Rifle conundrum

[USN]

Win 70 375 H&H. Just works every time. Now the hard decision is glass and mounts. QD was my choice with Swaro glass. Ended up double the cost of rifle but worth every penny.
If going two rifle route match the setup of rifle and glass. 300 win mag just my personal choice to match similarities.
Sticks, sticks and more sticks practice.
Most importantly go sooner than later, and enjoy and welcome

 

[RichieG]

You have 10 years
If you can affford it plan for two. If not, a 375 is the go to.
If you arrived in Africa with a 30-06 and a 375 in CZ 550 or Brno ZKK you’d be halfway to being a PH.

Good luck!!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I went a slightly different route to the take down rifle. I had an Aluminum case made that I can get a CZ550 and a rifle made on an M17 action into. Not as easy as the take down rifle but easier to cart around than the Pelican 1750 case is.

My first two safaris I borrowed a Kalispel aluminum gun case. Very nice but still bulky. Then I bought a single gun Pelican Vault case for third safari as I was only after plains game and just took my 30-06. Last year I built a 404 Jeffery rifle and decided to take it along for buffalo cow management hunt. No need to buy another case. Both rifles have QD slings and scopes. With them detached and in my carryon, both rifles easily fit in the single gun case. Stocks were marked slightly from adjacent muzzles but their oil finish was easily cleaned up when I got home (30-06 was due for refinishing anyway). One fix would be to cut the foam to fit each rifle. Instead I have decided to simply put slip-on recoil pads on both rifles to protect stocks during transport.

Edit: Another option might be to use waffle foam. I will put a strip of duct tape on the front sight hoods to protect them from possible scratching against case. Sticky residue is easily removed with gun oil or WD-40. All latches are duct taped closed during transit. Don't use colored duct tape. A certain security agent at Joberg airport has a fetish for the stuff. She stole my roll right in front of me.

 

[Altitude sickness]

There is an upcoming DG rifle shoot in KY. Perhaps you could take a drive and shoot the loaners available. Most guys will let you try their rifle.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am new to this thread and the idea of a safari. I have realized my current deer rifle, which seems to be the recommended plains game rifle will not pass through customs in many African countries. It is a Rossi 92 in 44 mag, it has open sights and works great out to 100 yards, I don’t hunt bean fields so the setup has worked well for me.

My conundrum is this, with the dream of a buffalo hunt in mind, but 10+ years away. Should I push myself right into a dangerous game rifle (9.3 or 375) and use it for deer and the larger North American game, or should I go with a more typical caliber (7mm or 308 etc) and buy a dangerous game rifle closer to the hunt, or possibly rent a rifle.

I grew up shooting deer with slugs in single shot shotguns so I’m not scared of recoil, but $100 for 20 rounds would be painful!

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Viva Christo Rey
Pat

I would go with your 7mm Mag for now and then be on the look out for a .375 or bigger for your buffalo. That said there is nothing wrong with getting a .375 now and using it for everything. It is fun!

 

[Philip Glass]

Goodness I get convinced to do one thing, then pushed back in the other direction!

Whatever I do I will try to take @ActionBob advice and get blued steal paired with a wood stock! My first rifle was a stainless marlin 60, that thing has the worst gall! I’ll never sell the rifle because you almost never get through a full magazine without a jam, it’s accurate though!

You are getting a lot of advice to go with the good ole .30-06 for your safari. I would agree with one caveat and that is you will want to be able to range and dial with that caliber. If Hunting big open country like I often do in Africa there will be some long shots taken. The people who have hunted with me have done the best with the .300's and you can add to the list the few who could effectively dial their .30-06.

 

[375Ruger416]

A pair of model 70’s or rugers in 30/06 and 375 is a great option and probably the most cost effective. A Blaser R8 is a great option if it fits your budget. I’ve purchased one.

From what I’ve seen, Win Model 70 in 375 hold their value well. Get a used one and you’ll probably get your money back out of it when you’re done with it. I’d forget about ammo cost. If you skip the second rifle in 30/06, mounts, and optics you’ll have lots of money for ammo for your 375. Shoot lighter weight bullets for North American and plains game and premium bullets if DG is on the menu. With a 375, I’d be comfortable using normal cup and core bullets like Winchester blue box or Remington corelokt on non dangerous game. There’s nothing you can’t do with a 375.