I have heard of hunters having to borrow a rifle because of lost luggage or some such misfortune but, never have I heard of someone having to use a backup DG rifle because the primary rifle suddenly gave trouble.Is there really merit in taking two DG rifles just in case?

Boet,

Stuff hapens, for example Allan Day who used to post here had problems with his Winchester .458 and had to do his 21 day Tanz safari with his 300Win.

I think a heavy and a .375 is a perfect combo for a DG/PG hunt and have used that combo myself on two safaris with no complaints.

Brett

I always take and recommend anyone take 2 rifles on any hunt.
Ideraly there should be some overlap so both can do the job of the other.

On my 2 trips to Zim I took a 450 No2 double and a 9,3x74R [scoped] double.
Worked perfect both times.

I have taken elephant, buff and plains game with both rifles.

If one shoots 300-400 rounds through his heavy in the months preceeding his hunt then the chance of having a problem on the hunt is greatly diminished. The practice is helpful for best shot placement too. I have seen too many guys go with a new rifle with less than 40 rounds through it only to have problems on the hunt. Those problems would have been exposed during practice. On our next hunt my partner and I will be carrying each others duplicate rifles so if one gun case was lost we still have our own rifles. Overkill perhaps but my hunt would be completely ruined if my gun was lost or damaged beyond function.

IMO, it is a good idea to take a back up DGR along.

I agree with the posts above as far as taking a backup DGR. I knew someone who took two and found out upon arrival that the wrist of one of his DGR's had been broken in transit. Fortunately, he had a backup and all went well for the hunt. Imagine if he had taken only one with him. I guess you could always borrow or rent, but that's not my idea of DG hunting-using someone else's DGR.

Thanks for the advice
I know its nice to have lots of toys, I just somehow need to justify purchases to myself. It doesnt take much to make me rush out and buy another gun....I think you fellers have convinced me I ``need´´ another DGR

Don_G and I will have 3 DG rifles between the two of us. His 416 Remmy, my 470 Mbogo and 416 T. That way if one goes down there is a spare, and since buffalo is primary on the menu it makes sense to have another fully capable DG calibre as backup.

Cheers,
Canuck