quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
I guess this is one of those arguments that will never have a unanimous answer. Like which are better, blondes or Brunettes?

You are right, of course, especially in regard to the blondes, or Brunettes, because they are the same basic design, machaniclly! Both are contorled feeding, and they control what they are fed!

However, the shotgun, and the rifle are very different things regardless of the color of the trimmings!One pennetrates well, and the other doesn't, and at close range, nither is more accurate than the other, as both shoot like a rifle within 5 to 10 yds, and must be shot instinctively! Empact energy is not what kills instantly, but destruction of vital organs, and broken bones, and that is best done with a big soft point bullet, that pennerates from one end to the other!

It has been reported many times by PHs, and medical people, in Africa, that a very large percentage of those mauled by Leopard, were useing either a Shotgun, or pistol, But I would say 90% 0f those were useing a shotgun, rather than a pistol, or rifle!

I would have no problem in useing a double barreled shotgun, if it was loaded with Brenneke slugs, and had a rifled slug barrels and fitted with good express sights, and regulated to hit both barrels together at 15 yds. As far as I'm concerened, you can through the buck shot in the sea. I've seen to many little 60 pound whitetails wounded by buck shot, and people survive dirrect center of mass hits at close range with police/military riot shotguns, loaded with buck shot, and then return fire!

This is a difficult decision but one of critical importance. I can see the advantages and disadvantages of each weapon. I won't repeat them since they are well covered in the earlier posts above. For me I think I will go with what my PH advised on my one and only leopard as we walked up on my hopefully dead leopard. I am highly unikely to carry a shotgun all the way to Africa just in case I wound a leopard.

He carried his 404 Jeffery and I had my choice of my 375 H&H or my 465 Nitro double. He said to take the 465 and to not try to aim it if the cat charged as I wouldn't have time to get a proper sight picture. He advised to simply point it like a shotgun at the yellow flash and pull the trigger. Seemed like good advice to me. Another key not mentioned is to carry a back up hand gun for close in fighting if the cat gets to you. I have and will in the future carry a big bore handgun on any big cat hunt.

465H&H

Sounds like you are getting great advice.

I can't remember the PH, but I recall reading where the PH had his "leopard" follow up outfit that consisted of a heavy leather motorcycle jacket, a cup, and a heavy glove on the left hand and a scarf. That got me wondering whether those chainmail suits divers use would be helpful.

Those chainmail suits weigh about 20 pounds, but will stop the bite from a smaller shark.

Jim, Peter Capstick had a leopard follow-up uniform similar to what you described, and I think he wore a football helmet as well.

Actually, a full face motorcycle helmet with a new clear vizor is not a bad idea.

mike