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I hate to shoot someone else's guns. I hate not hunting even worse. | |||
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I think it is important to take your own rifles because you'll be familiar with them and know how and were they shoot. Loaners can be fine but they also can be real crap and the ammo a mix of several brands and other clients handloads. That should send a chill up anyone's spine. I rented rifles one time and both rifles and their scope were in pretty good condition but nobody had ever adjusted the triggers. I just could not use the 300 WM as the trigger had to be 7 pounds with lots of creep. I used the 375 for everything but it still had a very heavy trigger that I'm sure caused a couple of not so good shots. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
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While I don't like to, I have had to use others rifles from time to time with drastically different results. On the good side, there was a 400+ yard shot on a tahr in NZ on the first day of the hunt. DRT. This was with a 7mm of unknown origin and a Weaver scope that made me seem young. On the bad side was in Bulgaria in 1999. My guns didn't arrive. I borrowed the guides gun. Don't remember much about it. However, I do recall looking through the scope and the cross hairs were not properly aligned . My second view though the scope revealed that the cross hairs had moved! I brought this up. The guide took the scope off and took it apart. He made some "repair" then remounted the scope on the rifle . He promptly handed me the rifle and told me it was fixed. This may be the only time in my life i was glad the hunt was unsuccessful. | |||
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Using my own rifles in Africa is very important to me. I purchased them to hunt in Africa not sit in my safe. Not to mention all the money I have  developing handloads for them. If I knew in advance that I could not take my own rifles, I would not go.____________________________________________ "Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." Terry Pratchett. | |||
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I prefer to use my own rifles on any hunt I go on. I am familar with them and know how they shoot. Shooting a gun I am not familar with makes me uncomfortable. Good Hunting,  | |||
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Yup Jim "Bwana Umfundi" NRA | |||
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I feel that the comfort level that you have with your own rifle is conducive to more accurate shooting. I much prefer to use my own rifles. Shotguns? I don't shoot them well enough to care. If my rifles get stuck en-route? Give me what you got and lets hunt! | |||
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I prefer to use my own but would use loaners if there was no other option. Like Da Judge, I always plan some photo safari before the actual hunt to give rifles/ammo a chance to catch up if there are any hitches with the airlines, etc. Knock on wood, I haven't had a problem yet Have gun- Will travel The value of a trophy is computed directly in terms of personal investment in its acquisition. Robert Ruark | |||
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My last 3 hunts were with loaned rifles as I live where I cannot have access to my guns. I took bongo, Lord Derby Eland and a lion with loaner guns. All worked. I would have preferred by own guns but I could not get them where I was going. With that said, I prefer my own but have no issues using good quality loaner guns. I have no affection for any of my guns and would sell them to anyone if the price is right. They are but tools for me. | |||
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I would really rather use my own rifle on an important hunt for several of the reasons mentioned above. That said, when I went to Zim in 2010 I couldn't take my own rifles due to an arms export prohibition in place by the Canadian government. I hunted with a camp rifle and the hunt was great. But the litmus test for me is asking the question, had I known abotu the export prohibition, would I have chosen to hunt there? The answer: no, I would not have. So I guess that it worked out well for all involved, but were I presented with the same choice again, knowing what I knwo now, I wouldn't have chosen to hunt Zimbabwe, instead opting for Mozambique or the Caprivi instead. Zimbabwe was a great time, but I would really prefer to use my own iron next time. Sorry Dave. Time to lobby the Canadian Government for a sensible arms embargo against Mugabe. My hunting rifle is not even in the same league as a sea-can full of AKs. SCI Life Member DRSS "In those savage countries success frequently depends upon one particular moment; you may lose or win according to your action at that critical instant." Sir Samuel Baker | |||
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How many PH's have left hand rifles? Ivan Carter being one; plus for a hearing impaired ex aviator he is the clearest speaking man on any hunting network. | |||
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I am not the worlds greatest shot by any means...but I usually hit what I am aiming at. I spend a fair amount of time staying in tune with everything from a .45 ACP 1911 to .22 LR to a .500 NE double to .300 WM to 20 gauge shotgun. My guns shoot where I am lookin and my handloads are accurate. Those things are important to me...so I like shootin my own and always take them. All those things said...I would not sit out a hunt if my rifles did not show up...although it would diminish the hunt a bit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Lane Easter, DVM A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991. | |||
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As a Guide we always prefer clients to use their own guns, in camp we have at least 4 suitable camp rifles and a few more at a push. However these will never fit quite as well as what you are used to using and probably not shoot quite as well! For me half the experience is using your own rifle. | |||
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I have hunted internationally only once - in central BC for balck bear and mule deer. This was actually a 1 month business trip to the US and I had a gap of 10 days in the middle and decided to do a 6 day hunt. So I used a camp rifle - a Mark X 7mm Rem mag tath shot very accurately but the owner had fitted a target shoe on the trigger which has bumped up against the action and so it was semi released - a hair trigger to shoot but since the ser was partly released, the safety would not engage! Scary! I never cocled that rifle until I was ready to pull the trigger. The bolt was always open except when I was ready to fire at a bear or a deer. Interestingly that cam had many good rifles and I could have easily chosen a Winchester 30'06 but the guide wanted me to use "his rifle"! If I travel just for a hunt, I wold definitely want to take my own rifle. "When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick." | |||
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I planned on bringing my "babies" with me and have been dialing them in for the hunt in Oct. Then I was offered to take 2 McMillan rifles with me for the hunt. I was torn because I wanted the memories with my rifles but since I will have a chance to shoot them quite a bit before the hunt I figured why not? I hear they are pretty nice. Still have the import problems but I figure it's the best way to go with someone elses rifles...Plus I can buy after I try so maybe I will have some new "babies" after the hunt White Mountains Arizona | |||
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Like 99% of people I prefer my own rifles and guns on any hunt. However I have borrowed a bolt action a couple of times on safari. One time was to try out Karl Stumpfe's excellent custom Mauser 98 in 8x68S which is available to clients. I had a double long in .450 NE for elephant on another hunt, and a 9.3x74R double for other stuff. I wanted to try out the 8x68S and was impressed with it. The second time was when I swapped my .450 NE on an elephant hunt with PH Paul's rifle in .416 Rem when trying to pick out a hard bossed bull from amongst the herd of buffalo. The scope compared to open sights made it a lot easier to work out safe shots or not. Did not shoot a buff this time though as none of the bulls were hard bossed, though many had nice long horns. A third time was hunting moose in Norway. I borrowed one of Erik, my friends rifle, a Mauser M03 in 7x64, to take a young moose bull the first morning of the season. This year I am lucky to be back in Norway and Sweden and will again borrow a couple of rifles for moose, and other game which could include boar, fallow or whatever is offered. I will be passing through four countries before this so no really an option to carry a rifle in four countries needing four firearms permits etc. Some 'camp' rifles are not what a client would like to use, but with the good hunters their equipment is up to standard. But as said, if I could I would certainly take my own firearms as they are what I am familiar with. I however also have an M03 so it is not a big stretch now. | |||
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I've considered using a loaner on a short plains game safari tied to a conference I'm going to in South Africa. I wouldn't want to use a loaner on a DG hunt unless it was due to an emergency. Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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If your own rifles didn't make the destination or were damaged by 'kind hands' in Amsterdam, wouldn't it be considered as an emergency situation? - that you would get on the next plane and fly back home? I have known quite a few who preferred to stay - never heard of anyone doing an 'about turn'. I guess there's always the first time.  | |||
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It's a very old thread, but still valid. In a few days I'm supposed to leave for Zimbabwe for a buffalo hunt. Well, there is a problem: I still don't have the temporary export paper! During the past couple of years I just went to the local DFO (Designated Firearms Officer), he issued the permit within a fortnight, sometime even within a week. Two weeks ago I went to him in order to apply for the new permit. He said the rules have changed, now the police stations don't issue these permits anymore but the applications go to Cape Town first and then to Pretoria. One has to apply two months in advance!!! I was shocked of course. Still, the DFO accepted my application, knowing the date of departure, furthermore he checked the invitation letter carefully. I still hope to receive the permit in time. The place where I'm living is rather small, in my opinion the DFO should have informed all firearm owners. How could one know about the chances? But I guess I know why he kept quiet, because he had acted agains the law! The DFO in various police stations took it upon themselves to issue the permit instead of sending the application to Pretoria. The CFR (Central Firearm Register) got to know of it.. Now the DFO won't be able issuing permits personally anymore. I'm shooting left, the thought of going after dangerous game with a rifle built for right-hand shooters doesn't appeals to me at all. Besides, I love my guns, I want to hunt a buffalo with the double in my hands. A buffalo shot with a camp gun would mean much less to me. If I don't get the permit in time I'll have to postpone the hunt or use a camp rifle. Sh..! | |||
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Very important to use my own gun. Adds a lot of satisfaction to the whole experience. I rather leave the trophies as I am not much keen on taxidermy anymore. But yes, taking your own guns sometimes results in missing good last minute deals. | |||
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Politely ask if the hunt can be postponed till you get it together. Nothing worse than being stressed on safari. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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I prefer to use my own rifles, that is why I have them. The only time I will use a camp rifle is if mine have been misplaced by the airlines (had that happen) our if a foreign country policy is so egregious that it is impossible to bring them into the country. Tim | |||
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No problem with that, it can be postponed. However I want to hunt NOW. Who knows, maybe I‘m lucky and will get the permit in time. | |||
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I prefer to use my own rifles, but if a PH offered to let me shoot a buff or ellie with a grand, old double rifle, I would be ecstatic. BH63 Hunting buff is better than sex! | |||
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My rifles and shotguns are reminders of many wonderful days afield. When I pick up my African rifles they are full of memories in the bush. A borrowed gun doesn't provide that lasting memory. | |||
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My first two hunts in Namibia I brought my own rifle (Winchester Model 70 in .300 WSM). Then in 2013, Air Namibia decided to charge $100 US each way for gun boxes. On top of that, the city of Frankfort Getmany decided you needed a special city permit, even if your gun box was checked straight through to Windhoek and you never took possession. So I said screw it to both Air Namibia and Frankfort and now I fly through London on British Airways and use camp guns.The PH I use has quality rifles, and his Ruger 77 in .308 is suppressed, which is like shooting a ray gun, it’s so accurate with almost no recoil. His Mauser in 8X62mm is also very accurate and I use it on Eland and Waterbuck. With my carryon Red Oxx bag, I waltz through Customs and completely avoid waiting in line at Baggage Claim. Last but not least, my roundtrip airfare for my May 2019 trip on BA is $982 all in. Jesus saves, but Moses invests | |||
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I agree. For some reason I cannot shoot shit with other people's guns and besides our guns are family and reek of the care and attention that we embellish on them. I have always wanted some fine British doubles but accepted what I have now are my choices and have served me well. They deserve to be handled and used by me. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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And I'll be using ammo that I loaded myself also. Pancho LTC, USA, RET "Participating in a gun buy-back program because you think that criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you think your neighbors have too many kids." Clint Eastwood Give me Liberty or give me Corona. | |||
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I got a kick out of perusing the names of posters from 7 years ago who are no longer here- for various reasons..... Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Gents, There are camp rifles and borrowed rifles, which IMO can vary both in appearance and performance. I don't normally loan my rifles out to anyone but on rare occasion an exception can be made as I have had 3 such instances where the client's luggage never arrived - they even had to by a set of clothes from the shops in town. Camp rifles are what they are and can be compared to a brothel whore so not much more to be said about them. Personal weapons are usually handled with TLC and the owner will not likely keep a rifle that does not perform to expectation so a borrowed rifle that falls in this category should not be denigrated. All clients (not that many) who have used my rifles were pleased as punch with the results, even the one 6'4" fellow who found the stock to be too short for his stature but for a little help from some duct tape and cardboard, still scored a hole in one.  I agree however that in spite of everything, your personal weapon will always be the one of choice. | |||
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The main assumption here is that today's status quo will remain as it is. I've done a lot of travelling with firearms, and it's not getting any easier. A secondary assumption is that the only alternative is an outfitter's or PH's battered camp gun. We all learned about "assume" when we were kids. Here in Zimbabwe, a firearms dealership I'm a part of is looking at a business model for hiring out firearms and selling ammunition, both factory and custom reloads. When we get it up and running, the calibre choices might be a little limited, but the rifles certainly won't be battered camp guns, range facilities will be available for zeroing and testing reloads, and we're looking at a setup were the client can be personally involved in the reloading process. I think we need to start thinking outside the box. | |||
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Revisiting this thread (seven years since my first comment). After four little trips, and at the age of 62 post heart surgery, if I ever get to go again two thoughts. Rifle will be rented and the 17 hours + air travel might be too rough. Spending a few days in England with my brother first, to get un-jet lagged a bit, then on to Africa is the only way to go (for me.) Plus, we could tour / do game parks without the problem of having guns stored. Outfitters are getting set up for your idea -- witness all the trophy shots with suppressed weapons/ "cans" on the muzzle end of rifles. As long as the stock is adjustable, or I know the model and can bring slip-on pads, we're golden. The paperwork and hassle of "bringing your own" about did me in last go. Cheers lekker! _______________________ | |||
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Would I love to use my own rifles. 100% yes. You’re familiar with them. Get to shoot them beforehand. Plus make loads for it and that gun will have history and even more significance to you. Saying all that, it is not the end all be all. My trip first to Africa this past September. A) as a Canadian “legally” not allowed to import one into Zim still B) I do know the grey area and how to do it C) my first time travelling and going through Frankfurt would be extra paperwork D) plus costs of permits and airline baggage I decided in the end to use Buzz’s camp rifles. Had my choice between win mod 70 .375 and his blaser. I choose the Winchester as the blaser was too short of LoA for my long arms. And also got to use Buzz’s old Brno 7x57. First time I’ve used that caliber. Both were tack drivers. Maybe I lucked out but I was very happy with my choice | |||
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Having spent a couple of years living in Europe, I much enjoy how easy it is to travel without a rifle, and to hunt with one supplied by the outfitter. Its cured me of having to use my own rifle. I wouldn't hesitate returning to Africa and hunting with a loaner rifle. | |||
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As usual, I will be using Karl’s .416 on my third elephant hunt with him this November.We are spending a week in the Okavango prior to the hunt. It’s just so much easier without lugging around a rifle case- especially in a photo camp!! Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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I‘m a southpaw, which makes the decision a bit more complicated... | |||
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Put me in the camp of using my own rifles, for all of the already wonderfully expressed opinions and feelings of previous posters on this thread. I have expressed before my feeling of using someone else’s rifle to take game, especially on safari: It’s like kissing your sister. She may be a pretty girl, but the experience is utterly unsatisfactory. | |||
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The PH'S that I have hunted with have a very nice selection of rifles for clients to chose from, should you not take your or your does not show up with you. Some PH's that I have not hunted with that were in camp also had some very nice rifles for their clients to use. I have used a PH's rifle on one occasion, and the PH asked me to bring the ammo for the rifle that wanted to use. All I had to do was declare the ammo and pay the ammo tax for the country that I was hunting in. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> "You've got the strongest hand in the world. That's right. Your hand. The hand that marks the ballot. The hand that pulls the voting lever. Use it, will you" John Wayne | |||
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Definitely i loved seeing you shooting that Ruger African 458lott on buffalos and capibaras . Loved when IKY cut his eyebrow he was a too cocky rugbier www.huntinginargentina.com.ar FULL PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF IPHA INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS ASOCIATION . DSC PROFESSIONAL MEMBER DRSS--SCI NRA IDPA IPSC-FAT -argentine shooting federation cred number2- | |||
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After the one and only time having a bad experience using someone else's rifles ( I lugged them over to Moz as a promo for a well known rifle company) and had been very dissatisfied (and possibly killed) by failure of the DG rifle and made fun of by PH's for the PG rifle (they both ended up doing the Job) I will never unless absolutely necessary use someone else's rifle. I spent way too much time and money procuring and dialing in my own battery. I plan my hunts around the rifle and that is fun for a gun guy. Understand the lack of hassle but the analogy of kissing your sister.....Spot on! White Mountains Arizona | |||
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