Your ideal 3 gun & 3 cartridge trio to hunt all things Africa.

[Northern Shooter]

A couple stipulations.

1. The options must include one big bore double rifle (>.0.40), one large bore bolt action (0.375 and up) and one small bore bolt action (under 0.375).
2. Choices must include 3 rifles (no single rifle with switch-barrel configuration wizardry).
3. Choices must be either rifles that you currently own or are within reasonable grasp of owning i.e. No Holland & Holland doubles unless you are that guy.
4. Provide reasoning for your selections.

Big Bore Double - Merkel 160 AE - 470NE.
I own the rifle. It's relatively affordable, and supposedly one of more rugged examples at this price point. 470NE because it's the most readily available NE ammo, ballistics are enough to drop anything that walks while not being excessive or punishing.

Large Bore Bolt Action - Rigby Big Game - 416 Rigby
The quintessential pairing in a Rigby rifle. It's fancy enough to be a wall hanger but just affordable enough to be attainable for the average guy. When considering large plains game and dangerous game, the 416's can fill that do-it-all role just as well, if not better than the 375's. Being able to take 300m shots with 300gr or producing a larger visible reaction on the Big V than the 375.

Small Bore Bolt Action - Mauser 98 - 7X57 Mauser. Another classic pairing with the proven CRF design and history. I will be ordering a new Mauser 98 in 2025. The 7x57 cartridge is often referred to as the small bore darling of Africa given it's history. Light recoiling, flat trajectory, ideal for small to medium sized plains game.

What would your trio include?

 

[Hunter-Habib]

BIG BORE DOUBLE
A Heym Jumbo in .600 Nitro Express

BIG BORE BOLT ACTION
Mauser Model 98 Magnum in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum

SMALL BORE BOLT ACTION
Mauser Model 98 Diplomat in 7x57mm Mauser


Fun Note: Hey, I just noticed that all three of my choices coincidentally happen to be German guns !

 

[Northern Shooter]

BIG BORE DOUBLE
A Heym Jumbo in .600 Nitro Express

BIG BORE BOLT ACTION
Mauser Model 98 Magnum in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum

SMALL BORE BOLT ACTION
Mauser Model 98 Diplomat in 7x57mm Mauser


Fun Note: Hey, I just noticed that all three of my choices coincidentally happen to be German guns !

Did the Heym jumbo pre-date the 88B? I've seen it mentioned here now a couple times.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Did the Heym jumbo pre-date the 88B? I've seen it mentioned here now a couple times.

No, the Heym Jumbo is a sidelock offered only in .600 Nitro Express, .577. Itro Express and .500 Nitro Express. It was first offered by Heym in 1995.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

All Bolt Action:

Tikka LH .243
SAKO 85L LH .375 H&H
Dakota Model 76 in .450 Dakota.

 

[IvW]

500 Jeff Brno ZKK602
Blaser Bergstutsen 9.3x74R/6.5×57R
Blaser K95 7x65R

 

[Northern Shooter]

500 Jeff Brno ZKK602
Blaser Bergstutsen 9.3x74R/6.5×57R
Blaser K95 7x65R

I'm unfamiliar with the last two, are they both rimmed cartridges for doubles/single shots?

 

[ftrovato]

500 Nitro Express (Cuz it works)
416 Rigby (Good out to 200 for most anything & great with solids on the tiny 10).
257 Weatherby Magnum

In Sept. I took around 14 animals from buffalo down to the tiny ten with 500 & 416. However, If I wanted to reach out and touch something the 257 WM would be nice to have along.

 

[BJH65]

If it were my own list, I would not choose a double rifle since I’m really a bolt action man. I would choose either a Rigby or Mauser 450 Rigby as my largest bore. While the rifles “could” be within my ability to obtain, it would be unlikely that I would get all three, maybe one. My preference would be to apply the money for international hunts since I already have other rifles that already fit the bill. Anyhow, based on your stipulations, here’s my list:

Krieghoff Classic Big Five 500 Nitro Express ( maybe a Verney Carron 500 Nitro Express)
Rigby Big Game 416 Rigby (would be just as happy with Mauser Diplomat 416 Rigby).
Rigby Highland Stalker 30-06.

I would have Swarovski optics on the two bolt action rifles. If I could only have one, I think the Rigby Highland Stalker in 30-06.

 

[Killo]

DOUBLE RIFLE : LARM 450/400
BIG BORE: Park West 375 H&H Dark Continent Take Down
UNDER 375: Dakota 300 H&H

 

[CBH Australia]

My plains game rifle would be of a 7mm calibre ( I have 3 if I count the wife’s 7x64)

I have my CZ550 in .375H&H

I would happily buy a double if I thought I would use it enough to feel it’s worthwhile. It sounds like Merkel are on the lower end of pricing. It’s within my reach but I don’t need one atm and I’m not going to be doing much international hunting unless I can build some serious wealth as I’m not likely to be able to keep up with others if I start spending like that.

So it’s

7x57 or 7x64 for the lighter being they seem classic

A .375H&H in the middle

Probably a .450 bore of some sort in a double

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I'm not a double guy so it would be all bolt rifles that I currently own and take as 3 gun safari.
CZ 550 458 Lott AHR 2 upgrade
CZ 550 375 HH AHR 1 upgrade
Remington 700 custom 300 win mag

 

[Rare Breed]

A couple stipulations.

1. The options must include one big bore double rifle (>.0.40), one large bore bolt action (0.375 and up) and one small bore bolt action (under 0.375).
2. Choices must include 3 rifles (no single rifle with switch-barrel configuration wizardry).
3. Choices must be either rifles that you currently own or are within reasonable grasp of owning i.e. No Holland & Holland doubles unless you are that guy.
4. Provide reasoning for your selections.

Big Bore Double - Merkel 160 AE - 470NE.
I own the rifle. It's relatively affordable, and supposedly one of more rugged examples at this price point. 470NE because it's the most readily available NE ammo, ballistics are enough to drop anything that walks while not being excessive or punishing.

Large Bore Bolt Action - Rigby Big Game - 416 Rigby
The quintessential pairing in a Rigby rifle. It's fancy enough to be a wall hanger but just affordable enough to be attainable for the average guy. When considering large plains game and dangerous game, the 416's can fill that do-it-all role just as well, if not better than the 375's. Being able to take 300m shots with 300gr or producing a larger visible reaction on the Big V than the 375.

Small Bore Bolt Action - Mauser 98 - 7X57 Mauser. Another classic pairing with the proven CRF design and history. I will be ordering a new Mauser 98 in 2025. The 7x57 cartridge is often referred to as the small bore darling of Africa given it's history. Light recoiling, flat trajectory, ideal for small to medium sized plains game.

What would your trio include?

I know I am cheating but from my 8 safaris using a variet of bolt versus DRs I have just for myself found to do my kind of hunting I only need one DR in 470 NE I chose Rigby and one bolt action 30-06 in Ruger. The latter enables me to shoot 125 grains up to 220 grains taking any PG in Africa bar none easily. My DR is my rifle of choice for any elephant and cape buffalo…yes some of the ladder may be too far away but I do not go to Africa to make long shots on buff…the fun is getting close enough for my double. This has enabled me to place more money to hunts versus safe queens. Just me

 

[Northern Shooter]

My plains game rifle would be of a 7mm calibre ( I have 3 if I count the wife’s 7x64)

I have my CZ550 in .375H&H

I would happily buy a double if I thought I would use it enough to feel it’s worthwhile. It sounds like Merkel are on the lower end of pricing. It’s within my reach but I don’t need one atm and I’m not going to be doing much international hunting unless I can build some serious wealth as I’m not likely to be able to keep up with others if I start spending like that.

So it’s

7x57 or 7x64 for the lighter being they seem classic

A .375H&H in the middle

Probably a .450 bore of some sort in a double

Living in Australia you have Buffalo of your own that could justify the use of a double. I'm hoping to hunt in Australia one day and take a Buffalo with my Merkel.

 

[MikeWas]

A couple stipulations.

1. The options must include one big bore double rifle (>.0.40), one large bore bolt action (0.375 and up) and one small bore bolt action (under 0.375).
2. Choices must include 3 rifles (no single rifle with switch-barrel configuration wizardry).
3. Choices must be either rifles that you currently own or are within reasonable grasp of owning i.e. No Holland & Holland doubles unless you are that guy.
4. Provide reasoning for your selections.

Big Bore Double - Merkel 160 AE - 470NE.
I own the rifle. It's relatively affordable, and supposedly one of more rugged examples at this price point. 470NE because it's the most readily available NE ammo, ballistics are enough to drop anything that walks while not being excessive or punishing.

Large Bore Bolt Action - Rigby Big Game - 416 Rigby
The quintessential pairing in a Rigby rifle. It's fancy enough to be a wall hanger but just affordable enough to be attainable for the average guy. When considering large plains game and dangerous game, the 416's can fill that do-it-all role just as well, if not better than the 375's. Being able to take 300m shots with 300gr or producing a larger visible reaction on the Big V than the 375.

Small Bore Bolt Action - Mauser 98 - 7X57 Mauser. Another classic pairing with the proven CRF design and history. I will be ordering a new Mauser 98 in 2025. The 7x57 cartridge is often referred to as the small bore darling of Africa given it's history. Light recoiling, flat trajectory, ideal for small to medium sized plains game.

What would your trio include?

A couple stipulations.

1. The options must include one big bore double rifle (>.0.40), one large bore bolt action (0.375 and up) and one small bore bolt action (under 0.375).
2. Choices must include 3 rifles (no single rifle with switch-barrel configuration wizardry).
3. Choices must be either rifles that you currently own or are within reasonable grasp of owning i.e. No Holland & Holland doubles unless you are that guy.
4. Provide reasoning for your selections.

Big Bore Double - Merkel 160 AE - 470NE.
I own the rifle. It's relatively affordable, and supposedly one of more rugged examples at this price point. 470NE because it's the most readily available NE ammo, ballistics are enough to drop anything that walks while not being excessive or punishing.

Large Bore Bolt Action - Rigby Big Game - 416 Rigby
The quintessential pairing in a Rigby rifle. It's fancy enough to be a wall hanger but just affordable enough to be attainable for the average guy. When considering large plains game and dangerous game, the 416's can fill that do-it-all role just as well, if not better than the 375's. Being able to take 300m shots with 300gr or producing a larger visible reaction on the Big V than the 375.

Small Bore Bolt Action - Mauser 98 - 7X57 Mauser. Another classic pairing with the proven CRF design and history. I will be ordering a new Mauser 98 in 2025. The 7x57 cartridge is often referred to as the small bore darling of Africa given it's history. Light recoiling, flat trajectory, ideal for small to medium sized plains game.

What would your trio include?

.458 Lot or Win Mag

.375 H&H

7x57 Mauser (though 30.06 is a favorite)

 

[Altitude sickness]

For Africa only

Westley Richards Sidelock DR .500 Nitro

Westley Richards magazine in .375 H&H

Fanzoj Kipplauf KB with 2 barrels one 9.3 x74 and one .308 Winn

 

[HWL]

A couple stipulations.

1. The options must include one big bore double rifle (>.0.40), one large bore bolt action (0.375 and up) and one small bore bolt action (under 0.375).
2. Choices must include 3 rifles (no single rifle with switch-barrel configuration wizardry).
3. Choices must be either rifles that you currently own or are within reasonable grasp of owning i.e. No Holland & Holland doubles unless you are that guy.

What would your trio include?

To hunt "all things" in Africa, you need at least one shotgun barrel!!!
Either a double, or a combiation gun or whatever..
Whenever I hunted in Africa, a drilling was my companion.
My battery at the moment is...

A Enfield P17 converted by Lieutenant Colonel Arthur B. Alphin to a .470 Capstick A-Square Hannibal rifle as "the stopper".

A Ruger M77 RSM in .416 Rigby as the "do it all" rifle.

A Suhl drilling in 8x65RS/12/12 as the "kitchen gun".

The last one always had the highest ammunition consumption!

HWL

 

[FlyGuy]

Double…
Beretta Silver Pigeon 12ga.
Big Bore…
416 Rigby on a Mauser K98 Action
Everything else…
Winchester P64 30-06

 

[meigsbucks]

Big bore double: Heym .450/.400 I don’t own a double, although if I purchased one, this would be it.
Big bore: .375 Wby Adequate for DG, but also flat shooting enough for large PG in open country.
Sub .375: .280 Rem

 

[Tundra Tiger]

No lever options?? Well poop - I'm out.