Butch Searcy has announced availability of his "Stalking Rifle" a single shot available in several calibers including NE 470 and 450-400, 416 Remington and 375 H&H. As you would expect, a work of art. I know several people on the site would not have a single shot for DG. But this rifle is bound to get some attention and use in Africa.

I don't want to start a war, but what is a "stalking rifle"? It seems to be a European concept, and I assume implies light weight, well balanced perhaps, but it does not imply a single shot does it? I have a Ruger Ultralight in 257 Roberts that would fill my bill as a "stalking rifle" ie. something used for still hunting, lugging around all day etc. but perhaps I am missing something. Would a Ruger #1 be a "stalking rifle"? If not, why not?
Thanks, Peter.

"Stalking Rifle" is like "Assault Rifle". It means whatever you want it to mean.

I stalk with a 74 Sharps Assault rifle.

Brent

!!! Yes, but would you Assault with a 74 Sharps Stalking Rifle?
Peter.

Well, I think this guywould say so:

It is one of the sweetest rifles I have ever handled. I lusted for one at Reno SCI and was contemplating buying the 404 but Tom Selleck showed up and bought it for himself for which I am eteranally greatful, because I therefore did not have to face my storm and strife for buying another high dollar rifle only to be sold some weeks later or whenever I found another high dollar rope horse that I couldn't live without, but the need has not passed yet, so who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men, Searcy knows!

But alas, I am still awaiting in awe for my new Searcy Classic in 450-400-3", only then will the need for that single shot rise to the top like cream in a milk jug!

I spent the weekend roping at the Idaho Qualifyer for Nationals and those youngsters whupped me proper, but I can out shoot'em.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
I don't want to start a war, but what is a "stalking rifle"? It seems to be a European concept, and I assume implies light weight, well balanced perhaps, but it does not imply a single shot does it? I have a Ruger Ultralight in 257 Roberts that would fill my bill as a "stalking rifle" ie. something used for still hunting, lugging around all day etc. but perhaps I am missing something. Would a Ruger #1 be a "stalking rifle"? If not, why not?
Thanks, Peter.

"Stalking rifle" is a term used in Europe meaning a single shot rifle, usually a break top single barrel rifle, with irons sights, and a provision for a scope sight, usually a high mounted scope with a very large objective lens to gather light for moonlight pig hunting from a high stand over snow!

http://www.gsifirearms.com/gsif/prod_detail.asp?prod_id=42

quote:

"Stalking rifle" is a term used in Europe meaning a single shot rifle, usually a break top single barrel rifle, with irons sights, and a provision for a scope sight, usually a high mounted scope with a very large objective lens to gather light for moonlight pig hunting from a high stand over snow!

Can't see much practical value in that.

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter Formerly Known As Texas Hunter:

Can't see much practical value in that.

Why not? It's just short one barrel!

That is a very nice looking Ruger #1.

So where does the stalking come in?
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
So where does the stalking come in?
Peter.

A guess would be from the fact that the rifle holds only one cartridge instead of a magazine full, thus requiring the hunter to make absolutely sure of his first shot. Thus, requiring the hunter to "stalk" within range to make dead sure of that first shot since you don't have the immediate backup that a repeating rifle has.

I would have thought "stalking rifle" in the English language would have its origin in the red stag stalking of the Scottish Highlands. Most likely a bolt action Mauser 98.

quote:

Originally posted by sierrabravo45:
That is a very nice looking Ruger #1.

Look a little closer, the Searcy is not a Ruger No1!