quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
Most people have been hunting for most of their lives with bolt action rifles,then buy a double rifle to hunt DG with.That is really classic but what do they know about double rifles? If they were hunting with a double rifle for many years then that would be another story-the hunter would have a tool in his hands that he is familiar with.

How about those of us that hunt with double shotguns for many years. The transition from that to the rifle is not that tough, if your shotguns have double triggers. Having taken a couple O/U to Argentina and Mexico on dove hunts, I can say that the reloading of the double can become pretty "reflexive" after the first ten thousand or so rounds.

I did just return from Namibia, with a double gun for DG. I found that I was reloading it, without having to think about it. To be fair though, the shots with a bolt gun, I was ready again right away. I am of the opinion that more has to do with having good habits, and practice, than what type of rifle.

I do some amount of hanging around a well known shooting school here in TX. MOST hunters, are of the shoot, raise the head and look at the animal school, rather than bang, run bolt, get ready for more school. Mainly I think, due to habit, and shooting more at the range than at things that bite back.

I would like to see that double versus bolt gun for four rounds though. I'd bring one of each, just to see.....

I too have hunted with a double shotgun for some time but I am not talking only of being familiar with the handling characteristics of the rifle but the mechanics of it as well.The ability to quickly get out of all kinds of jams and to maintain a well functioning rifle at all times.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeE:
I do some amount of hanging around a well known shooting school here in TX. MOST hunters, are of the shoot, raise the head and look at the animal school, rather than bang, run bolt, get ready for more school. Mainly I think, due to habit, and shooting more at the range than at things that bite back.

Interesting observation and probably true in many cases. I admit I am of this school although being left-handed using RH bolt guns I have to bring the gun down to reload and like the ability to quickly reload without looking down while observing proceedings and deciding whether to fight or flee

I notice in the MikeJs elephant charge video I made observations on earlier, Buzz takes his bolt gun down from his shoulder each time he reloads even when facing a close in animal, albeit a dropping one! Maybe if a charge is pressed on he wouldn't?

Something I didn't see mentioned, but may have been, is that the double rifle is going to have less muzzle rise to recover from because of having double the mass in the barrels.


When the fish stop hitting a lure, sometimes you can add some bait to get them going again.

Just got back from 18 days in the Dande Safari Area. Took two rifles. Both Double Rifles. Shot everything from Grysbuck at over 100 yards to Elephant at a few yards. The doubles did everything I needed them to with no reservations.

For most African hunting, I'll be sticking with the two Double Rifle outfit! There is no right or wrong to this one guys. It's whatever you prefer. But I will say that not a single time did I think, "if I only had my bolt gun in this situation". And I always had the quick second shot option which came in handy on a couple of occasions.