Fellas:

Just returned from an aborted Africa vacation. Spent two weeks in South Africa hunting buffalo and roan antelope at Basie Kuhn’s Haakdoorn Safaris ranch. I was to visit friends in Zimbabwe on July 1 but on June 28 the country went into partial lockdown due to COVID. Land borders were closed, airports open, and limited business openings. So, I changed my ticket and came home July 2. Good thing as on July 1 the lockdown intensified and the only travel permitted were emergency vehicles and delivery of medicine. I made the correct decision. I would hate to be in Zim and not be able to get out.

(A few gents on Facebook commented my account of Zimbabwe's lockdown wasa not quite accurate. I made my decision solely on information from the South Africa media and posts on AR and other forums).

As to the hunt, I brought along a 4-bore double rifle by RB Rodda which was made in 1885. Weighing 23 pounds it weighs 24 when I drop two cartridges in the chambers. My intended target was buffalo and after a couple of days I saw the buffalo of all buffalo! He was in small herd and it was impossible to stalk them in the open field of dead grass (that was about eight square miles) they were in. (To give you an idea of how big this property is, the perimeter fence is 57 kilometers!). The buffalo were slowly grazing in the direction of a distant pan (water hole) so we (Basie and myself) waited in the grass with the hope their direction would not change. We guessed right and they fed almost into us. I stood and took a shot. He ran a bit and a second shot hit him hard. Long story short, I doubt I will shoot another buffalo as big or a perfect: 42 1/2” horn spread and huge bosses of 17 and 18 inches. His headgear was absolutely amazing; the best buffalo I have ever taken. Just look at the skull on the bonnet of Johan’s bakke!





After the buffalo, I wanted to take some plains game as the pressure was off. Impala, wildebeest, and warthog were present and in view but too far away for a shot with my rifle. A roan antelope wandered by and he fell to a single shot at 55 yards. Trophy roan start at 26” and this one was 28 1/4”.



The last day I went for another buffalo and saw two bulls in the grass a mile away. A stalk to 100 yards showed the wider of the two was a bit soft in the boss and too young. His pal was a solid older bull and I set my desires on him. One shot at 85 yards hit him hard and he stumbled back 10 yards or so and fell to my second shot. A fair older bull 37 inches wide. I have this on video and will try to post it here sometime.



After the hunt was over, I visited Johan and Joey Biewenga at Langkloof Game Farm about two hours drive south. On the way to the airport with a young PH, Johan Nel, I displayed my Rodda 4-bore at two outlets of Safari and Outdoor and purchased a pair of Courteney Selous foot wear. Later, I picked up a beautiful rifle rack from Uvami Gun Accessories I ordered several days prior.



Another wonderful trip to Africa even though I didn’t see my beloved Zimbabwe.

Excellent report, I enjoyed it!

Certainly some great animals.

Now thats a big bore!!!
Well done.

Very nice! That buffalo just looks spectacular on the hood of the cruiser!!

24lbs?!
When most people "hit the gym" to get ready for a safari, they're using the treadmill or elliptical machine... Cal, you must be on the weight bench!

Awesome rifle & great report. Thanks for posting that.

Well done Cal! Some proper trophies well earned

Very nice Cal! Will look forward to seeing you wear those Courtneys up in Alaska on my next visit up North! My daughter lives in Eagle River, just a short hop from you. Love that gun rack-looks quality! Man, that is some big ammo!

The 4 bore is impressive, to say the least! Excellent trophies and the buff is exceptional.

Thanks for the report.

Very nice Cal. Impressive rifle! As you know, I too enjoy hunting with big bore doubles but man, that thing is extreme!! Congrats on your 2 buff and the roan.

Great trophies Cal. I wonder if that 4 bore saw action in India!!! Looks to be in great condition.

quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:
Great trophies Cal. I wonder if that 4 bore saw action in India!!! Looks to be in great condition.

The 4-bores I have seen with Africa history had longer barrels--26 and 28 inches. The Rodda's rifle has 24 inch tubes and as Rodda was a retailer in India I would imagine so. I mean, who would buy a 4-bore and not take it there?

Here is the video of the second buffalo's kill



The buff was down but still breathing so I put in another shot. It was really not needed but it quickened his death.



Let's hope this works as I've never posted a video.

I guess the videos came out but are larger than I thought but I don't know how to reduce them. They seem to be working OK.

The 4-bore is a novelty and really not practical to use. First, it is in near new conditon and the action is stiff to open and close. Secondly, the hammers are non rebounding so the hammers must be brought back to half cock before opening the action.

In addition, I fire the rear trigger much more accurately than the front so I reloaded the left barrel for my second shot. Of course, in a tense situation this would not have been done. In this case, the buff was hit hard and some distance away so it was safe to do so.

Thanks for looking and for your positive comments.
Cal

Well done Cal!

Very nice to adjust and pull the trip off. Congrats.

A buffalo to dream of. Look at those bosses!

Mbogo kubwa. Mzuri.

Good shooting with that cannon! Great looking buff, too.

What a Buffalo! That's one crazy looking double, I thought my 470 looked big.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
I guess the videos came out but are larger than I thought but I don't know how to reduce them. They seem to be working OK.

The 4-bore is a novelty and really not practical to use. First, it is in near new conditon and the action is stiff to open and close. Secondly, the hammers are non rebounding so the hammers must be brought back to half cock before opening the action.

In addition, I fire the rear trigger much more accurately than the front so I reloaded the left barrel for my second shot. Of course, in a tense situation this would not have been done. In this case, the buff was hit hard and some distance away so it was safe to do so.

Thanks for looking and for your positive comments.
Cal

You just answered the questions this novice was about to ask after the video.

Good job, sir.

Cal, impressive cannon and Buffalo, well done! As for your video, right click and see if a drop down window appears and allows you to "trim video." If not, you may be able to save it on www.imgur.com and that will allow you to trim it down to size. Another possibility would be download it on youtube. Hope to see it posted here. LDK

Thanks, David. However I am leaving for SA Tomorrow (this time with an 8-bore) and will play with the video upon my return. Have to pack and get a covid test tomorrow on my way to the airport.
Cheers and thanks again.
Cal

Is this the same farm you went to before?

Yes it is, Saeed.

Really nice Buff Cal!

Goodness. A 23 lb. rifle!

I'd have to bring my wife along as a gunbearer.

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Really nice Buff Cal!

Goodness. A 23 lb. rifle!

I'd have to bring my wife along as a gunbearer.

You wouldn’t want to do a PROPER wild hunt with a rifle that heavy!

It is OK for pretentious killing of farm animals!

nice buff congratulations