What could you just not resist at DSC?

[375 Ruger Fan]

I made a purchase with the Rigby folks. The very British guy waiting on me had one of those Friar Tuck haircuts, which was somewhat comical. My purchase? A brown, long sleeve shirt.

Talked with a couple Namibian outfitters for 2025 hunts.

 

[mdwest]

I made a purchase with the Rigby folks. The very British guy waiting on me had one of those Friar Tuck haircuts, which was somewhat comical. My purchase? A brown, long sleeve shirt.

Talked with a couple Namibian outfitters for 2025 hunts.

That was Tony…

Funny guy… I had a few laughs with him while salivating over a couple of their rifles…

 

[revturbo9967]

Spent only 120 buck at the show, but spoke with a few Tanzania outfits that really interest me.

 

[Green Chile]

Bradshaw certainly has a unique mind when it comes to rifle design. His twist action magazine rifle is something I would like to spend some time with at the range, when he gets it completed. Plus he is a good guy.

Bailey is an incredible craftsman as has been said by others here. Just as a point of clarity, the twist action single shot rifle is a direct copy of George Hoenig's design. The patent has run out on that so Bailey can build it now and he would tell you the same thing. That doesn't take anything away from Bailey's numerous skills. I don't know of anyone else who has made another one.

 

[Racer00]

My first time at the convention (I doubt it will be my last). Totally overwhelming. And as I complete planning and purchases for my first safari coming up in March, you enablers here had convinced me I wouldn't be content without a Rigby. So after much deliberation, I made the purchase. And it is everything I had hoped it would be and more. I highly recommend everyone buys a Rigby. I got number #116. Best damn book I've read in a while. Dagga Boys.
Jody

 

[Green Chile]

I almost gutted my bank account when he told me the price of that rifle…

WAY less than a mid grade Teutonic double…

And the Bradshaw gun is fully engraved, has upgraded wood, etc

Dave I have been looking at Bailey's work from a distance for awhile. I have a couple of double rifles built by Aaron Little who worked with Bailey before starting his own shop. Both the single and the double rising block rifles speak to me. I stood there for quite awhile looking at it while Bailey and Mark Ouellette traded military memories. I think Mark decided if he was going to get a photo of it he would have to include me as I wasn't putting it back! I will think seriously on a project with Bailey.

 

[Philip Glass]

The Swaro EL Range 10X32 Binoculars. Sometimes you get your hands on something and that's it, done deal!
I am going to buy from @Mark Biggerstaff
He did a great job with the door prizes for our dinner Friday night.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Inline6]

I couldn't resist Swarovski 10x32 Range Finder binos and Z8i 1-8x24 leftover with a 30mm tube. They are now only making it in a 34mm tube.

Several boxes of A-Frame bullets plus some North Forks.

No deposits paid but spent some time looking at fishing trips and Safaris to Uganda as well as Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania

Talked to the sale rep about the Z8i 1-8+ the eye piece is extremely large. To the point it looks like it would interfere with bolt manipulation (standard 90°). Did voice my want for them to add an EE to their 1x8 line. Haha he just shook his head.

 

[Green Chile]

I was pleased to encourage a couple of friends to book their first elephant hunts. I enjoyed catching up with several guides and PH friends...one of whom just took his desert sheep and has 3/4 of the slam. I'm thinking seriously about a trip to TZ for buff...and talked to Greg Pennicott about his buff/banteng in Oz.

 

[Green Chile]

Talked to the sale rep about the Z8i 1-8+ the eye piece is extremely large. To the point it looks like it would interfere with bolt manipulation (standard 90°). Did voice my want for them to add an EE to their 1x8 line. Haha he just shook his head.

Bryan I have that on my Dakota .416 Rigby and it works fine. I hear you though and wish it was a little slimmer.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Inline,
“Talked to the sale rep about the Z8i 1-8+ the eye piece is extremely large”

So is it your impression his response was, he heard that request to reduce the bulk, and they are working on it. Or that they were not changing the size.

They should steal Leupolds design. The electronics are too large and cumbersome.

 

[Green Chile]

My understanding from talking to several industry people is that the Swaros are mostly designed for the needs/requests of Euro hunters. That's one of the reasons the excellent EE is discontinued; Euro market didn't care about it and seemingly there isn't enough US buyers to make up the difference. Same goes with these larger tubes, etc. Who needs 34mm for hunting? Euro buyers like it for their night time fox hunts, etc. but US buyers think it looks like the Hubble telescope on a football.

 

[cash_tx]

Arno makes a beautiful knife…

We only bought a couple of vests in the DSC store after they went on sale this afternoon… and we managed to land a great deal on an auction hunt in New Zealand… those were the only purchases made…

I’ve never been one for “finery” when it comes to rifles… I absolutely understand guys that fall in love with beautiful walnut and ornate deep blue/black steel… I tend to lust after rigbys and resign myself to more pedestrian Mauser actioned rifles or winchesters or rugers, etc…

But after spending some time with Bailey Bradshaw at our Bos en Dal party Thursday night.. and then some more time with him this afternoon… I’m seriously thinking about taking the plunge on one of his single shots… they are the epitome of elegance and beauty in a firearm I think… and while certainly not cheap, they are incredibly well priced for the quality of the craftsmanship and the beauty of the final product…

His prototype rifle with the twist action that he had on the table would be incredible in something like 7x57R… or his rising bite single shot is a super nice option as well…

Bradshaw Gun and Rifle – Finest Single Shot and Double Rifles

bradshawgunandrifle.com

I do recall the Bailey rifles on display, and they were absolutely beautiful!

 

[Altitude sickness]

I’m not a Swaro hater I have them on two rifles
And love my two sets of binos. However, as you said the scopes eye peices are too bulky

Anyway back to the original post

 

[ActionBob]

Talked to the sale rep about the Z8i 1-8+ the eye piece is extremely large. To the point it looks like it would interfere with bolt manipulation (standard 90°). Did voice my want for them to add an EE to their 1x8 line. Haha he just shook his head.

Bryan I have that on my Dakota .416 Rigby and it works fine. I hear you though and wish it was a little slimmer.

Do you have the new 34mm tube or the now discontinued 30mm?

Inline,
“Talked to the sale rep about the Z8i 1-8+ the eye piece is extremely large”

So is it your impression his response was, he heard that request to reduce the bulk, and they are working on it. Or that they were not changing the size.

They should steal Leupolds design. The electronics are too large and cumbersome.

My understanding from talking to several industry people is that the Swaros are mostly designed for the needs/requests of Euro hunters. That's one of the reasons the excellent EE is discontinued; Euro market didn't care about it and seemingly there isn't enough US buyers to make up the difference. Same goes with these larger tubes, etc. Who needs 34mm for hunting? Euro buyers like it for their night time fox hunts, etc. but US buyers think it looks like the Hubble telescope on a football.

Yes it does! The 30mm made way more sense.

What I bought was one of the last two 30mm tube versions of this scope. Kind of wishing I had bought both

BTW, Mark was sold out of these when I asked.

Here is the one I bought for Gina last year. Mounted on her Iphisi.

 

[Green Chile]

I only have the 30mm on hunting rifles...several of them. Not interested in the 34's at all. So all of our 30mm's just went up in value.

 

[ActionBob]

I only have the 30mm on hunting rifles...several of them. Not interested in the 34's at all. So all of our 30mm's just went up in value.

With you on that all Kicking myself for not buying that second scope. Hopefully some other AH Member got it

 

[Green Chile]

I got 2 from Mark and had 1 or 2 others. That 1-8 illuminated is one of the best scopes EVER made.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Mine are 30mm also

 

[brummerb1]

I am so close to booking a Safari to Mozambique for 2025 for Lion, Hippo, Croc and a few plains game. I am in the process of negotiating the price and him getting back with me.

Nice, What outfitter?