01 December 2005, 06:05
GAHUNTERRuger .458 to replace the .505 I never got
My cousin is a CZ dealer and he promised he'd get me a 505 Gibbs. I'm still waiting after a year.
I've now waited so long that I'm changing my mind about what I want. I'm really not an elephant hunter, however I would like to take one (maybe a PAC) on one of my safaris. I have a 404 Jeffery and two .375 H&Hs (a Browning FN and an Interarms Mark X) to handle the "light" work, but these are not really "stoppers", which is what I want next. But do I really want (or need) such a bone crusher (MY bones, not the target's) like the .505? (I know. If we only bought the guns we "need" this would be a pretty boring forum.)
Seems like a lot of PHs these days have opted to use the .458 Lott as their primary when-things-go-to-shit-and-have-to-be-sorted-out rifle. At least that's what my PH carried on my one (and only) DG hunt (and things DID go to shit). He said most of the "working" Phs in Zimbabwe carried this caliber (mostly CZs). He also said that every single one of them had to have their rifle worked on by a gunsmith to get them to feed right. Well, if it's good enough for the guys who put their life on the line daily, then it's good enough for me -- only I'm not going to get the CZ.
When My wife asked me what I wanted her to get me for Christmas this year, I told her to get me a Ruger M-77, Mark II RSM in .458 Lott. I even told her which gun store to buy it from. She must have heeded my request, because my 17-year-old son asked me if I wanted dies and components for my new rifle for Christmas.
I chose the Ruger over the CZ because, one, they look better (unless you get the upgraded CZ wood); two, feel better, and; three, work better with less gunsmithing. The only thing the CZ has going for it is the fact that you can carry 5 down (the Ruger holds three). Hopefully, this little issue won't cause my one (and only -- EVER) elephant to make me one with the African dust. If it does, then you can say "I told you so."
Too late to talk me out of it (or talk me into the CZ), I think she's already placed the order.
The .505 would have been nice, but, then again, I heard my shoulder pop a champagne cork when it found out I was canceling the order. What a pussy!
01 December 2005, 06:41
Hog KillerGA, you are going to really enjoy that rife. For a factory built big bore, the RSM is tops and the 458 Lott will be much easier to feed than the 505. do your self a favor and get yourself a supply of the Rem, 405gr, 45-70 bullets. They will cost about 11 - 12 cents each, are great plinkers, and even work well on pigs at up to 2100fps.
Have fun,
Hog Killer
01 December 2005, 06:59
invader66I do have one and love it. I think you made a great move there.
01 December 2005, 12:21
WhitworthRoughly what do the Rugers cost nowadays?
01 December 2005, 16:07
jeffeossoroughly 1400, lists for 1900.
Excellent 458 lott.. probably the best one, out of the box today
jeffe