Which 375 to take?

What to carry in Namibia?

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Hey gang.
First African hunt. Experienced hunter in NA.
Leaving for Namibia in ~40 days targeting leopard, zebra…other plains game as occurs. Chance for Caprivi strip buffalo or elephant if we finish early.
375H&H in a Ruger #1 or pre-64 Model 70
Love love love single shots but the Rifleman’s Rifle shoulders beyond compare.
Either will be scoped with a Zeiss 4-16 x44 (set on 4x) red dot as I want illumination + high light transmission for leopard scenario.
I don’t think there’s a wrong choice here but for fun want to tee it up to the group to weigh in.
For those curious: that’s a #8 smoothing plane and a #6 jack.
IMG_2205.jpeg
 
Those more skilled than I can quickly reload No. 1s under pressure, but I would be much more comfortable with the 70.

With the amount of money you are spending, and the safety of others as well, I would consider a solid 1-6, 1-8 etc.
 
Winchester, you’ll be a little quicker on follow-ups if needed.

I used to use a VX5 3-15 on my Pre64 without any issues. I went down to a VX6 2-16 recently though because I felt the 3x was a little too much on DG. If leopard wasn’t the last of the Big 5 I needed, i likely would’ve went S&B 1-4 or Swaro 1-6
 
Scopes have come up and are an interesting discussion.

At my disposal:
Leupol VX3 3-9x (non-illuminated)
Leupold VX5 1-5 x20mm Firedot
Leupold 2-10x42 (non-Firedot)
Zeiss VX4 4-16 illuminated

The most obvious answer is to buy a Leupold 2-10x Firedot but I’m pinching pennies

I love my Leupolds but want larger objective + illumination so I’m going Zeiss. Will peel off if we go for buff or elephant.
 
I would just take both.



If limited to one, I would take the M70, but do a little scope modification.
I think a lower limit of 4X is too high for DG in many circumstances. A 1-10X would be ideal.


A thermal scope would be ideal for leopard at night.

A NV adaptor would be OK too, as long as your PH had an IR illuminator.
 
I would put the leupold 1-5 in the Winchester and use tough bullets (Barnes, bear blow, a frame) for buff. Then use the #1 with your Leupold 2-10 using a softer bullet (accubond, partitions, cutting edge) for leopard and PG. Caprivi shots can get a little longer so personally I would not go with iron sights.
 
I voted pre-64 because there wasn’t a Blaser R8 option. ;)
 
If the DG critters were not on the list I would take the No.1.
With DG critters on the list if I was going to use a No.1 it would be in a 416, 450-400, 450 NE, 458 Win Mag or 458 Lott. Something starting with a 4.
 
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DaBill wrote on Fzj80's profile.
Just FYI $499 on https://www.eurooptic.com/leupold-v...3KHXPC4WuxtO6snqpCTN-T7_VZhmxHnXsaL24d3SNArHh
Better Luck if you lower your price
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DaBill wrote on Dakota300's profile.
I have a question about your scope. Is the Innomount an SR-to-Picatinny mount?
Bill
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robi
robi wrote on Cheesehead's profile.
I sounds like a very Dutch name "Kaaskop":E Laugh:
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robi
robi wrote on hoytcanon's profile.
Just moving to DM. Yes, please ask your friend if he knows somebody who might be willing to support a persistent hunt in the snow.
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MANKAZANA SAFARIS
MANKAZANA SAFARIS wrote on Paul Shirek's profile.
Hi Paul,
This is Daniel from Mankazana Safaris.

I saw your post regarding a hunt in Africa. I am sure you have been bombarded with messages and replies from other outfitters, so I will keep this one quick.
I have a feeling we have exactly what you need for a first safari.
If you'd like to hear more, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Yours sincerely,
•••

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