I just posted in the Small Caliber subforum my pleasure in practicing for safaris with my Ruger African in .223. I thought to repost some of it here as well.

Cost/round is very attractive compared with regular calibers for Africa, and Ruger designed this special edition rifle for just this purpose. It was actually from a request from Gunsite for their clients shooting all week long with heavy African calibers. My rifle with a Leupold scope & rings weighs 9.2 lbs., so imitates the full size and feel of a safari rifle, complete with open sights, barrel band swivel, etc.

Today, I began at the range with this rifle to practice three basic positions in the field, before I continued on with my 9.3x66, 358NM, and finished with (6) rounds of 404 Jeffery.

I believe only 200 of these rifles were produced. Such a great idea from Ruger!

I always thought this was a really great idea.

If I ever see one at the right price, I'd grab it for sure.

Good luck on your search! I see them once in a while for sale on the internet.

Love mine.

I see them on GB from time to time.

2k or thereabouts

That would not be a bad addition.

As a rule, I practice off hand shooting with a 308 Winchester which weighs 1 pounds more than my hunting rifle.

I shoot at targets roughly 7 inch in diameter, at 50 yards using military ammo.

I aim and fire as quickly as I get a sight picture.

This actually helps my shoulder muscles too.

Current rifle I am using is a Sako A7.

I practice with a RWS 48 pellet rifle. I have some steel targets around the backyard and I'll plink in the evenings while enjoying a beverage.

I'll shoot off sticks, kneeling, sitting, free hand, using a pole etc.

It's fun and relaxing.

All my "serious" rifles are Winchester 70s. All are long actions, with similar stocks and scopes and nearly all are sighted in 2 inches high at 100 yds. My wife says this is boring while I say the word is familiarity!

At a couple places at the farm I have steel plates at a 100 yards and a wooden post set so while checking cattle, feeding or whatever I can just step out of the truck and bang off a few rounds easily, usually using the post as a rest. Sometimes set up sticks or offhand.

I remember one thread where several folks claimed they never practiced before a trip. I try to stay in practice all the time!