The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Big Bores African Rifle MarketGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| One of Us |
What's going on with the African Rifle Market? Two weeks ago I watched a golden era .416 Rigby, built by Rigby which was highly engraved, on a Magnum Mauser action with original detachable scope mounts and what looked like the original probably Ziess Scope. This rifle went through two 10 day bidding cycles on Gunbroker without a single bid. The opening bid was $8900.00? I talked to the seller who was selling it as an estate sale and he said there had been 25 people watching the gun but no bids. The rifle was finally pulled. I thought this gun was a steal at that price and had I not recently bought a .404 Jeffery by Wilks in England I would have bought the gun. Looking at the prices out there on the other gun sites for Mauser .416's and what happened with this gun I'm really confused by this market. | ||
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African hunting rifles are very much a discretionary luxury expense. Right now, the market isn’t that strong. It’s quite a capitalist enterprise- demand is weak, the prices have fallen. Frankly, while I might be in a position if I found a nice one at a reasonable price, I’ve been screwed on gunbroker and won’t even look there anymore. | |||
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There is only one real pawn shop near where I live. Usually just junk, a rifle or two and jewelry. Not my cup of tea but I had time and walked through one day. The place was packed full! A rack full of entry level rifles and a few same hand guns. Shelves of better stuff behind the counter! I asked, more people getting loans that do not have money to come back and get it out of hock! There is a price on it. I you are interested I might be able to do better. Need to move some stuff! It is a sign of the times! Covers all walks of life! | |||
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| One of Us |
I think the majority of people that can afford an expensive rifle and go to Africa are generally in the later part of their life. There are less of us in that age group that haven't been there done that by now. I'm 65, been there 6 times have a trip booked to Cameroon early 26, may go on one more buffalo hunt, after that it's get a lease in TX for me. What I do with the 375s and up I don't know yet, but I doubt I get what they were worth 10 years ago, but I never looked at rifles as a monetary investment  | |||
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As usual, we can blame the government. Who needs an elephant rifle if he can’t hunt an elephant and bring home the trophy? Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
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It's a shame that all the very great things that we older people valued in life is coming to an end. I fear, with few exceptions, that what we valued as important will be forgotten. I feel blessed to have enjoyed our time in history. | |||
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keep in mind that the anti's are not dumb...They will use every trick they can to disarm the people. Don't hurt to be a litle paranoid! | |||
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| One of Us |
Duane, You are right. This coming election will probably determine our future as gun owners and Americans. | |||
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Don't we think that taste and interest is changing? As far as I've seen none of our publications feature stock checkering, fit and form, no one's writing about wildcat cartridges, reloading, leather work or knife handle wood. I see AR's, "rifle systems", modular this, that and the other. The picture in the press all seem to advocate "tactical" and the hunting rifles advertised all have detachable magazines that hold several, several cartridges. Ruark, Capstick and Hemingway aren't read. The gun industry is focused on selling straight wall cartridges, ten pound AR-10's chambered in 500 S&W and Mossbergs. My home town is very gun enthusiastic, but I'd guess I may be the only person here with African looking hunting rifles and of those, half are in plastic stocks, so not really "classic". I don't think you could give away a 470 Nitro Express here. | |||
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| One of Us |
I have to agree with Tpr. 1919, times change with each generation, and what one liked the other may not. Look at muscle cars from the 60’s, all driven by old guys and not much of a market with the younger crowd. I first saw this phenomenon in the late 80’s when Duesenbergs that were worth over a $million were selling for 1/10 that much. I think that market has recovered a bit. It’s best to just enjoy what we have, in the times we are living in. | |||
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| One of Us |
Big bores are a limited market, especially upper end pretty rifles. I see quite a few beautiful rifles I'd love to have, but how many rifles suitable for DG do I really need at my age, especially since at the end of the day, I know I'm going to go with my go-to working .416 Rem. that I don't care if it gets a scratch or a ding. So if I bought it, it's a safe queen. | |||
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From where I stand part of what is going on is the lack of decent hunting opportunities. A lot of people I used to hunt with have become disenchanted a long time ago, and now even some of the die hards have had enough. My best friend of 50+ years decided to skip big game hunting altogether last year and go deep sea fishing instead. I never thought I'd see the day. This has a trickle down effect to children and grandchildren too. When the hunt isnt what it used to be, people will move on, and a lot of them already have. I dont know about Africa rifles. But I do sense that times have certainly changed. No doubt about it. AK-47 The only Communist Idea that Liberals don't like. | |||
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| One of Us |
I have to say that with all the observations each of you have expressed there is really a true picture of what is going on pained from every aspect of your experience. | |||
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| One of Us |
Oh hell, I'll be the odd man out. I sell quite a few big bores and African rifles, most of the better stuff never sees the internet as it is placed with a phone call or two. I have several younger clients who are avid collectors. Double rifles are down, classic bolt guns and quality single shot rifles bring strong money and move briskly. Myself and several others are planning return trips to hunt Africa and I hunt throughout the West here in the states yearly. Certainly getting more costly and more of a challenge to put good hunts together but I'm in the game until the end. What was that Richard Pryor said? I ain't dead yet.... | |||
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I like your attitude Steve and I concur. The airline hassles are a royal pain, but once you get to the hunting grounds, it all dissolves. At least for me anyway. I will hunt as long as I'm able. DRSS | |||
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While I'm not the "odd man out " I can't but help but add that of the backlog I have, there is only one that's under 300 H&H. The blend is 338, 404. 416.458 and a couple 500 Jeff's As far as I know, they are all destined for Africa hunts. Small sample in the real world...But | |||
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| One of Us |
Duane, wouldn’t part of what you see be that folks are looking for “their own” rifle, as opposed to someone else’s? Frankly, if I could have gotten a historic rifle for what I paid for mine, I don’t know if I would have… I have put nicks and dings in them, and refinished and rebarreled a couple of them. Rebarreling a classic Holland and Holland seems somewhat sacrilegious to a rifle with history. I do think as Steve pointed out there are exceptions, but for the most part the number of participants is shrinking, and those that do participate now often will deliberately choose to either have a new bespoke gun, or, choose one of the new soulless but practical weapons being made today. The number of folks feeling financially secure and desiring essentially to pay a significant premium for a, when all is said, used gun is shrinking right now. Offer those old Rigby’s or Hollands for what it costs to buy a new (factory) rifle and they won’t stick around… but the sellers want a premium and the market is just not there right now. | |||
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Me. My wife asked why do I need a elephant gun. I told her to keep the elephants out of the garden. She said we don't have any elephants in the garden. I said see it is working. | |||
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I love that! Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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P dog, My wife is pretty understanding and never gets in the way of another hunt or rifle purchase. But she does ask interesting questions. Once, when I was considering another double specifically for elephant, she seemingly innocently asked me how many rifles I currently had that were completely adequate for elephant. There was an awkward silence. | |||
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Edited for my experience - I told her that was privileged information opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club Information on Ammoguide about the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR. 476AR, http://www.weaponsmith.com | |||
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Can't argue ..Some folks are happy with a Timex..Others..just WANT a Rolex and some have the means to buy what they want | |||
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| One of Us |
The market is odd right now, but not near as weak as many feel. Good, rare stuff still brings really strong money. Everyday working rifles, less so, this is especially true with doubles. I have had very strong sales of some really high dollar vintage rifles the last few years. The same is true for restoration work on vintage guns, I have had quite a few big bore high dollar rifles in for refurbishment. The idea that demand is down may be true overall, but it remains really solid on good stuff. | |||
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Mine is an upgraded Timex lol Ebony forend and grip cap being added (on a budget!)  Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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