Bikal double rifle in 9.3-74R

Wayne t

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as above guys anyone on here use one of these out in Africa ?
 
I have a Bikal SxS in 45-70 and 30-06 (sold my O/U 30-06). As far as I know the 9.3 and 7.62x54R were never imported to the US. The Bikals are light for caliber, so expect more recoil then youd get on a European Double. I bought mine when I was HOT for a Double Rifle but couldnt afford 10K for a Merkle. I like them for what they are (think the AK of Double Rifles), given a choice Id opt for a Sabatti over a Bikal; but the Sabatti is still at least twice as much (3K vs 1K). Ive moved on to better quality rifles and cars(Audi); but I still have my Bikals for really foul weather hunts (that when I drive a Jeep). Theres nothing wrong with them....

As for the 9.3x74R--its a fantastic round its close BUT its not quite a 375H&H. I wouldnt hesitate to use 9.3x74R on Plains Game. It would be fine for Leopard and Lion--where legal.

Ultimately a Bikal is a budget rifle, for a trip to Afrika, I choose something better...maybe thats just me, I guess I can be snobbish. You dont need a Double Rifle. A Bolt Action be fine--look into 9.3x62 if you opt for a Bolt action--OR--just buy a 375H&H for everything.
 
I have a Bikal SxS in 45-70 and 30-06 (sold my O/U 30-06). As far as I know the 9.3 and 7.62x54R were never imported to the US. The Bikals are light for caliber, so expect more recoil then youd get on a European Double. I bought mine when I was HOT for a Double Rifle but couldnt afford 10K for a Merkle. I like them for what they are (think the AK of Double Rifles), given a choice Id opt for a Sabatti over a Bikal; but the Sabatti is still at least twice as much (3K vs 1K). Ive moved on to better quality rifles and cars(Audi); but I still have my Bikals for really foul weather hunts (that when I drive a Jeep). Theres nothing wrong with them....

As for the 9.3x74R--its a fantastic round its close BUT its not quite a 375H&H. I wouldnt hesitate to use 9.3x74R on Plains Game. It would be fine for Leopard and Lion--where legal.

Ultimately a Bikal is a budget rifle, for a trip to Afrika, I choose something better...maybe thats just me, I guess I can be snobbish. You dont need a Double Rifle. A Bolt Action be fine--look into 9.3x62 if you opt for a Bolt action--OR--just buy a 375H&H for everything.

Cheers I already have this gun and will be taking it with me on my first Africa trip I bought this for my first driven boar trip years ago as a cheap double as opossed to getting a hyem or blazer spending a load of cash just for a hunting trip and it never used again
Also I like the way the barrels on these can be self adjusted by the wheel nut under the forend weight wise and recoil I didn't find it that bad at all with the factory 285 Ammo I use in it and it certainly flattens piggies no probs
 
wayne take the baikal and have fun with it. it will in that cal be perfect for bush shooting where 150 yds will be a long shot and most way less . with your 300 win, for if you are hunting a more open terrain in a different area you have it covered . my 9.3x62 is the one i use most but thats only because my 9.3x74r double isnt in zambia ,and i am sure jan @Shumba Safaris will agree with me . so just enjoy and dont get caught up in this worry stage most seem to go through before they head off, about whether their rifle or cal will be suitable . :)
 
ENJOY Bro--Be sure to post pics of your hunt (and gun)
 
Look forward to hearing your hunting report. You should have a great time using the rifle.
 
my last hunt in africa was 2014,took a hippo,sable,cape bull with my double in 9.3x74r.
 

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