Which old school American rifle?

Bearkat

Bearkat

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I was hunting a concession in 2023 that had a lot of nice Red Lechwe. However, they were quite docile and I elected not to shoot one. I had told my PH about my 1885 Winchester in 38-55, and how that could be a bit more challenging with open sights than a modern scoped rifle.

As I’m sitting in my room looking at the trophies from that trip, it got me to thinking. What old school American rifle, and in which calibre, would you take to Africa? An 1895 Winchester in .405? A pre 64 Winchester in 30-06? Maybe a Sharps in the legendary 45-70?
 
I took a 1947 Savage Model 99 on my last trip - decidedly old school. It's in my profile photo with my gemsbok.

I have a 1940 Remington Model 141 I have considered.

I do really like the idea of an 1895 in .405; that would have some serious cool points IMHO.
 
Bearkat said:
I was hunting a concession in 2023 that had a lot of nice Red Lechwe. However, they were quite docile and I elected not to shoot one. I had told my PH about my 1885 Winchester in 38-55, and how that could be a bit more challenging with open sights than a modern scoped rifle.

As I’m sitting in my room looking at the trophies from that trip, it got me to thinking. What old school American rifle, and in which calibre, would you take to Africa? An 1895 Winchester in .405? A pre 64 Winchester in 30-06? Maybe a Sharps in the legendary 45-70?
Click to expand...
Can never go wrong with an old winchester.

A sharps or highwall 45/110 or 45/120 if your going that route.
1764910210019.jpeg


A savage 99 in 3006
1764910151596.jpeg



An old 3040 krag could also be an interesting rifle and conversation starter.
 
farmer_john said:
Can never go wrong with an old winchester.

A sharps or highwall 45/110 or 45/120 if your going that route.
View attachment 730751

A savage 99 in 3006
View attachment 730750


An old 3040 krag could also be an interesting rifle and conversation starter.
Click to expand...
Savage never chambered the 30-06 in the 99 as it was too long for the action. In its later years it was chambered in 308.
 
Don't forget W.M.D. Bell's classic Rigby with open sights in 275 Rigby (7x57) or a 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenauer. Though he used some other rifles, an incredible amount of ivory and meat for his crew was taken with those two.

I personally would love to use a Sharps, though I'm not sure I want tote one around all day.
 
Ryan said:
Don't forget W.M.D. Bell's classic Rigby with open sights in 275 Rigby (7x57) or a 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenauer. Though he used some other rifles, an incredible amount of ivory and meat for his crew was taken with those two.

I personally would love to use a Sharps, though I'm not sure I want tote one around all day.
Click to expand...
Only about 12lbs
 
MS 9x56 said:
Savage never chambered the 30-06 in the 99 as it was too long for the action. In its later years it was chambered in 308.
Click to expand...
Actually, if I remember correctly, about a half dozen prototype Model 99 were made in 30-06. I think I read only one is known to still exist.
 
Tundra Tiger said:
I took a 1947 Savage Model 99 on my last trip - decidedly old school. It's in my profile photo with my gemsbok.

I have a 1940 Remington Model 141 I have considered.

I do really like the idea of an 1895 in .405; that would have some serious cool points IMHO.
Click to expand...
What is your 99 chambered in?
 
Doug Hamilton said:
What is your 99 chambered in?
Click to expand...

I have 2 (and would love to own more). The 1947 is chambered in .300 Savage. I have a newer one (late 60s) in .308. The .300 Savage went to Africa. I took a warthog, kudu, gemsbok, and impala with it. Handloads with 180 grain Accubonds.

FB_IMG_1741931513685.jpg
 
Tundra Tiger said:
I have 2 (and would love to own more). The 1947 is chambered in .300 Savage. I have a newer one (late 60s) in .308. The .300 Savage went to Africa. I took a warthog, kudu, gemsbok, and impala with it. Handloads with 180 grain Accubonds.

View attachment 730906
Click to expand...
I had an uncle that always hunted with one in .300 Savage as well. He took a lot of blacktails and a few mule deer with it. I always admired it. He passed away at 94 and his guns were given to the nephews. My cousin got the .300 but I received his 870 Wingmaster in 12 gauge so I really can't complain.
 
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