Excellent choices! Some very experienced and knowledgeable AH folks can’t say enough good about the Heym Martini Express. A very astute AH member pointed out there is nothing like physically handling the rifle, shouldering, working the bolt, getting a feel for it. Can’t do that sight unseen and for that kind of money, he’s right, it calls for that. I like your ranking, except I’d switch #2 for #1.
I have to agree. 2 and 4 will allow you a nice optic and some cash in hand. I truly don't think you can get even a used Rigby big game or Mauser for under 15k these days.
You certainly can find a pre-Martini Heym well within the middle of your price range. Can probably find a nice Martini at the upper end. Solid rifles either way.
Thanks, will definitely keep my eyes peeled.
Thanks, was just on his site!
I absolutely love the Dakota 76 but one would suffice. I have no problem being under budget and spending more on African hunts.
That’s a handsome 404. I’m not handy like you, pretty good at destroying things though!
I started building that rifle in April last year and it was done in time for my fourth safari at the end of August. It had to go in the white - not enough time to get it blued. Didn't know you were in a hurry. I would expect most custom builders should be able to make you something in two years?That’s a handsome 404. I’m not handy like you, pretty good at destroying things though!
It’s certainly a consideration, but I would most likely want to buy someone’s used bespoke custom rifle for considerably less and save time on the wait.
You’re quite right sir, unless I’m having a rifle specifically built to my personal specifications, it’s not really bespoke by definition, I have um erroneously misapplied the term. I suppose I was thinking in terms of a very nice handcrafted rifle from a high end maker but not necessarily built to my personal specs.My understanding, BJH65, is that a "bespoke" rifle is built to the customer's specifications.
For example, some decades ago I had Griffin & Howe build for me a .340 Wby on a BRNO ZKK 602 action (these were the dry days when original Mauser Magnum actions were quasi impossible to find and before Mauser resumed production of the magnum 98), 26" medium weight barrel with barrel band front & rear sights and front swivel post; quarter rib; Bastogne walnut stock to my measured dimensions; Suhl claw mounts; classic red rubber recoil pad; linseed hand-rubbed finish; etc. etc.
Limited production rifles such as Heym, Mauser, Rigby, Dakota, etc. do not really meet the definition of "bespoke".
All of that to say that you seem to be looking for a high quality rifle, but not necessarily a "bespoke" rifle.
In that vein, I would share that my own evolution has been to actually sell my bespoke and other limited production rifles (e.g. Dumoulin, Mauser, Heym, Mannlicher Luxus, etc.), and even my Krieghoff double .470, not so much for financial reasons but for lack of use reason, after I replaced them all with a Blaser R8.
Beside the convenience of the R8 to bring 3 scoped calibers to Africa in an airline-compliant gun case <62" linear and <50 lbs., which is necessary if you diversify your hunting to include in the same trip DG and MG (mountain game) in the Karoo, Ethiopia, Uganda, etc., I find tremendous value in the fact that you always shoot the same rifle, from home or urban shooting range practice in .22 LR, all the way to (in my case) .458 Lott, through .375 H&H, .300 Wby, .257 Wby, not to mention .223 Rem for 300 yard practice.
"Beware of the one-rifle man, he probably knows how to use it" is definitely grounded in reality, and as good as the .375 H&H is, it is lacking in stopping power for DG, and in range for PG and MG, and the reality is that we never shoot our DG calibers enough. You will likely never become a 2 MOA shooter from the sticks with a .375 H&H (you simply will not shoot it often enough), but the .22 LR barrel of the R8 will make you one with regular practice, and this will translate seamlessly to all other R8 barrels/calibers.
My recommendation would be to think long and hard about a R8, because beside being as well made and as reliable as the best of small production rifles, it will provide multiple advantages over a sole .375 H&H rifle. Besides, you can spread the financial impact over years as you can add barrels when financially convenient, without killing your Safari budget if you plan a little bit.
To each our own, but I find it interesting that most folks who buy a R8 seem in great majority to never, or very rarely, take their other rifles to Africa, even when they own many truly magnificent "African" rifles.
Just food for thought
. My preference would always be 14 1/2 LOP but I could always live with less. ) all purpose rifle, with 30-06 like trajectory, capable of handling African game up to and including Cape buffalo and one that I could use in North America as well. I’ve always liked the 375 H&H, every one I’ve ever shot has been comfortable to shoot and reasonably accurate or very accurate.
I’m hopeful I can handle some at the upcoming Tulsa Gun Show in November.
You can get a Mauser 98 manum in the caliber you want in your price range with grade 5 to 7 range stock if look around..
Thanks Krish
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