I have just taken in a custom built sporting rifle in 7x57 Mauser built by TT Proctor.

I am selling it for aclient but, having been introduced to African hunting, I'm mindful that I may need a suitable rifle for Tanzania in 2010 and I'm thinking of keeping this one for myself.

It has a Shilen barrel, Leupold mounts and Churchill walnut stock, Gerhart scope and Whitworth Mauser '98 action.

Not sure how to post pics here but I have put some on my website (listed under 'RIFLES') if anyone wants to see it.

A couple of people have suggested this would do for everything below buffalo size. I don't usually 'do' modern guns, prefering pre WW2, perferably Victorian stuff. But I'm tempted to make an exception - How would any of yeu feel about this as a good rifle to complement a .500/450 BPE Henry double hammer rifle for the big stuff?

If you can place your shots well, and your PH is happy with you using it, why not?
It will still do the same job it has for 100 years or so.
JMHO.

Small Bore

you have the prefect rifle for most African plains game that has been around for 100 plus years, been there, done it and got the "T" shirt as they say, it will make a first class rifle with suitalbe bullets for virutally all plains game species, is pleasant to shoot and a classic round.

In times gone by it has been used to take all species of big game, not that I am advocating that you try it, including Tiger in India and all big game in Africa, two great writers and hunters of their time, Walter Dalrymple Maitland Bell (Karamojo Bell) and Jim Corbett made wide use of the calibre, albeit in its English non deplume the .275 Rigby.

It may interest you to hear that the calibre is one of Trevor ("T" T Proctors) favourites, he has made a great many and uses one himself extensively for Deer Stalking here in the UK. He has even made an exquisite double rifle inthis calibre for an overseas client

I have shot a lot of game with a 7x57, much of it in Tanzania, but I don't take there anymore. I had a few close calls when all I had was the 7x57, mostly with elephants and I decided if I hunt where dangerous game lives I will carry a dangerous game rifle..I have shot a lot of plainsgame with the big bores and they really work well and don't bloodshoot a lot of meat and if simba decides I have invaded his domain I feel more comfortable confronting him with my big bore as opposed to a 7x57 or any light rifle. I love the 7x57 in its place and that is where there are no Lions, elephants or buffalo.

Trevor Proctor is a vey good gunsmith, one of the best, If a rifle by him in 7x57 came my way I would never ever sell it.

quote:

Not sure how to post pics here but I have put some on my website (listed under 'RIFLES') if anyone wants to see it.

??

Would love to see pictures of that rifle. Thought of building one alot like that.

http://www.vintageguns.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.produc...virtuemart&Itemid=31

This is the link if you want to see it.

quote:

Originally posted by Small Bore:
http://www.vintageguns.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.produc...virtuemart&Itemid=31

This is the link if you want to see it.

Nice!
'
Keep it, use it in Africa, then sell it if you must...
JMHO.