i own one, and was wondering what you folks think of this for a my first buff hunt? this is still three years away. i certainly have time to buy a bolt gun or double. what would a PH think? thanks-cam

its your life, you can choose to risk it however you like.

Me? i would sell the single and buy a CZ or step up to a ruger in 458 lott, if I was to buy a factory rifle

jeffe

It'll work but a bolt actioned rifle with four or five down in the magazine would be better for fairly obvious reasons.

.........What they said .,

very good advice, thank you-cam

If you became very proficient with it, were able to reload quickly on the run, and do not mind if your PH has to finish your buff off for you, go ahead.

George

of course, there is a 500 NE 3" double rifle for $8K in the classifieds...

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
of course, there is a 500 NE 3" double rifle for $8K in the classifieds...

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

Why so cheap???

Does it say "Trump" in big gold letters?

I think the 458 Caprivi lott from Kimber was "verrry niiiice" (in my best Borat voice)

It didnt feel "oversize" nice trim package.

there is also a CZ American stocked 458 Lott in the classifieds for about $950 shipped and insured.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

There's also a CZ of some sort at www.KTP.com in .505 Gibbs for just over $2000. The reloading dies alone are @ $400 so you'd probably be better off with the Lott.

Another vote for a CZ Lott -- they can be had for a song and a dance and are a great foundation......

quote:

Originally posted by mauritz45:
i own one, and was wondering what you folks think of this for a my first buff hunt? this is still three years away. i certainly have time to buy a bolt gun or double. what would a PH think? thanks-cam

Your chances of being gored, or trampled to death are pretty remote, but the pro might have to finish off that bovine for you.
PS. Local shop had like new CZ550 in .416 Rigby with $750 tag (it even had decelerator pad professionally added). It probably went for $650-$675 cash. Lets face it, with basic ammo >100/pack not many want this ole English. Last year I turned away NIC #1 tropical in this caliber for $450.

I just got my CZ Safari Classic in 375 H&H. I did have to send it back once (it came out of the custom shop), but it came back far better than I had ever hoped. I post pictures if I can figure out how and shooting range results (I hope to go Sunday).

Regards,
Chuck

I have never hunted Africa, but it would seem to me that there are more suitable rifles available than a single-shot.

If I were going to hunt buff and all I had was a #1 .458WM, and there was no time to purchase and become proficient with a different rifle or no money for it, I'd take the #1 without hesitation. If time and money allowed, however, I'd get something more suitable.

If your a good shot, and practiced at loading a single shot, I see no reason not to use one..Todays African hunters have a PH and usually several others around with rifles to back you up...

Personally, I don't think the single shot is the "ideal" rifle for DG, but I would not hesitate to use one for any game..In fact I intend to buy one of Butch Searcys .375 H&H Single shots and I will surly use it to hunt buffalo.

It is my undestanding that if you provoke a charge, when the buffalo gets about 12-15 feet away he will generally look up to make sure he is lined dead up on you. That is when you stick a round right over the nose, centered of course. I of course, have no personal ancedotes to relate as to the efficacy of this tactic, but it looks good on paper.

Rich
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Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

Practice with that No.1 until reloading is an automatic reaction. Then practice some more. You'll do fine. I did.

This is a 2 part Q...so it will get a 2 part answer.

Reloading on the fly is not that hard if you are the type of person that can keep his wits about. Slow is fast if you know what I mean. Set up a tuller charge target and practice on that. You should be able to find your ammo and load without ever taking your eyes off your target. The only short coming I know of with a single shot is usually bringing it off your shoulder to reload. The ergonomics of a Ruger #1 don't fit me out of the box all that well so I use a bolt action in .458WM

Is .458WM subtible for buff? I don't know first hand. But from the reading I've done I would say it seems to be a good choice. If you can afford a double gun go for it

90%+ of Buff hunts end with no charge, A very high percentage end with 1 shot kills.
Practice, put a good scope on it, make the first shot count and things will work out.
Boddington and his daughter have both killed Buff with Ruger #1 of lesser caliber (405 Win, 9.3x74R and 450-400 3") The PH is there to save your skin, Charges look great on Video and sell books, but to induce one is Stupid !
Regards
Nitro450exp

quote:

Slow is fast if you know what I mean.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

I love that saying!