Outfitter PH question

[A.Sharpe]

Here it is. I have always dreamed of hunting cape Buffalo. Living in NC (USA) I am seriously undergunned . I can purchase a Mod 70 375 H&H use it in Africa and then have a gun that I will most likely never use again. I am not a rich man and am on a limited income. This hunt is something I have been saving for , for a couple years. Are there any outfitters that rent guns? This would also save all the hassles of transporting firearms. Please excuse me if this is posted in the wrong place.

 

[desertloper]

Almost every outfitter will allow you the option of renting both rifle and ammo. By the time you account for the checked gun case fees, rifle clearance fees-its 50/50 to take a gun vs rent one.

The thing you gain with taking your own rifle is the comfort of knowing exactly what it is and how it operates.

If you choose to hire the rifle-make sure it is specifically listed in your contract. Hate to spend $20k to have a $200 POS as your rifle.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Here it is. I have always dreamed of hunting cape Buffalo. Living in NC (USA) I am seriously undergunned . I can purchase a Mod 70 375 H&H use it in Africa and then have a gun that I will most likely never use again. I am not a rich man and am on a limited income. This hunt is something I have been saving for , for a couple years. Are there any outfitters that rent guns? This would also save all the hassles of transporting firearms. Please excuse me if this is posted in the wrong place.

Most outfitters if not all have camp guns that you can rent. From what I've read they can be fine rifles or they can be not so good. The latter would concern me in a DG situation.

The bigger concern I'd have showing up to shoot for the first time a .375H&H or larger is the overall lack of familiarity with the rifle and at the very least having a subconscious fear of the recoil. A properly weighted .375H&H is in my opinion fairly easily mastered with respect to recoil. But it takes time on the range shooting it.

Tarawa, a member here, has a M70 in .375H&H for sale here and with everything it includes, I can't see how you'd lose much money on it. In fact by the time you pay for renting a rifle it would probably be a wash.

 

[A.Sharpe]

These are all things to consider. Recoil shouldn't be a concern. I don't think the recoil can be much worse than a 50 BMG, single shot bolt gun. The type of gun could be researched before booking the hunt ,couldn't it. I was just looking at the cost of the gun, a decent case, fee's and permits, and the general hassle. Just checking all my options.

 

[SafariA]

Youshould contact the outfitter you intend to hunt with and discuss it with him. I offer my guns free of charge if it is not manhandled . You only have to pay for ammunition . I am sure there are many outfitters there that will accomodate your request !. Good luck and enjoy Africa !!!!

 

[Arinjit]

If you rent/borrow a rifle, one thing I would suggest is that you discuss in advance on who would be responsible if the rifle is damaged due to no purposeful act on your part. This year, I rented a rifle. The rifle I hunted with belonged to the PH/Outfitter's friend. I was very glad that his friend lent this rifle for use, as I had some issues with the PH's rifle. One day, while I was climbing some hills, a boulder I stepped on let loose and I fell about 15 ft down the hill. I never carry a round in the chamber in a vehicle or while climbing rocky/hilly terrain, so there was no chance of an AD. I got scratched up a bit as did the rifle and scope. It was all cosmetic damage and did not affect the shootability at all (I hunted with it the rest of the hunt). I felt bad as it was his friend's personal rifle and we had discussed rifle rental but no further details on who would be responsible for damages and offered to pay for it. In the end, the PH cleaned it up and gave his friend the rental money and everyone was ok with it. If it was my rifle, I wouldn't have cared for the scratches too much (added character), but felt bad as it belonged to someone else.

Most would assume that if you are paying rental, it should cover accidental damages, but it can get awkward in these unusual circumstances. Best to discuss in advance. This is the first time I rented a rifle. Makes travel a breeze, but there is something to be said about hunting with your own gun.

 

[Bobpuckett]

A.Sharpe most outfitters have a gun to rent for what you want to hunt for from a .223 on up. Like Richard the hunts I offer also offer rifles at no cost and ammo at cost feel free to PM me for more info if you like. Bob

 

[garyleach]

Agreed Bob, more then not, its just the ammo charge and typically they are good relaible guns from small to large calibers.. Discuss with your outfitter, they are very-very accomodating!!!!

 

[A.Sharpe]

Thanks Guy's, This is one less thing to have to worry about. It would have to make travel easier. I would have never thought Africa would have such strict gun laws.

 

[DOC-404]

I dunno..seems like arriving at the races, all kitted up like a jockey, and then borrowing a horse. Just doesn't feel right..like kissing your sister. A few shots at the range will not make you familiar with another man's rifle. Consider, also, the costs of a wounded animal. I, personally, cant do it very well and therefore dislike shooting other people's rifles. They just don't fit.

 

[Jagermister]

I hunted Namibia (my first trip to Africa) last year for plains animals. I rented a very nice Blaser in 300 Win Mag for $45 a day that shot well and was a pleasure to shoot. Problem i had was unfamiliarity with the safety and it cost me a nice Hartebeest. Like yourself I am planning to return to Africa for a W.B. - I will be taking a rifle that I have shot until there is no chance of me making a mistake that could cost me my animal or worse put people in danger for my negligence.

 

[A.Sharpe]

I know what you are saying Doc. But would you buy the horse haul it to the race feed it and board it if you knew it would probably be the only race you will ever get to run? This for me is a once in a lifetime adventure. Then it's back to white tails and squirrels and hogs. After shooting quite a bit. It doesn't take me long to get the feel of a rifle. If the gun is a Winchester mod 70 in 375 it hasn't been that long ago since I used the one I owned and used in Alaska.
At this time I am just weighing all my options. I did find an Interarms in 375 that I can get for $650 . I have one in 7mm Mag and love the gun . So options are happening as we speak. If I could I'd use my Pedersoi Kodiak .58 Double rifle. That is the best naturally pointing gun I own. Or could it be she's been with me threw 2 wives and 3 decades...........

 

[Jagermister]

I understand your situation - and I share your pain.

 

[gillettehunter]

Buy the rifle. Practice until proficient. When you get back from Africa sell the rifle. Likely get 90% plus back on a used rifle after one hunt. Best of luck. Bruce

 

[spike.t]

Buy the rifle. Practice until proficient. When you get back from Africa sell the rifle. Likely get 90% plus back on a used rifle after one hunt. Best of luck. Bruce

i would go with what bruce says, but i bet you dont end up selling it...

 

[A.Sharpe]

That does seem to make sense. My wife swears that guns breed. Every time she looks in the safe there are less empty spaces. There is so much to learn about hunting Africa. I feel the adventure has already began. I just don't want to end up on one of those "When Animals Attack" TV shows.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

That does seem to make sense. My wife swears that guns breed. Every time she looks in the safe there are less empty spaces. There is so much to learn about hunting Africa. I feel the adventure has already began. I just don't want to end up on one of those "When Animals Attack" TV shows.

My wife has said the same thing about guns breeding! I've run out of room in my cabinet and the excess occupy various places in the house. I'm shamelessly blaming it on my sons who obviously "need" their "own" rifles, it's worked pretty well so far. Then I reminded her that she needs a gun of her own the next we go to Africa in an effort to get a M70 in 7x57.......that was met with a look I find difficult to put the right words together to describe......but in the end the look meant no.

If you're a hand loader and you do decide to buy one, again you should take a look at the rifle tarawa has for sale. He's throwing in dies, brass and I think some bullets. To your door for what you'd pay for the rifle alone before sales tax or shipping. And if you do buy it, all you have to do is ask me for load recipes. I've got several for PG and DG.

 

[A.Sharpe]

I have looked at that rifle. $1200.00 from what I've seen is fair. This adventure is taking on a life of it's own...I'm loving it.
Since my injury I have been pretty down I guess for the last 2 and a half years, my wife said" It's good to see you excited about something again, you should go to Africa when you get better". So I'm trying to learn all I can and be ready when the time comes.

 

[enysse]

My wife has said the same thing about guns breeding! I've run out of room in my cabinet and the excess occupy various places in the house. I'm shamelessly blaming it on my sons who obviously "need" their "own" rifles, it's worked pretty well so far. Then I reminded her that she needs a gun of her own the next we go to Africa in an effort to get a M70 in 7x57.......that was met with a look I find difficult to put the right words together to describe......but in the end the look meant no.

Nice one!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Nice one!

From the time we got married in 1991 until about 2009 I only had 2 rifles, then it was 3 until I got back from my first trip to RSA in 2010. Now it's 6.