06 December 2004, 10:32
kbobbnew rifle for first African hunt
I'm looking for a rifle for my first african trip which will be plains game and (hopefully) a buffalo. I have ssettled on 375 H&H. For those of you who have been there my question is this: When hunting with a PH is it necessary for the client to have a CRF type action?
I wondered why I would need the CRF if I was with a PH? Not requiring CRf would allow me to look at Sako and Browning in addition to CRF's like CZ & Win M70.
Please note: I do NOT want to turn this into a merit of CRF vs. push feed thread.
Thanks a million for the tips
06 December 2004, 11:20
vapodogShoot what you like.....there is no requirement for CRF anywhere.
06 December 2004, 11:29
500grainsQUESTION: "I wondered why I would need the CRF if I was with a PH?"
ANSWER: Because you would prefer not to be holding an inoperable firearm in a dangerous game hunting situation.
If you have not broken a push feed yet, you will eventually if you hunt in difficult conditions. Then you will definitely use a CRF.
Sakos are a pretty good push feed option, but the Browning A-Bolt will bind up hopelessly if you get some dirt in it. And that is not my idea of a dangerous game rifle.
The Rem 700 only has 4 problems:
1. Addicental discharges. Just switch the trigger to a Timney or Jewell. Yes, it has happened to me.
2. Broken extractor. Just switch over to a Sako extractor.
3. Safety does not lock bolt handle down. So the bolt handle can get pushed up while you are stalking, then the gun won't work. Yes, it has happened to me, but only on deer.
4. Gun will not feed. This appears to be a serious problem with the Rem 700's in .416, and a slightly lesser problem with the Rem 700's in .458. But in .375 I have not heard of one misfeeding. Nonetheless, make sure yours will feed fast and slow, pointed up, pointed down, from a full magazine or empty.
Good luck!
06 December 2004, 12:40
SBTI went through the same thought process. Then, after hearing so many stories where the PH was two steps to the left, or inadvertently behind a tree, or one barrel went "click" or he was knocked down due to the charge etc, I decided it was great to have back-up, but not to rely on it.