My First Outing With
The New Double Rifle
“Let Your Imagination Run Wild”

I never thought that an African safari would be in the offing for me. Hunting dangerous game such as elephant, lion, and Cape buffalo were dreams of things to come. The demands of raising a family, job obligations and available funds just seemed to overwhelm the possibilities. As the years passed, the desire grew and finally, I have a tale to tell.

In the past, I have found that when on a guided hunt, you are rarely left alone. Any time that is going to happen, one should always be advised in advance. The key is that there should be no scary surprises. On those occasions when the potential for danger is low, I have had no qualms about being on my own. Tomorrow would be different. Joan would be with me.
Joan and I had spoken about what to expect.

We knew that tomorrow we would wake up alone, no professional hunter, no trackers, no assistants or kitchen staff. There would only be the two of us and the sounds of wind and wild animals.

I was not concerned about the unexpected, since I am more than competent with a rifle. In the past, my pre-war model 70 Winchester in 375 H&H caliber would always hit its mark. I had never missed with that rifle. If a dangerous game encounter was in the cards, I was convinced that my new double rifle would be up to the task, but was I up to it? I had only received that rifle on Monday and had yet to even fire a practice shot with it, to prove that my skills translated from that 375 bolt gun to this Searcy 470 Nitro Express elephant gun.

Joan and I had finished breakfast when everything changed. The birds quieted and there was suddenly an eeriness, broken only by distant angry sounds, somewhat like barking wild dogs. These are the times when the hair on the back of your neck tightens and somehow your primal instincts begin to stream adrenalin, telling you that you had better get ready for the unknown.

I had kept the double rifle handy, where it casually leaned against a support. I knew it now needed to be in my hands.

I picked up the double rifle and began walking slowly in a Northerly direction, to where those angry sounds were coming from, rifle at the ready. Joan followed a few paces behind, still wearing her slippers and only armed with her cell phone and camera.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=h...967523&theater[/url]




As I approached the edge of the wilderness I could hear movement, but could see nothing beyond perhaps 30 yards. If there were an attack, the undergrowth and interspersed trees would allow me only a second or two to respond. This was not a place where one might expect to be confronted by a rogue elephant or a maddened Cape buffalo, so I was not at all scared. Maybe a bit apprehensive better describes the situation.

I reflected on my travels yesterday. Only a mile or so from here I had passed bull and cow bovine that did not reveal their intentions, but I still gave them wide birth, since they were not on my list of quarry.

As I slowly moved forward, something made me decide to stop and wait. As I did, I heard Joan pull up short, and a glance back over my shoulder revealed that she had the camera up. She knew something was going on. I knew also.

I slowly brought the rifle up and aimed. There was no specific target yet, so I slowly moved the sights across the woods. I had to be ready.

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I could hear that unique sound that a camera makes, the one an electronic camera makes to simulate the sound when a mechanical camera’s shutter is triggered.

I don’t know how many pictures she took.
I am attaching some here for your assessment of the situation.



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All this happened just yesterday. It was my first outing with the new double rifle. It all took place in my back yard here in lovely Huntsville Alabama.
And for those that take note of the fact that the rifle appeared to be pointed toward the camera for some pictures, I assure you that the pointing actually was toward the side, so that at no time was it pointing directly at her. Additionally, Joan and I independently each verified that the rifle was unloaded and the trigger remained untouched.
Hope you enjoyed our adventure.

Sounds interesting but the pics are for facebook members only.

Mike, don't worry about Facebook. It only works if you have friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's why I never bothered to sign up!

Don't feel bad....me neither :-(

Last time I had the option it was either a Kewpie Doll or you... I still have the Kewpie Doll....


Sorry Mr Nisbit..

Gorgeous rifle! Thanks for sharing....keep the pics coming....please!

..that´s a 1000$ city-slicker rifle as my friends on sand Mountain would say..

Looks Great. Thanks for sharing

Bob,

That is a great looking rifle. Hope it serves you well.

Sam

Welcome to the wacky world of double rifles Mr. Nisbet. Now all that is left to do is place the “DRSS” in your signature line to show you are now a member of the Double Rifle Shooters Society Butch does some fine work, and your new double is no exception. Beautiful rifle, now go pop a cape buffalo!

http://www.DoubleRifleShootersSociety.com

Bob

Very nice indeed. I really like the CCH and gold Lettering.

.

Bob-

It took my eyes a minute to adjust to the light but all the while I remained vigilant. I had to fight to keep my attention where it belonged and away from your new and shiny rifle. I knew the threat would come, not from your double, but from the woods closing in all around, closer and closer. Then I saw it. At first I mistakenly believed it was just a leaf fluttering in the wind - but....there....was....no....wind. It could be no leaf. My subconscious struggled to reject reality - for the truth would surely drive me mad. Yet, simultaneously electrified and terrified, I knew that I must accept it for what it was. A dark and momentary flutter in the menacing brush just seven yards to your rear had been the flicker of a tail.

How lucky for all on hand that you and the double were ready for it.

Nice rifle, Bob. Let us know how it shoots, .470 NE is an EASY shooting cartridge. Love it.