John

You have been asking a lot of question here in AR, which is a good thing because there is a wealth of experience here.

So I am curious.

What rifles, scopes, and ammo are you planning on taking on your trip to Africa.

Do you currently have them in hand?

What game do you plan to hunt/shoot?

Are you comming to the Dallas Safari Show?

Rifle: Tikka Whitetail Hunter, synthetic stock, .30-06, 24" barrel, 3 round detachable mag.

I have owned a few Tikkas in the past and they are without a doubt the finest rifle I have ever fired - the trigger is amazing out of the box, and I become "one" with this rifle like no other. It has Leupold dovetail mounts, medium height Leupold rings (one is an extension ring), and a Blackhawk cheekpad riser.

Scope - Zeiss Conquest, matte black, 3-9x40 with #4 German reticle. Me and Zeiss go way back and we are in love - no other scope (even Swarovski) treats me better than my Zeiss scopes.

Ammo - going to load 180 grain Nosler Partitions with 210M primers, 57 grains of 4350 powder.

Yes, I currently have them in hand.

Going to hunt Warthog, Impala, Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbok, Mountain Zebra, Baboon, and Jackal.

I really, seriously considered the Dallas SCI show but cannot get the time off from work, and the extra expense would put a dent in my safari budget.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
John

You have been asking a lot of question here in AR, which is a good thing because there is a wealth of experience here.

So I am curious.

What rifles, scopes, and ammo are you planning on taking on your trip to Africa.

Do you currently have them in hand?

What game do you plan to hunt/shoot?

Are you comming to the Dallas Safari Show?

John
In my opinion you are well "Rifled" for your hunt.

The Zebra is probably the toughest animal on your list.

My wife killed hers with a 165gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaw from a 308. You should have no problems with the 30-06, well handled of course.

Good luck on your hunt.

John,

I have read must of your posts for the last weeks and may I offer the most important advice that somehow was inadvertently overlooked. At this point you need to settle down and remove all the unnecessary stress and nervousness you have created. You have months to go before your hunt. Every week or so, just shoot your rifles and have them handy to throw up to your shoulder every chance you get. Do not over prepare for this trip with all of the thousand little minor details and "what ifs." Enjoy Africa for what it is. It will be the most fantastic hunt of your life. In addition, if there is any possible way you could add a buff to your list, do it. You will never be the same after the buff hunt. Good luck.

Best regards,


dale

best of luck john, Hope your socks fit

Rumor has it that there really is no "John Crighton"….it is really Bill Stewart researching material for his next book.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill C:
Rumor has it that there really is no "John Crighton"….it is really Bill Stewart researching material for his next book.

John, just one rifle? I think that you have chosen well since that .30-06 rifle is what you are comfortable and proficient with.

As for me, I'm not as comfortable with taking just one as you are. I've always wanted a "just-in-case" gun - just-in-case something goes wrong with my primary or just-in-case the primary or its ammo gets separated from me. For me, two rifles are what I need - a .338 WinMag or .375 H&H for my heavy, and a .308 Win or 7x57 Mauser for my light. I've always had a tough time with oryx (gemsbok) and so I'm more comfortable using the heavier caliber on them. I've never taken a zebra (which I will be after in March '08) and I've been told that they can be tough so I'm going to use the .375 H&H.

Since you have two good scopes to take along why not just attach a heavier caliber rifle to the spare one - just-in-case?

Don't forget to take plenty of photos. We'll be watching for them.

Namibiahunter

Sounds like you are ready to me. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures and keep a journal, you'll be surprised how ofter you re read it.

John,

Check with your outfitter to be sure they have shotguns on the game farm. Namibia is a great place to shoot the odd guinea fowl, sand grouse and, of course, pigeon. Do it early enough to get a bird pie for dinner before the end of the hunt.

Regards, Tim

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
best of luck john, Hope your socks fit

ROFL - good thing I am not bringing condoms with me, or you all would have some fun telling me what size to bring.

Seriously, guys, I do apologize for bugging you all with my inane blather and questions. I'm a very analytical person when it comes to some things, and just like to get as much information and opinions as possible. I'll try hard from this point on to do a lot less posting of questions from now on. I know I can wear on you vets after a while and don't intend to turn this board into my own personal Q&A session.

Signing off for a while now and hope you all have a nice holiday season

John: Don't forget the Search section of AR. It can be very valuable in researching issues that have already been addressed here.

AND you really NEED a 577 Nitro Express!

John
the main thing is COMFORTABLE any thing you can think of. you must be able to carry, wear, pull or push for miles and miles and it must be comfortable