A Nasty Cape Buffalo Charge!

[JimP]

As the saying goes if you don't have a rifle in such a instance:

Feet, don't fail me now!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Vintageguy]

If I had no rifle, I’d run like a turpentined cat too. Someone has to call for help and tell the story to authorities. Main thing is that the guy with the rifle doesn’t pass you.

 

[leslie hetrick]

i joined the brown undershorts club in vn-67, however that would have made me a charter member.

 

[Nyati]

A true professional !

 

[DWB]

You are correct, a .375 is not a stopping rifle, but a 300 gr A-Frame in that spot would have been equally instantly fatal.

The real question is what was the client using that caused him to screw up his one job - the first shot?

I am asking this question two partedly...

Firstly, to give the 375 guys some good jested hell.

Secondly, I have been side by side to hunters shooting brain shots on buffaloes (bull and cows) and I noted back then that a buffalo's eyes do not just pop out, so I am intrigued.

Crap shot is a crap shot, but sh#t happens and things go wrong. People seem to forget the excitement and adrenaline factor that comes into play with these black buggers!

 

[saswart]

Firstly, to give the 375 guys some good jested hell.

Must have been a 9.3....

 

[BeeMaa]

Looks like Craig has done this a time or two in order to maintain such a calm state and place a perfect shot. Well done.

One thing of note is that when he cycled the bolt, he grabbed the bolt handle with his fingers to work the action. I've heard several times how this is not the proper technique, and that using the palm of the hand is the preferred method. Attributed to the loss of fine motor skills in a stressful situation.

In the end, it didn't make a difference. And truthfully, he didn't look stressed at all.

 

[MS 9x56]

Looks like Craig has done this a time or two in order to maintain such a calm state and place a perfect shot. Well done.

One thing of note is that when he cycled the bolt, he grabbed the bolt handle with his fingers to work the action. I've heard several times how this is not the proper technique, and that using the palm of the hand is the preferred method. Attributed to the loss of fine motor skills in a stressful situation.

In the end, it didn't make a difference. And truthfully, he didn't look stressed at all.

My observation was his technique was perfectly functional. I have some rifles I use the palm technique, and others that the fingers method works better. Personal choice, as long as you can perform them both with equal aplomb.

 

[Javaman]

Incredible shot under pressure.

 

[DPHunter4570]

Wild. Quick on the draw!

 

[coreydb]

Top Notch PH! This is a quintessential situation why buffalos are DG and kill hunters so quickly

 

[roklok]

Excellent shooting in a scary situation ! As far as palm vs fingers, I use fingers and thumb and feel I am proficient. Palming the bolt handle can cause issues with a scoped rifle, depending on clearance between bolt and scope. While this is not an issue with iron sights, I believe it is better to stick with and practice a method that works with all my bolt actions scoped or not.

 

[DWB]

I am asking this question two partedly...

Firstly, to give the 375 guys some good jested hell.

Secondly, I have been side by side to hunters shooting brain shots on buffaloes (bull and cows) and I noted back then that a buffalo's eyes do not just pop out, so I am intrigued.

Crap shot is a crap shot, but sh#t happens and things go wrong. People seem to forget the excitement and adrenaline factor that comes into play with these black buggers!

Well I wasn't wrong!

He answered me on Instagram that he was using a 458WM with 450gr Titan Expanding bullets.

 

[hoytcanon]

Well done.

 

[Wiley64]

No thanks on the palm thing.

 

[VINOYASADO]

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My observation was his technique was perfectly functional. I have some rifles I use the palm technique, and others that the fingers method works better. Personal choice, as long as you can perform them both with equal aplomb.

@MS 9x56
I have never palmed the bolt. Always use fingers, quicker and more control.
Bob

 

[MS 9x56]

I have never timed myself using finger vs palm, but I also have practiced both with unloaded rifles to get used to working the bolt with the rifle remaining mounted to my shoulder. Same with lever actions. I use the palm method when the bolt open position is very close to the scope to avoid pinching.

 

[elkocountygun]

If I had no rifle I would have beat the boys in the foot race.

Well placed shot.

great shot. your faster than me, haha... understand the urge to run...my question has always been, where are boys / anyone running too that bull, bear, hog, gator, or whatever, can't get to? thx

 

[elkocountygun]

This bull came charging through the thick bush, but Professional Hunter Craig Middleton of Kilombero North Safaris in Tanzania stood his ground with just enough time for one shot. He made the perfect shot, saving his own life. The boys ran like their butts were on fire!

Professional Hunter Craig Middleton of Kilombero North Safaris in Tanzania, my hat is off sir. excellent training, skill, and reaction