1) there are two of us going with Vaughan... 3 guns means one back-up, and not cutting into luggage too much (may have as many as 4 people travelling, so we'll be good on the whole luggage thing).

2) this is NOT a DG rifle... my dad is buying/building (can't decide) a 458 Lott or similar repeater for DG when we go back in a few years.

I would take the M70 but I would take a cz 550 before that unless you had a need for a stainless synthetic .375 then it's winchester or nothing I suppose.

DG gun or not.....my opinion still stands. The bolt rifle would win hands down unless the $$$$$ are too much or you've already made up your mind and want a single shot. The beauty of a .375 is that it can be used for plains game or dangerous game. What will you have in your hands when your Dad is carrying his Lott?

Since dangerous game is not on the menu, go with what fires your passion. After all, that's why we go to Africa in the first place.

I don't have any single shots, and don't even own any Rugers. So I'm coming into the conversation with clean hands. On a trip to Zimbabwe in 2002, the other hunter in camp had a #1 in a 458 Winchester. He had a marvelous time with it, and the fact that it was his unique choice for taking to Africa only added to the fun.

I also agree that you don't want more than 2 guns going with you. The wristband idea sounds kind of interesting as well. Best of luck !!

I agree with bwanamrm

Even if only shooting rabbits I think a 375 needs to be in a bolt action and preferably a CRF and the M70 and CZ would be the two prime candidates.

No doubt that Ruger 1s are real nice in 375 but I see a Ruger 1 as a 2nd 375.

I think it is always nice in life to own the right thing and the 375 perhaps more than any other calibre (excepting the 416s and up)just goes hand in hand with a CRF bolt action.

Mike

Yep, Busmaster, he probably will! But he asked for opinions and I gave him mine. And if he already had his mind made up, I guess we are all P!$$ing in the wind answering him.

again, thanks for the opinions and information.

I'm closer to a decision, and money really is a factor here, so the No. 1 remains a strong candidate.

basically, I asked for opinions because I wanted them to verify and test my own, to learn new information, and develop the breadth of my knowledge and experience... I'm still torn, and regardless, I will at some point have BOTH the No. 1 and a Model 70... it just which one first.

re: the money issue, I've got to come up with $500 to buy the Whelen in short order, and THEN the 375 gets to be top priority.

well, I'm going to the store tonight and am planning on leaving with a Ruger No. 1... wish me luck all.

re: the Whelen, well, it'll just have to wait another month or two, I'm not worried about learning to shoot it, its identical to the 30-06 we have.