This May Be a Stupid Question, but.... Would it be a problem taking a rifle with a stainless barrel to Africa? Got a potential deal on a tack driver, but is it synthetic stock with a stainless barrel and scope. Your thoughts?
This May Be a Stupid Question, but.... Would it be a problem taking a rifle with a stainless barrel to Africa? Got a potential deal on a tack driver, but is it synthetic stock with a stainless barrel and scope. Your thoughts?
Why not? Lots do just that. Some people may squeak about the glare off the barrel but that can be dealt with if neccessary. It can be covered in camo tape, or other material, or painted. Sythetic stocks are noisy compared to wood, but make an effort to not drag it thru every piece of brush in the area and it wont be a problem.
Stainless barrels and actions along with synthetic stocks, push feed, muzzle brakes, all Savages, and some Weatherbys are not allowed in Africa. ;)
Seriously no issues with SS and synthetic stocks.
I have not heard about a glare issue on a bead blasted stainless barrel, but synthetics areknown to make more noise than they need to. Read an article YEARS ago, just take the butt pad off and fill it with expandable foam (the stuff you buy at Lowes or Home depot) or use old plastic shopping bags. It dampens the hollow sound of the stock and adds almost no weight. SS is a great surface to paint though.
I forgot to add blue jeans, tennis shoes, Nosler Partitions, and the dreaded .308.
Hunted Namibia with a .338 McMillan with synthetic stock and stainless barrel. No problems at all.
Gun was amazing. Was pleased with the weight as there were some very grueling spot and stalks.
I used a Tikka T3 Lite SS with synth stock in SA last year.
Don't think any animals got alerted because of the synth stock or the stainless barrel.
Just bring some camo tape if you are worried about it:)
I have used a stainless synthetic rifle several times and no problems at all. If you are concerned you could always have the rifle/stock film dipped or you can use the camo tape to break it up a little bit, I don't think it will be a probem as is though.
both of my loaners have SS barrels with a bit of matt black cloth tape on them, and my long distance varmint 308 is the same.
I'm taking a stainless Remington 700 in .300 RUM next year to Namibia, but it has a walnut stock. I just don't like to hunt with synthetics for some reason.
No issues there, as long as it's being carried like a rifle and not a Confederate flag your in good shape... :) by the time it notices your barrels it has most probably seen you as well, I do tape them up when hunting Leopard though.
Mike, I must admit my Weahterby lives in Africa and has sorted many shots from more "desireable" caliber's or rifles before, it has served me well and I have never had issues with it, it works hard in the dust and even rain sometimes, I reload my own ammunition as do many others and the 550gr and even the 500's puts a spell on anything by that I mean anything that has the notion of getting cheecky, great for Buff, excellent for Elle, and puts a spell on cats.
I guess it's a matter of opinion, and "experience" with a particular caliber and rifle.
My best always.
Jaco,
Tongue in cheek buddy, just picking on people's prejudices including my own.
I did leave out Tasco scopes, cowboy boots, and did not specifically mention the 460 because I thought everybody already knows that.:cool:
:stirring:He! He! all good mike, I guess mine can't come in as it is in already better keep it here! you did forget to mention zip off pants!:)
My best always