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Open House/Tierry Labat/Double Rifle Shoot

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15 January 2011, 19:06
mdstewart
Open House/Tierry Labat/Double Rifle Shoot
This is an open invitation for anyone who can travel to join us at my shop as follows:

Where: Feather & Fly, Sporting Traditions
2401 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-774-5544 cell Mike Stewart
mike@featherandfly.com

What: Presentation by Thierry Labat, licensed
PH for Zambezi Hunters, Zimbabwe.
Thierry will be speaking and using video
clips during his presentation.

We will have an "Open House" format,
with BBQ and both soft drinks and adult
beverages. We are expecting a nice
crowd with fun and fellowship amongst
hunters.

For those interested in Double Rifles,
we will have a DR shoot before the Open
House. Merkel DR's in the following
calibers will be available to shoot:
.500NE, .470NE, .450/.400, 8x75RS, 7x65R

When: Thursday, January 20th. Double Rifle
Shoot from 1pm-5pm at my range. Meet at
my shop around 12noon, PM me if you want
to participate. Contributions for ammo
will be appreciated.

Open House from 6pm-9pm at Feather & Fly
2401 Broad St., Chattanooga. PM is you
think you can attend. Let me know if
you need accomodations; we canrecommend.


Thierry Labat is being hosted by Safari-Lawyer, who will also be attending. Below is some info on Thierry and Zambezi Hunters:

Thierry Labat was born and raised on a ranch in the south east lowveld of Zimbabwe . He shot his first animal, a duiker, at the age of 5 and he accompanied his dad elephant and buffalo hunting when he was only 7. After completing a degree in Conservation and Wildlife Management in England , Thierry came back to Zimbabwe and got his full Professional Hunters license in 2002. Thierry has done a few seasons hunting in Central African Republic as well as eight full seasons in Zimbabwe , spending more than 200 days per year in the bush. Thierry is known as a leopard hunting specialist, though he also hunts many buffalo and elephant each year as well as the occasional lion, crocodile, or hippo.





Zambezi Hunters mixes the old and the new. Established in 1969 by Ian Piercy as one of the first registered safari operators in Zimbabwe , the company has a proud and respected tradition of providing exceptional big game hunting. Zambezi Hunters is now owned by Jonathan Hulme and Alistair Pole. Both are committed to developing the company into one of the premier safari operators in Africa . This is done with a lot of enthusiasm and it is an exciting time to be involved with Zambezi Hunters as any of their clients will attest to.



Zambezi Hunters have the exclusive rights to three of the best hunting areas in Zimbabwe . The Sango and Hammond/Arda concessions are both within the world famous Save Valley Conservancy. Mahenye borders the Gonarezhou National Park and is part of the ambitious Gaza Land Trans Frontier Park (GLTFP) which also includes Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique .


JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More
15 January 2011, 19:17
safari-lawyer
Thanks Mike. Thierry and I both look forward to it. I already have a commit or two from AR guys that plan to attend.


Will J. Parks, III
15 January 2011, 19:33
Nemo .450
GOD willing I'll be there.

Unless you have changed your mind about the invite. hilbily


See you there!


------------------------------------------------------------------------

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -- John 3:36


http://www.accurateinnovations.com - http://aigunstocks.com/home-2/

NRA Life Member
DSC
SCI
DRSS - STILL waiting on MY "Taksdale" .450NE or a refund... coffee


"Young knight, learn to love God and revere women, so that your honour grows. Practice knighthood and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings you honour in wars." (Johannes Liechtenauer, 14th century)
15 January 2011, 19:58
mdstewart
quote:
Originally posted by Nemo .450:
GOD willing I'll be there.

Unless you have changed your mind about the invite. hilbily


See you there!


Come on, look forward to seeing you. Mike


JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More
15 January 2011, 20:03
Pegleg
Wish I could be there. Thierry is a good friend.
Thierry at seven-----

Thierry and his Dad in 2009-----



The only easy day is yesterday!
15 January 2011, 21:12
FishN4Eyes
quote:
Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
Thanks Mike. Thierry and I both look forward to it. I already have a commit or two from AR guys that plan to attend.


I think you should do a presentation in Montana on your way to Reno! Big Grin
18 January 2011, 00:14
ghostbird
I hope to make it up for the presentation... and possibly the shoot.

Andy


--------------------------------------------
National Rifle Association - Life Member
National Wild Turkey Federation - Diamond Life Sponsor
Pope & Young Club - Associate Member
18 January 2011, 01:27
mdstewart
quote:
Originally posted by ghostbird:
I hope to make it up for the presentation... and possibly the shoot.

Andy

Look forward to seeing you. You can always show up a little late and still get some shooting in. The shoot will be from 1pm-5pm.

Mike


JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More
18 January 2011, 06:30
safari-lawyer
The Great White Hunter.




Will J. Parks, III
19 January 2011, 08:41
mdstewart
quote:
Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
The Great White Hunter.




Great pic, is that you or Thierry? Mike


JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More
19 January 2011, 14:31
Will
Are those snake proof skivvies? Confused Smiler


-------------------------------
Will / Once you've been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun.
---------------------------------------
and, God Bless John Wayne. NRA Benefactor, GOA, NAGR
_________________________

"Elephant and Elephant Guns" $99 shipped.
“Hunting Africa's Dangerous Game" $20 shipped.

red.dirt.elephant@gmail.com
_________________________

If anything be of note, let it be he was once an elephant hunter, hoping to wind up where elephant hunters go.

19 January 2011, 18:39
safari-lawyer
Mike: The pic is Thierry. We were taking a break after following a herd of buffalo for several hours. We'd bumped the herd twice and decided to give them 30 minutes to settle down.

Bill: Be careful starting a skivvies discussion. Remember the boxers v. briefs v. commando debate last winter? Don't want to go there again! Wink


Will J. Parks, III
21 January 2011, 22:45
ghostbird
I had a great time at the event, as I'm sure everyone did. Got to meet several AR Members. Thanks Mike for being a great host... it was a blast !
Andy

Here are some photos...


























--------------------------------------------
National Rifle Association - Life Member
National Wild Turkey Federation - Diamond Life Sponsor
Pope & Young Club - Associate Member
21 January 2011, 23:03
Nemo .450
I sure had a alot of fun. Great guns, great folks and great food!

I really enjoyed meeting all of y'all!

Thanks Mr. Andy for sharing the pics!


Thanks also to Mr. Stewart for hosting the event and giving us a great time!


------------------------------------------------------------------------

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -- John 3:36


http://www.accurateinnovations.com - http://aigunstocks.com/home-2/

NRA Life Member
DSC
SCI
DRSS - STILL waiting on MY "Taksdale" .450NE or a refund... coffee


"Young knight, learn to love God and revere women, so that your honour grows. Practice knighthood and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings you honour in wars." (Johannes Liechtenauer, 14th century)
22 January 2011, 19:56
mdstewart
Andy, thanks for the great pictures. I had more fun than the law should allow. It was great meeting you and everyone else.

We threw alot of lead downrange, had some great fellowship, and got to try out a wide range of calibers.

Here's my take away from the event:

1) Shooting double rifles together brings out the best in everyone; civility, fellowship, alot of laughs and smiles, and sharing of wonderful stories.

2) The .450/400 is a pussycat in a 10.2lb gun; the .470 is very managable in an 11.2lb gun, and the .500 is not too bad in a 10.9lb gun.

If I were a PH, I'd definitely have the .500 (lighter to carry and a beast).

The .470 would be my personal choice for the biggest stuff.

However, I'm going with the .450/400; I'll use it for North American game as well as when I get to Africa.

3) Thierry Labat is one heck of a nice guy, an obvious accomplished PH, and a great shot with that .500 Merkel. I want him backing me up, for sure.

4) Nemo450 is a really nice young man, well-mannered, and what we need to see more of in our young folks. It is great to see such a young man enthralled with double rifles instead of rap music.

5) I met some really super AR folks who I know I can now call my friends.

Will (BoltTrash)Parks, Andy (Ghostbird) Cobb, Joshua (Nemo450), Wes Chapman from Accurate Innovations, Paul (PSmith) Smith, Levi and Don from Huntsville,
Alan Bunn, and Mark from Chattanooga Shooter's supply.

6) I have a great staff, loyal and fun folks to be around. Thanks Dan, Austin, Don Boutz, Michelle, and Chris.

7) I love Merkel double rifles. I think that the favorites were the 140-1 in 7x65R and the 160-1.2 in 8x75R. They are the sweetest handling rifles.

8) Paul Smith, I can't get your rifle out of my mind; it haunts me. PSmith's Merkel 160-2.2 in .500 is gorgeous. It is my dream gun.


I'm sure I have left something out. I'll leave it up to the rest to add their thoughts.

Mike


JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More