After finding and reading this article The woods rifle, I did a bit of thinking on what would make a good African bush rifle.

Those of you who have hunted in the African bush, particularly the Limpopo Province bushveld or Eastern Cap thicket, will know that the vegetation can be very dense in places, particularly during the wet months.
A short, handy rifle is what is needed to make penetrating through thick thorn bush or thicket easier.
Such a rifle would also be handy to double as what we refer to as a "bakkie" (pick-up) rile. Not for shooting from the pick-up, but when one is running errands on the farm it is useful to keep a rifle in the pick-up cab should one run into an errant problem animal or possibly a wounded or injured game animal which must be dispatched. A good friend of mine uses a .243 Remington 700 SPS as his bakkie rifle. It is always behind the seat and he uses it to shoot anything from baboons, bushpigs, springbuck and kude.

The rifle should be cheap and requirements would be:

Action: M98 Mauser preferred. From a cost perspective, it would be a Zastava M98 commercial action
Barrel: 520 mm (20 1/2 inches) in length
Stock: For weight and immunity to dings, synthetic (non injection-moulded) seems to be the obvious choice
Scope: 3 - 9x. While the thick bush makes shots over 100 yards unlikely, one may need to take the odd longer shot up to 200 yards on vermin

All metal work should be finished off in a matte gunkote finish.

My current thoughts are to buy a Zastava Mauser off the shelf and to have the slight modifications done by a gunsmith.

I guess the only question now is calibre.
As this rifle would be used for only non-dangerous game I would prefer a medium bore calibre. It should be suitable for use on animals from the size of a baboon to a Kudu bull.
To me first prize would be a .35 Whelen but that would require extra cost and red tape of re-barrelling the rifle. So it will have to be a standard calibre.

A 9.3x62 seems to be a good choice, but I think it will be too large a bore for 90% of the work that this rifle will have to do.
A .30-06 may be the perfect choice but I already have one and getting a license here fpr two rifles of the same calibre is a problem.
A .300 WinMag is too fast for short range work but may be an option to consider.
The obvious choice then may be a .308 Winchester (180 grain) with a 7x57 (170 grain) being a very close runner-up.

If anyone has a rifle similar to what I ave described, please share some photos here. Of course any suggestions are welcomed!

I have two rifles as you suggest but with 19 inch barrels. One is a 35 Whelen and the other a 7x57. Either will do anything you want done though I use the 7x57 the most. One is an FN commercial action (the 35 Whelen) with a synthetic Fajen stock you get from Midway. It is in camouflage and the metal work has been painted with flat brown enamel paint. Scope is a 4 power Leupold. The 7x57 has a Ramline synthetic stock that had to be re inletted to fit a M48 length M98, the stock came as inletted for a M96 Swedish mauser. The 7x57 has a Bueller style safety and a 4 power Redfield on it. This rifle has also been painted and it is named "Ugly" though it's stainless barrel is a tackdriver and it has taken many deer, hogs and raccoons.

Would love to see some photos, if possible

Fun project!

Even consider 18-20" barrel. Perhaps start at 20 -can always shorten.

I would vote .308, 7x57 or even 8x57 - cases are easy to find.

For scope I would look for something small and compact. Lynx makes a 2.5-10 compact, or something compact in the low-standard variable range afull size 3-9x40 would be too big (IMO!).
I used to have one of those Lynx 2.5-10x32 compacts on a Musgrave .30-06 and its was great.

The irony of bakkie/truck rifles is that they are often beaters that get abused and never 'oohed and ahhed' like the high $ safe queens - but usually account for way more game and get shot with great confidence by their owners. When i worked for Ian Goss he a had a Miroku BLR in .308 that was beat to shit and lived in the bakkie with a couple of mags of mil-surp and one mag of PMP 180gr softs - it worked well and put lots of game down! It was even used to bore pilot holes in wooden fence posts!

A Remington LTR would be hard to beat. Syn stock, 308 Win, 20" fluted barrel at rougly 7.5 lbs.

Pick up a VZ-24 in either 7 X 57 or 8 X 57.

Maintain the safety, trigger, and bolt handle but cut down the stock and bob the barrel to desired length....(may I suggest 20") and add new iron sights.

No need for a scope so don't do a lot of action work.

Using handloads you have a lot of power for about $200 and about as reliable a "truck gun" as one can get!

quote:

Moving up a bit in caliber are the great .270 and .280 , along with the .284 , 7x57 and 7mm08. All these calibers are great in short carbine type rifles.

Yeah, if you're already deaf and have automatic welding mask visor for those last light shots...

I'm going to have my Rem. 673 rebarreled to a 450 marlin, just for kicks. should be a good brush gun

umshiniwam,

The factory Zastava rifle should work well for your project. Here’s a link to their website: http://www.zastava-arms.rs/
The LM M70 PS and the LM M70 PPS models have factory polymer-synthetic rifle stocks with recoil pads. I believe one of the two has stainless steel metalwork but I do not speak the language and was not able to identify a separate language variant of the website so I cannot verify this.

These two model rifle chambered in 8x57 JS, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 9.3x62 come with 22” barrels; and all four cartridges will work equally well with 18”-20” barrel lengths.

As the 30-06 cartridge is eliminated - unless you have the ability to/and reload your ammunition - I recommend you go with the cartridge having greatest ammunition availability throughout your area which also has the greatest range of factory bullet weights and bullet construction.

quote:

Originally posted by umshiniwam:

thinking on what would make a good African bush rifle.

Those of you who have hunted in the African bush know a short, handy rifle is what is needed to make penetrating through thick thorn bush or thicket easier.

Such a rifle would also be handy to double when one is running errands on the farm should one run into an errant problem animal or possibly a wounded or injured game animal which must be dispatched, anything from baboons, bushpigs, springbuck and kude.

The rifle requirements would be:

cheap and,

Action: Zastava Mauser and have the slight modifications done by a gunsmith.

Barrel: 520 mm (20 1/2 inches) in length

Stock: synthetic (non injection-moulded)

Scope: 3 - 9x.

shots over 100 yards unlikely,
longer shot up to 200 yards on vermin

All metal work in a matte gunkote finish.

the only question now is calibre.
this rifle used for only non-dangerous game
I would prefer a medium bore calibre.
It should be suitable for use on animals from the size of a baboon to a Kudu bull.

To me first prize would be a .35 Whelen

but it will have to be a standard calibre.

A 9.3x62 seems to be a good choice

A .30-06 may be the perfect choice but I already have one.

A .300 WinMag is too fast

The choice may be a .308 Winchester (180 grain)

any suggestions are welcomed!

I have taken the liberty of condensing your quote somewhat so it's easier to read all the requirments specified. I edited your post a little, but used your words.

Frankly, I don't know of a cheap rifle that will meet all your specs. But I do know of an inexpensive rifle that will come close. The word "cheap" is too restrictive, and frankly I don't see how you can achieve your goal and stay cheap, unless you find an old used beater and just put it to work. The 98 Mauser in 8x57 is a good idea, but by the time you fix it to accept a scope, it won't be cheap anymore, and it may not be very satisfying.

It is my understanding that you guys in Africa have access to some CZ rifles that aren't imported to the US. So, I'll post some links to rifles that I think are near perfect for your specs. My cartridge choices would be 9.3x62 first, and 8x57 second, either of which are available in the CZ medium rifle.

9.3x62 is first choice recommendation based on your comment that the 35 Whelen is "first prize". You might as well get a real African cartridge, and get the 9.3x62.

The 308 is not a good choice, IMO, because it's a short cartridge in a long action combo.

If you want a synthetic stock - great, but I would use the wood stock until later, and get some use out of it. If the wood gets so beat up that you can't stand to look at it anymore, then fill the dings with some kind of wood filler and paint over it all, and pretend it's synthetic. If you are that hard on a rifle, what's a little paint gonna hurt?

If I wanted to cut costs, I would buy a rifle that has a suitable stock already on it, bed it, and tweek it some. It's a major cost to get a good synthetic stock bedded in and all. (not injection molded or plastic per your specs) For the CZ, I know of no synthetic stock except the McMillan, and the one offered on the CZ American, which costs about the same as a McMillan. If you just have to have a synthetic, use the wood initially, save your money for a while, and then buy a McMillan.

Same thing with gunkote, teflon, or whatever. I would use the rifle a while, save up some money, and during the off-season send it off for the coating of choice.

http://www.czub.cz/en/catalog/..._550_BATTUE_LUX.aspx offered in 9.3x62

http://www.czub.cz/en/catalog/...cz/KM/CZ_550_FS.aspx offered in 9.3x62 and 8x57

.....one thing you may want to look at, especially in Africa, Australia and coomonwealth countries, is the old 303 British. An old No4, with its issue peep sight (and ten round mag ) and 180 grainers, shorten the stock and barrel ( maybe like the jungle carbine ?? )and you've got a killer scrub gun!......or even rebarrel to .358,pull your old 303 slugs, neck size to 350 cal., load some 250 grainers and shoot. Berdan primed?.... no worries, throw them away as you shoot em !!

Roger

quote:

Originally posted by yumastepside:
.....one thing you may want to look at, is the old 303 British. An old No4, with its issue peep sight (and ten round mag ) and 180 grainers, shorten the stock and barrel ( maybe like the jungle carbine ?? )

He said he wanted to scope it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee-Enfield

See "wandering zero" in the article link: (That's walk-about zero for Australians)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_Carbine

KB

Ruger Alaskan.. hands down.. Mine's going with me this year to Zim

I found a take-off African stock, and this thing is just handy to swing around.. Was a hoot to use on the local Boar population. Never thought I'd ever leave my beloved Sako Safari 375H&H home. But how handy this Ruger 375 is plus all the horror stories about "Lost Guns" lately feels much more comfortable.. Still will have the willies about ever losing my Lott though

The wandering zero was really only a problem with the actual No5 "jungle carbines", not with modified No1's and 4's.
Enfields use a very sturdy, and accurate, removeable side-mount, also an advantage in a scrub gun.
Don't believe all the stories about Lee Enfield problems and inadequacies, they are an extremely robust and accurate rifle designed for the rigours of battle, short bolt throw, ten round magazine. Buy one, use one, see for yourself .........look at the amount still in use around the world,in many different forms, that many people can't be wrong..........sorry for the tirade but I've used one since I was big enough to hold one !!

Roger

Ok yuma, I'll grant you that one. I'm sure what you say is true. It's just that my only experience with the Enfield has been to just hold one. I've never shot one. I'm sure they are an acquired taste, but to me they just don't feel right. My experience has been mostly with Mausers and similar clones. A quality sporter Mauser just feels right to me. I suppose that's why I like the CZ 550 medium so much.

MopaneMike, the Ruger just makes it all too easy. Who can stand that much instant gratification?

KB

A properly set up M98 is always satisfying. having a bolt bent and four holes drilled and tapped isn't all that bad and you can get a Bueller safety for less than $40. As a matter of fact I am putting together a 24/47 action with a Israeli 308 stepped barrel, removeing the pistol grip from the military stock along with slimming and shortening the forend. It is in shooting condition right now though it is not finished. I need to shorten the barrel but it shoots so good a 22 1/2 inches I may not and it is pretty light. Light and fast handling topped with a Denver Redfield widefield scope this rifle just may take some field time away from my 7x57 which is a bit heavier. Might get some pictures up on these guns sunday if I am not out hog hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by rickt300:
A properly set up M98 is always satisfying.

Agreed.

However, the small words "properly set up" have always been my downfall when it comes to Mausers. I look at them and study them too much, and it often seems that I'm only "satisfied" when I've gone too far. Then I'm not satisfied because I've gone too far.

It's an enigma for me.

For example, I went through a phase where I had several bolts with forged handles, and gradually I became dissatisfied with all of them, and got rid of them. I've had some great actions that maybe had some pitting, or other flaws, which would have made great truck guns, but I kept thinking that I could put the same effort and money in a really nice action, and have a nice rifle, which would serve as a truck gun too. Anyway, hopefully you get the picture. I just have never been satisfied with a beater very long, and always want to do more to fix it up.

So now my beater, truck gun is a FN Mauser action, Dakota three-position safety, Blackburn trigger, Mark X bottom metal with in-the-bow release, Lilja stainless 30-06 barrel, McMillan stock, complete Black T metal coating, Leupold 2x7 VXII scope. I used it as a loaner to my step-son and he scratched it all up. I fell on it once, when I slipped on a slick rock, and gouged the stock, and bent the scope, and skuffed the bolt knob. The stock is still gouged, scratched and the bolt knob still skuffed. I sent the scope back to Leupold and they fixed it, but it's still skint in some places. As you can imagine, it's an accurate and trustworthy shooter.

Would I stop carrying it if I had an old, ugly sporterized military Mauser, with a forged handle, chopped stock, etc.? I don't think so.

KB

Actually, I'm still designing my own bush rifle. The latest, which is still being assembled, is a 458 WM on a Ruger stainless action, 20" #5 barrel, with a 20" twist, in a Hogue full aluminum bed stock. Leupold VXII 1x4 scope. I plan on using 350-400 gr bullets, loaded moderately until I get used to it. Hopefully the weight and balance will be suitable for carry. Ready for anything, little meat damage, DRT, better than a pistol.

KB

In my estimation, there's not enough difference between the 9.3 and a .35 Whelen to worry about, and the 9.3 may have a better selection of bullets suitable for your needs. Since it's available as a factory offering, the answer should be simple. For universal application, a larger bore should be preferred. There's no such thing as too much gun.

A wood stock, when sealed with a spar/urethane finish (available everywhere) is perfectly durable, although it would show dings. An epoxy exterior would make it bulletproof.

I would opt for a lower-powered scope, 1.5x6 or 2x7.

On the Zastava, getting the trigger/safety combo right would be my priority along with shortening the barrel.

A 9.3 in a 20" bbl would be about perfect. Big enough to get you out of trouble w/ something big & nasty & still flat shooting enough for a 300yd shot if you need to take one.

225 or 250 Partitions out of a 358 Norma
Action of your choice
Mcmillan or Hi-tech
21" OA tube
2-7 or 2.5-8 Leupold, in QR rings to use your single blade thats regulated for 50

Done

Afircan Bush Rifle...

Well it would depend on what part of Africa....

If there are Hippo, Rhino, Cape Buff, and Elephants things change.

Minimum for me would be 9,3 or a 375 H&H.

A double is probably to expensive for most.

If I was to have a "vehicle" general purpose, carry all the time rifle, I would pick my 375 H&H Blaser R 93 Synthentic Tracker [19 3/4" barrel].

I have killed deer and pigs with a 375 H&H in Texas, and with solids, a 375 will save you from the big stuff.

The Blaser Tracker is short, light and handy, and PERFECTLY SAFE to carry with a round in the chamber...

AND in 375 H&H, the RIGHT kind of factory ammo is easy to get...

I remember when I was youg, there were Sako "handy" rifles. I think they were only in 338 WM & 375 H+H, short bbl, hand rubbed oil IIRC....How I longed for one.

Must not have sold many. I wonder with the way the Ruger Alaskans are selling, they might do well to bring them back!

cmfic1

I had a SAKO Handy Rifle in 375 H&H.

It had the synthentic Mcmillian stock from the factory.

It was a most excellent rifle.

It handled and shot GREAT. It was one of my most favorite rifles...

However once I got into Blaser R 93's, a Tracker in 375 H&H took its place...

My brother has the SAKO Handy rifle now...

The SAKO Handy is a fine piece of work.

quote:

Originally posted by kayaker:

For scope I would look for something small and compact. Lynx makes a 2.5-10 compact, or something compact in the low-standard variable range afull size 3-9x40 would be too big (IMO!).

Sounds like the perfect scope for my application. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by MopaneMike:
Ruger Alaskan.. hands down..

The Ruger Alaskan is pretty much exaclt what I am looking for. Not sure if we can get these in South Africa though, and I would like a lighter calibre.

It set a perfect example to follow though.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Afircan Bush Rifle...

Well it would depend on what part of Africa....

If there are Hippo, Rhino, Cape Buff, and Elephants things change.

Minimum for me would be 9,3 or a 375 H&H.

A double is probably to expensive for most.

If I was to have a "vehicle" general purpose, carry all the time rifle, I would pick my 375 H&H Blaser R 93 Synthentic Tracker [19 3/4" barrel].

I have killed deer and pigs with a 375 H&H in Texas, and with solids, a 375 will save you from the big stuff.

The Blaser Tracker is short, light and handy, and PERFECTLY SAFE to carry with a round in the chamber...

AND in 375 H&H, the RIGHT kind of factory ammo is easy to get...

should have mentioned that I already have a CZ550 in .375 H&H. It could me modified to meet my requirements but this would mean I do not get a new rifle, which would defeat the point of this exercise

If I were in your shoes

This means I'd be in Africa and thinking about bullets, ammo and brass there vs here.

Short barrel is not much of a problem when you have a larger bore.

If 375 is too big I would go with an 8mm Mauser to go with your Mauser action. Classic combo.

20" barrel in combination with the size of the 8mm and the capacity of the case would be about perfect.

If that is too large still a 303 Brit or 308 could be good.

Open sights and a 2 MOA red dot sight with 3x magnification with the ability to use both without having to remove the red dot sight.

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
If I were in your shoes

This means I'd be in Africa and thinking about bullets, ammo and brass there vs here.

Short barrel is not much of a problem when you have a larger bore.

If 375 is too big I would go with an 8mm Mauser to go with your Mauser action. Classic combo.

20" barrel in combination with the size of the 8mm and the capacity of the case would be about perfect.

If that is too large still a 303 Brit or 308 could be good.

Open sights and a 2 MOA red dot sight with 3x magnification with the ability to use both without having to remove the red dot sight.

The more I think about it...the 8x57 might be perfect for my requirements!

I had the perfect rifle for this kind of work and still regret selling it.

Mod 70 action, SS barrel 20 inch with synthetic stock, 358 Win caliber & 4X Leupold scope. Used to shoot 3 shots into one hole at 100 meters. Perfect balance and pointing. Dropped deer in their tracks.

A Browning BLR 20" in 358 as well.

The only issue is ammo availability in Africa. This makes the 9.3X62 or the 8X57 the ideal cartridge. A Browning BLR in 9.3X62 would be a great quick handling rifle but no synthetic stock.

Practical solution would be 8X57 Mauser 98 with a Synthetic stock & cut down barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I had the perfect rifle for this kind of work and still regret selling it.

Mod 70 action, SS barrel 20 inch with synthetic stock, 358 Win caliber & 4X Leupold scope. Used to shoot 3 shots into one hole at 100 meters. Perfect balance and pointing. Dropped deer in their tracks.

A Browning BLR 20" in 358 as well.

The only issue is ammo availability in Africa. This makes the 9.3X62 or the 8X57 the ideal cartridge. A Browning BLR in 9.3X62 would be a great quick handling rifle but no synthetic stock.

Practical solution would be 8X57 Mauser 98 with a Synthetic stock & cut down barrel.

umshiniwam,
I found a Ruger Frontier in .358Win. (16 1/2"barrel) on sale this spring..While I have only had it to the range once I would say that it is one of the handiest rifles that I own..
I also have a little Brno 22H with a 20-21" barrel or so in 8X57 and it is super handy..
I don't think you can go wrong with any cal. between a 7mm and a .358 with a short barrel..

Hi!

I use a Husquarna 640(M98 copy) action with an original barrel in 8*57IS, cut down to 22 inches, chambered for the 8mm-06, installed a m70-type safety, Timney trigger and finally all bedded down in a HighTech Industries stock.

Neat package under 6 pounds, fitted with a Leupold 2,5*8. Loaded with Woodleigh 220 gr RN it does a great job on Norwegian moose

M

I use my 93 for everything from baboon to elephant.In my book it is the perfect African companion.PS-never know when the chance to hunt something big my came along, then you will need something bigger than a 30-06

Glad you think so!

quote:

Originally posted by umshiniwam:

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
If I were in your shoes

This means I'd be in Africa and thinking about bullets, ammo and brass there vs here.

Short barrel is not much of a problem when you have a larger bore.

If 375 is too big I would go with an 8mm Mauser to go with your Mauser action. Classic combo.

20" barrel in combination with the size of the 8mm and the capacity of the case would be about perfect.

If that is too large still a 303 Brit or 308 could be good.

Open sights and a 2 MOA red dot sight with 3x magnification with the ability to use both without having to remove the red dot sight.

The more I think about it...the 8x57 might be perfect for my requirements!

+1 for the 8X57.
Only other suggestion is that if it was me, I would go with a compact 2X7 Leupold and make the rifle light, say 7-7 1/2 lbs all in. I hunt in very similar conditions and that's what I use.

I have a 338-06 in Winchester Mod 70 Stainless Synthetic (left hand). The barrel is 22" - I think its perfect for the job, especially loaded with 250gr Barnes TSX. It will fit in perfectly between your 375 and 30-06 but you will have to handload.

8X57, Sporterized military, reworked and lightened mil. stock with recoil pad, spified up mil.trigger, forward mounted 1 1/2 to 2 powered pistol scope,18" to 19" light barrel, straight bolt handle. Broad quick sling. roger

quote:

"bakkie" bush rifle

Been thinking about it, and realize I have one (another) in the making just needs assembly. Ruger 77 MKII stainless action, PacNor 9.3x62 stainless #4 barrel - 21" - McMillan Stock. 2x7 Leupold shotgun scope.

8x57 is good too, but after all we are talking about Africa, where there's lots of critters that will eat your liver, or stomp it to mush, given the chance.

To save money, a Hogue stock would work too and is drop in.

That oughta qualify as a bakkie bush rifle.
Even painted as recommended by Jeffee.

In Africa, a bakkie is hauled around in a truck. In Alaska, a bakkie is hauled around in trucks, four-wheelers, airplanes, and boats - subjected to salt water spray, mud, rain, etc. - used as a climbing tool, walking stick, devils club wand, in the hunting seasons, and maybe a tomatoe stake in the summer, unless hauled around as bear protection while on the salmon streams. As I was thinking about an unqualified Alaska bakkie, none of my blue/walnut rifles quite fit the criteria.

KB

Thanks for all of the feedback. I have received much food for though!

Now how about some photos?

Bartsche is a wise man

Close to what I said.

A pistol scope would be good too.

7 lbs loaded with red dot would be good.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
8X57, Sporterized military, reworked and lightened mil. stock with recoil pad, spified up mil.trigger, forward mounted 1 1/2 to 2 powered pistol scope,18" to 19" light barrel, straight bolt handle. Broad quick sling. roger