Thank you Edward.
And I must say that the way you have your elephant placelf for your Avatar photo is about the best looking elephant one I have seen here.
Yes, I totally agree that it just doesn't get any better and therefore, I feel totally blessed to have experienced this great privilege.
It is not the horn measurement that matters, it is the things as you described them that matter to my very pleasant memory of this event.
As young lad, when I was first "learning the ropes" of safe firearms handling and was marching all day long, during 1960's California pheasant season, deer season, etc., (often without having fired a shot), I would've laughed in the face of anyone who told me, "You will eventually be hunting in Africa", (much less with a large bore, vintage English double, for buffalo).
Well anyway, I do enjoy your posts on various topics so, keep the keyboard smoking my friend.
Yeah, to do as you have done above is to have lived a blessed life indeed. Frame that image in black and white and it could just as well have been the year 1903, when the 450 No.2 first came upon the scene.
My young trophy wife (she's still only in her 50's) actually had that photo done in black & white, on parchment and framed.
Then she gave it to me as a birthday gift the year I took the animal.
It's 12x16" and on the wall in my man cave, with a separate, little light source dedicated to it.
It is one of my fondest memories.
One of these days I plan to get organized and replace my avatar with it.
Sadly, I had to sell the rifle to pay off my safari bill then but, I suspect one day I will have another decent double.
Currently in gunsinternational.com, (listed by Griffin & Howe and also in their web site), there's another Army & Navy .450 No2 NE, 26" barrels (perfect!) for only $13,900., with brass, bullets, maker's case, etc., not a bad price at all (I bought and sold my hammergun in the photo for $10,000. each time but, I still have the dies).
The mentioned one for sale is a plain grade box lock, with extractors and has no cheek piece (aesthetics) but that'd all be just fine with me, no problem.
If I was not soon headed back to Africa, I'd definitely be making an offer on that rifle, in plenty of time to make it to the next double rifle shoot here in spring.
But oh well, my credit card can only take so much abuse at one time.
Speaking of credit, with the recent acquisition of a lovely 458 Lott (which I simply could not resist), my purchasing power (via credit) has been decimated. In a few years, I'll seek again.
I see that we totally agree - cheek pieces are unnecessary.
The only reason I mentioned the rifle for sale not having one is, it does, IMO, add a tiny bit extra to the "Africana" looks of a double rifle (and pre-war style Mausers in classic African calibers).
However, if I wasn't booked into a safari this year, I'd definitely be trying to get that A&N .450 No2, no cheek piece and all lol.
It is a beauty within my blue collar price range.
Congrats on your new Lott.
I really like that cartridge.
What type of rifle is it?
I shall look forward to reading about your search for a double one of these years.
Perhaps I too will be in the market again and we can compare notes.
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