I am now working in the Pafuri Triangle and conducting extensive expeditions of up to two weeks, self supporting, in the bush. I have been using my 375 ruger safari express as my carry gun but am now looking for something larger as I had some pretty hairy encounters with elephants on the last trip and after a couple of close encounters am not sure that I have been carrying enough rifle for the "last second" type shot I may encounter up there. The elephants in this region are very harrassed with breeding herds coming down from Zimbabwe and prone to aggression. Also, grass is high and thick and most encounters with buff/lion are at very close range. I have been using my own loads of 350g fmj's at 2390 which gives me about the performance of 416 rigby or 458. I would like to go with a bolt action rifle, for capacity and price. I would like to keep the price under $2000 new or used in good condition. Also, though, would like a good looking rifle. I have been very happy with the look and feel of the ruger for the past eight years. Any sugestions? Someone suggested the 577 tyrannasaur but I have never seen one of these rifles.

Thanks in advance for the help

Berger,

Something in the 458 Lott range...Evergy is just under to 6000lbs.at the muzzle with a 500 gr solid or soft point...
Ideally a duble would be better...

Mike

458 Lott ?

Berger



If I only had that problem my .500 Jeffery would be a happy gun

I think that you would be god to go with the 458 Lott Ruger The Nickkudu files have info http://www.accuratereloading.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=696915&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1



God rifle god price and god performance. And you know the rifle since you already own one



E-mail me if you need any help with the regulating



Cheers,



Andr�

I don't think a double would be better for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I would be carrying the rifle "decocked" that would mean, in the case of a bolt action, no bullet in the chamber, safety off and trigger depressed while pushing bolt forward. If I understand most doubles, there are a few with a "de-cocking" mechanism, but this requires one to cock the rifle anyway, thus removing the inherent advantage of having a double in the first place. Also, there is an advantage to carrying three or four rounds in the magazine for bacup shots - shoot, insurance shot - round in chamber - for the type of work I am doing. With a double, its shoot, insurance shot and you are empty. As I am just lugging the rifle around 99.9% of the time, theres none of this "two in the fingers stuff".

Berger,

The Ruger Mark 11 Magnum, M77 RSM MK11 will fire standard .458 Win ammo plus the 458 Lott. With the right bullets it seems like a practical increase in power.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7512

For what you describe, I doubt that you will gain much other than self confidence because under those circumstances you will be making head shots I would hope and the 350 solid at 2300 will do as well as anything else IMO....

For under $2000 your about locked into a 458 Lott in a CZ or Ruger 77 express, both good guns and a great caliber..but on the horizon is the 505 Gibbs in the CZ line it is predicted...

The other option is a CZ customized by Jim Brockmon and you can get that in any caliber you want...It has a huge box and holds lots of rounds, an English style stock in Laminate or your choice of walnut ( extra cost for walnut )and you can easily get into an absolutly excellent gun for about $1000 plus the rifle so lets say $1500, I suspect..I just did this with a new 404 Jefferys and I am more than pleased, it will be my working gun.

Beger,

I'm very happy with 458 Lott with a 13" barrel . It is very fast in action, not too heavy to carry, and the balance is superbe!

If you come to Phalaborwa you are very welcome to try it.

Regards

Berger,



As you're in RSA you might like to call Sabi Rifles on 013753 3686. They make a no frills rifle called (I believe) The Ranger Model. It should fit into your budget and it's a bloody good working rifle. You'll have your choice of calibres, but I would suggest either 458 Lott or .500 Jeff.



They'll also make the stock to fit you.

Thanks Andrea

I may just take you up on that. I am launching my new Kruger book in August and must do a couple of test runs in the middle and north in the next couple of weeks.

Shakari,

are teh Sabi rifles based on a mauser action?

Just for fun I asked GeorgeS to post a pic of me crossing the Luvuvhu (FULL of crocs) on my expedition two weeks ago - its in big bores under this thread. Scared the hell out of me. We did it seven times and each one was scary as XXXX. We encountered cliffs which required either climbing up about 500-1000 feet and over by rope or crossing in these knee deep shallows with deep water and big crocs (>4 metres). I kept wondering what a 375 fmj fired at 1 meter into water would be like. Actually chambered rounds and had the safety on half cock for these. Ranks in the top 11 or 12 most stupid things i've done but had to do them to get through the gorge. And people wonder why I'm asking about more gun???

Berger,

I think they are, but it's a long time since I've seen one. Why not give them a call or take a look at their website at wwwsabirifles.co.za

By the way, are you related to Stan Berger by any chance?

Thanks Shakari,

I'll check their web site. Concerning Sam, not that I'm aware of. Where is he from?

Verewaaier,

I make 2.150 f/sec with 500 grains bullets and 2.400 f/sec with the GSHP 400 grains. I consider those velocities more than adequate for my requirements.

The reasons for shortening the barrel are mainly faster sight acquisition, pointability and balance.

It is also a lot easier to carry the rifle now then before and the accuracy is also improved, I believe because reduced barrel whip.

Recoil and blast are very manageable, definitively better than the 24" 460 G&A, loaded with 500 grains bullet at 2.440 f/sec, that I was carrying before.

Come to Phalaborwa and try it on a couple of pigs. It will make you a believer!

Regards

Berger,

Sabi Rifles offer their Ranger model in .458 Lott complete with open sights and CRF for R10400. I doubt you'll find better anywhere. If you come up for a look at one or to collect one etc. Please let me know and we'll try to get together for a beer and a chat.

Stan Berger is an old RSA/Moz PH. I haven't come across him for a few years, but the last time I met him was in the Zambezi Valley a few years ago...... just wondered if he was a relative.