Redriverjake, I encourage you to follow your dreams and genuinely hope they pan out they way you have envisaged them to.
With regards to rifles, let me tell you the industry has a way of scewing your perspective on what a makes a "good" rifle.
Don't get me wrong.. I love double rifles, and would near trade my left (non-shooting) arm for one, but you get to the point were your focuses shift.
Carying a 10 lb double for a week is a LOT different than carrying a 10lb double for 8 months !
Doubles are very nostaligic and romantic and I would never doubt their practicle application, but if you end up guiding enough clients you will also eventually end up in a scenario where a magazine full from bolt gun will be VERY MUCH appreciated.
After your first season the novelty of a double will have worn thin, but the 10lbs will still be there.
I'm defenitely not here to stir the bolt verses double debate.
Merely suggesting that if you do make it through to the P.h ranks your first focus will be getting to know your country and the animals you will be hunting, achieving a high standard of results for your clients, working/establishing a relationship with your trackers, maintaining your hunting vehicle, tending to the proper treatment of your client's trophies, working in with the camp manager, coming up with a daily hunting plan etc etc etc etc.
The level of enjoyment, nostalgia and romance you gain from your personal back-up rifle will, in the grand scheme of things, be irrelevant.
You will be expected to perform with that firearm in the most stressfull and demanding situations you could possibly imagine, wether it's a double or bolt.
If you do seriously intend on going down the P.h track it is time to re-evaluate your perspective from want to need.
Your personal back-up weapon will become your new best freind.
If you believe you will perform best with a double as a best freind then go for it.
If you have grown up with bolts and are adept and comfortable in using them you need to consider this.
Guiding clients on expensive hunts (aren't they all) is not the place to becoming familiar with a new style of weapon (certainly not for the P.H, anyway).
Worry less about the style/configuration and concetrate more on being able to pull down a departing, wounded animals in thick scrub and on the move.
Your clients will be much more greatfull if you can save the occasional wounded animal from getting away, or trampling their asses, than they will be admiring your shiny twin bores.
I can't tell you how many clients I've had in my various camps cast a very disrespectful and derogitary glance towards my beaten old bolt gun UNTIL they've seen it bark in the field !
