450/400 double. It is by far one of my favorites; in the bush - I carry it, and let the trackers carry my other rifles. It comes up quick, in perfect position, is extremely accurate, and fun-as-hell to shoot.

I will say this about my double, it is open sight - and in the case of close up shooting, I would have no other type of rifle. That elephant was less than 30 feet when he emerged from the trees/brush and came at me in full charge. That double came up in perfect position and 1 shot was all it took.

On another occasion, a wounded cape buffalo got to his feet and came at me from about 30 yds out, I put 2 shots into his chest as he closed the distance, stopping him.

A double affords you the ability to keep eyes on the target and deliver 2 rounds in rapid succession - if required.

Not to draw the ire of bolt gun advocates, yes, a bolt gun would offer more rounds, but if the animal is so close you wouldn't have that chance at 3 or 4 - my money is on my double.

I have fired more rounds at an animal running away from me than one which was charging.

My other rifles: Heym 500 Double, Heym 458 Lott