I just returned from a local gun show where I saw an old friend that I had not seen for several years. I told him I had made several Safaris to Africa since we had last visit and he told me he had several friends that had also gone to Africa on safari but they used big bore air rifles to hunt with. He said one member of the party went the year before to arrange the necessary permission for this type of hunting. He said they were very sucessful as all kills were one shot with no recovered bullets. The largest animal was a Lesser Kudu. He said these air rifles are 30 and 40 caliber. Anyone own one of these or hunted with one in Africa or any other place? I did not ask about the range or MV of the air rifles.

I have not used or talked to anyone who's used one firsthand but I did do some reading on them several weeks ago. Unless there's something I didn't see the ballistics seemed to be in the neighborhood of those of a 45acp. 200-something grain balls (they use round balls) in the neighborhood of 700-800fps. Deadly at realitively close range certainly but I can't imagine a through and through on anything larger than a duiker! Am I missing something? I'd be interested in hearing more as well. Likewise, from casual reading on the subject I thought "air rifles" were exempt under the new FCA or is there a claiber restriction? Inquiring minds want to know.

there are air rifle that will prpel at 50 caliber round ball up to 1900fps on the market......but why.....exp when a black powder rifle can be used

less parts to go wrong less crap to carry.

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quote:

Originally posted by 700 nitro:
there are air rifle that will prpel at 50 caliber round ball up to 1900fps on the market......but why.....exp when a black powder rifle can be used

...but why.... Less cleaning? No or less tendency to rust? Softer on your ears?

Anything that shoots a 50 cal ball @ 1900 fps is NOT a toy! With proper rifling & twist it should have potential for great accuracy?

I would just love to know more about these. Anyone have a web site URL for these, well, as they are not firearms, let's just call them sreious implements?

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

If I can get in touch with my old friend I will try to get additional information as he said he was a dealer for this air rifle. I will see if I can get in touch with him again as he said he had moved to another town.

if you do a google search for high powered air rifles you will find several u.s. makers of custom rifles jerry

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oupa wrote:

quote:

Likewise, from casual reading on the subject I thought "air rifles" were exempt under the new FCA or is there a claiber restriction? Inquiring minds want to know.

Air or gas cartridge driven rifles above .170" calibre need to be licensed as required by the firearms act 60 of 2000 in the RSA.

Try www.pyramydair.com They probably have the largest selection of Air Rifles in the U.S.

I recall seeing pix of such rifles from the late 19th/early 20th century. German, I believe.