Perhaps something like this . Comes from the largest estate in the Scottish Highlands . A true “Highland Stalking” rifle . I drove a day and a night to get it . Bought it on the spot and took a deer at about 120 metres as soon as I got it home . Only 129 years old . Functionally perfect and likes modern ammo . A dream come true .
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Classic stalking rifles - today
- Thread starter JPbowhunter
- Start date
That's the rifle I bought from the Bass Pro website on Tuesday, but I guess GI just hasn't updated yet. Should be arriving at my local store probably tomorrow or soon thereafter.
Great looking rifle Cash.
Ontario Hunter
AH ambassador
What game are you shooting that can't be hit in the boiler room with the same leaf at 100 yards as 200 yards? I sight both the scope and adjustable rear single leaf sight on my stalking 30-06 to zero about 1.5" high at 100 yards so impact is back in the bull at 200, although I really doubt I'd ever shoot the irons past 100 yards ... if that far. I cannot envision anyone playing with scope turret adjustment from 100 to 200 yards so why adjust the irons?
Ontario Hunter
AH ambassador
I think you may have to reconsider your preconceptions ... or do it on the fly after you arrive in Africa. A typical plains game safari is seven to nine days and the opening menu is usually at least five animals. This will be an expensive adventure ... and getting more expensive by the minute (I'm told diesel just hit $10/gallon up here!). You will want to get a reasonable bang for your buck. Waiting for a 150 yard shot at springbuck or black wildebeest might take days. And getting a shot at kudu in the Eastern Cape hills is rarely closer than that. I shot my first one at 330 yards just before sunset at the eleventh hour of the last day of my first safari. Second kudu bull shot at 440 yards. Missed him earlier in the day at less than 100 yards running. He wasn't going to let us get any closer and a very fine bull so I took him. But not with my 30-06. Used my PH's fancy 270 WSM. Third kudu bull shot at maybe sixty yards after a very long and tricky stalk in the mountains. First sighted them half a mile away on another ridge. Blesbuck are also a wide open plains critter that may often require a long shot. They are quite numerous usually and not the brightest animal so you could be safe to wait for a close shot. Impala are like gophers - lots everywhere. Often in the thick stuff but sometimes you may find an exceptional one at long range that's really hard to pass up. I shot this one at 256 meters in August. We chased after them half a day in open country and that's the closest we could get. Already had four from previous safaris but none like this.
I shot two buffalo ~100 meters. They were both one shot and dead. Both were culled cows. Bull was 65 yards on the run and mortally wounded. Shot him again but he was really done at that point. That was after four days playing cat and mouse in thick stuff just glimpsing them close range. I had other animals I wanted to hunt so I took the shot. If he'd stood for me at 100 yards I would not have hesitated to shoot him and he would still be on the wall. That property was also full of rhino so I was glad to get it overwith and start hunting other animals in a less "suspenseful" environment.
I would advise tuning your rifles for 250 yards and 100 yards for plains game and dangerous game respectively. A lot of guys want to use just a 375 for everything but I wouldn't. Something that shoots flatter and lighter to carry would be better for plains game. 375 is fine for buffalo.
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You can take a lot of wood off the Rugers and make a fine stalking rifleDo the Ruger RSI models have any appeal? Taking a quick look out on GunBroker, there was a 275 Rigby...
View attachment 793533
...a 30-06...
View attachment 793534
...and a 250 Savage for example.
View attachment 793535
There was also a Sako 85 Carbine in 308 Win...
View attachment 793536
...as well as an older Finnbear in 270 Win.
View attachment 793537
As you can tell, when I think of "stalking rifle", I often think of rifles with full stocks as the prototypical example. I know the OP said he wasn't interested in kipplaufs & single-shots, but I really like the short compact size & slender forearm of my Ruger No. 1 RSI in 275 Rigby for the woods I hunt in.
For a light slender rifle, I also like my Uberti Courteney Stalking Rifle in 303 British. I took the factory quarter rib with a Weaver base off & replaced it with the optional iron sights only base.
View attachment 793538
Attachments
BTP-KennethWRoyce
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It's well worth the $500; I'd have snapped that up too if seen at a gun show. Love the stock.
Good score, enjoy!
Those distances may be typical in the Eastern Cape (I've not hunted there), but not in the Limpopo. Nearly all my dozens of animals were taken <150yds, and a third <50yds.
Match the caliber and rifle to the area. There is plenty of African hunting yet today for an iron sighted stalking rifle. PHs will advise.
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yamoon
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Mannlicher Schoenauer model 1910, 9.5x57.
About the finest option I can think of for <$15k is a Dakota / Parkwest Model 10 falling block stalking rifle. I think its about the best tool for the job and mine is 7x57. Ron Spomer agrees, he has the exact same rifle. I previously owned the same exact rifle and missed it so much, I got another. I've taken about everything in North American and Africa with mine.
You could find a used one for under $10k, not counting optic.
Field28
AH elite
I guess it's actually an Sako AIIII in 30-06.
From what I've read the Manlicher stock AIII's were made between 78 and 83.
I've been wanting to find one in 375 H&H to and to the collection.
Topped with a 44mm Zeiss.
It's been a good one.
I also have a 85 Bavarian Manlicher stock in 243.
It has to be good if it's a Purdey.
JPbowhunter
AH elite
Do it!I had looked at the possibility of sending my Ruger #1A in 303 British to RJ Renner to have it converted into one of his old African models. He trims them down nicely.
View attachment 796522
Africa is a big place though, some place such as South Africa and Uganda offer much longer shots than other places such as The C.A.R in the forest. Also not everyone is as comfortable taking longer shots on live and tough game. I limit my self 450 yard shots, I have shot further on steel but that’s my cutoff and it’s cost me opportunities but such is life. I routinely shoot my compound bow out to 100 yards and do fine, but at live game it is 60 yards. Everyone should know there limits and as ethical sportsman stand to them. Now if something is leaking blood take what you can get to put mote holes in it. 65 meters is also very common range for a standing leaf sight on English style rifles.I think you may have to reconsider your preconceptions ... or do it on the fly after you arrive in Africa. A typical plains game safari is seven to nine days and the opening menu is usually at least five animals. This will be an expensive adventure ... and getting more expensive by the minute (I'm told diesel just hit $10/gallon up here!). You will want to get a reasonable bang for your buck. Waiting for a 150 yard shot at springbuck or black wildebeest might take days. And getting a shot at kudu in the Eastern Cape hills is rarely closer than that. I shot my first one at 330 yards just before sunset at the eleventh hour of the last day of my first safari. Second kudu bull shot at 440 yards. Missed him earlier in the day at less than 100 yards running. He wasn't going to let us get any closer and a very fine bull so I took him. But not with my 30-06. Used my PH's fancy 270 WSM. Third kudu bull shot at maybe sixty yards after a very long and tricky stalk in the mountains. First sighted them half a mile away on another ridge. Blesbuck are also a wide open plains critter that may often require a long shot. They are quite numerous usually and not the brightest animal so you could be safe to wait for a close shot. Impala are like gophers - lots everywhere. Often in the thick stuff but sometimes you may find an exceptional one at long range that's really hard to pass up. I shot this one at 256 meters in August. We chased after them half a day in open country and that's the closest we could get. Already had four from previous safaris but none like this.
View attachment 796469
I shot two buffalo ~100 meters. They were both one shot and dead. Both were culled cows. Bull was 65 yards on the run and mortally wounded. Shot him again but he was really done at that point. That was after four days playing cat and mouse in thick stuff just glimpsing them close range. I had other animals I wanted to hunt so I took the shot. If he'd stood for me at 100 yards I would not have hesitated to shoot him and he would still be on the wall. That property was also full of rhino so I was glad to get it overwith and start hunting other animals in a less "suspenseful" environment.
I would advise tuning your rifles for 250 yards and 100 yards for plains game and dangerous game respectively. A lot of guys want to use just a 375 for everything but I wouldn't. Something that shoots flatter and lighter to carry would be better for plains game. 375 is fine for buffalo.
Grumpy gumpy
AH elite
This is as far as I’ve got with my own "classic stalker" which will be in 275 Rigby
A rigby profile semi inlet and finished xx grade stock (grain will really show with alkenet stain) A lothar walther 7mm barrel (reamer to cut chamber pictured with test dummy round) which I will finish at 25-26”, recknagel banded front sight ( I have three different height brass bead inserts) and island rear with one fixed, two folding (which I will need to file to regulate), obendorf bottom metal and follower. I will make the barrel band sling swivel , the stock insert island rear swivel mount is in the box of bits on the bench with the red recoil pad and a few other random bits, spare bolt trigger etc. The Mauser receiver is most likely going to be from an unmolested Colombian cavalry carbine that is in the safe, it’s a 30-06 currently which does nothing for me and will allow long projectiles to be used. If I can pick up a nice commercial receiver I may use that.
Gumpy
A rigby profile semi inlet and finished xx grade stock (grain will really show with alkenet stain) A lothar walther 7mm barrel (reamer to cut chamber pictured with test dummy round) which I will finish at 25-26”, recknagel banded front sight ( I have three different height brass bead inserts) and island rear with one fixed, two folding (which I will need to file to regulate), obendorf bottom metal and follower. I will make the barrel band sling swivel , the stock insert island rear swivel mount is in the box of bits on the bench with the red recoil pad and a few other random bits, spare bolt trigger etc. The Mauser receiver is most likely going to be from an unmolested Colombian cavalry carbine that is in the safe, it’s a 30-06 currently which does nothing for me and will allow long projectiles to be used. If I can pick up a nice commercial receiver I may use that.
Gumpy
yumastepside
AH veteran
I'm doing the same Gumpy...I was given a Portuguese Vergiero action many years ago.
I bought a 1909 Argy barrel in 7.65x53 from Roger Vardy, had an old BRNO stock, a '98 trigger guard and started putting them together.
Having a split bridge, I was thinking of making a scope mount like this...
....and doing the full custom job....lever floorplate release, tang safety, the whole nine yards.
Roger
I bought a 1909 Argy barrel in 7.65x53 from Roger Vardy, had an old BRNO stock, a '98 trigger guard and started putting them together.
Having a split bridge, I was thinking of making a scope mount like this...
....and doing the full custom job....lever floorplate release, tang safety, the whole nine yards.
Roger
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yumastepside
AH veteran
Mines the economy model...I'm building it on account....on account that I have no money 
Roger
Roger
A short follow-up to my posts earlier in this thread; today I picked up the Belgian Mauser 7x57 stalking-style rifle that I bought from Bass Pro earlier in the week, and to say that I am thrilled would be putting it mildly. As I hoped, the rifle was a sleeper; and I think I caught a lot of gun for a little money at an opportune time.
The wood and metal work look as good or better in person as they did in the pictures (with just the right amount of honest wear); and it was nice to discover that the rifle had been glass-bedded, the barrel free-floating, and included a Timney trigger set at 2 1/4 pounds (per my RCBS trigger gauge). I spent a couple hours doing a detailed cleaning on it, mounting a glossy Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x scope and rings that I had on hand, and grabbing a few pics.
Interestingly, the rifle isn't explicitly marked 7x57 or 7mm Mauser; rather, the proof marks include "M 7.0" and "B. Blindee". According to my Internet research, some Belgian Mauser actions of this vintage were marked with "7.0" and an "M" to designate 7mm Mauser; and the "B. Blindee" is short for "Balle Blindee" (which apparently is a Dutch phrase that means "Full Metal Jacket" approved). If anyone else spots anything noteworthy from these proof marks, please elaborate.
The underside of the barrel has "LCL INC. Scottsdale AZ" stamped on it (which I assume is who imported the rifle to the states), and someone has also stamped "FOREIGN" on the left side of the receiver ring (perhaps the importer also did that?).
In the meantime, I feel very blessed and lucky to have been on the right web page at the right time; and look to have this thing sighted in and hunting some whitetail very soon. I wish good fortune on the OP of this thread that he will get just the right stalking rifle for his future adventures.
The wood and metal work look as good or better in person as they did in the pictures (with just the right amount of honest wear); and it was nice to discover that the rifle had been glass-bedded, the barrel free-floating, and included a Timney trigger set at 2 1/4 pounds (per my RCBS trigger gauge). I spent a couple hours doing a detailed cleaning on it, mounting a glossy Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x scope and rings that I had on hand, and grabbing a few pics.
Interestingly, the rifle isn't explicitly marked 7x57 or 7mm Mauser; rather, the proof marks include "M 7.0" and "B. Blindee". According to my Internet research, some Belgian Mauser actions of this vintage were marked with "7.0" and an "M" to designate 7mm Mauser; and the "B. Blindee" is short for "Balle Blindee" (which apparently is a Dutch phrase that means "Full Metal Jacket" approved). If anyone else spots anything noteworthy from these proof marks, please elaborate.
The underside of the barrel has "LCL INC. Scottsdale AZ" stamped on it (which I assume is who imported the rifle to the states), and someone has also stamped "FOREIGN" on the left side of the receiver ring (perhaps the importer also did that?).
In the meantime, I feel very blessed and lucky to have been on the right web page at the right time; and look to have this thing sighted in and hunting some whitetail very soon. I wish good fortune on the OP of this thread that he will get just the right stalking rifle for his future adventures.
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K_P wrote on Buckleyguy12's profile.
Good morning from Montana.
I'm looking at a post from 2018 where you were looking for a lefty Winchester in .375 H&H Magnum. I'm selling mine. My email is [redacted] in the event that you're still searching for a unicorn.
Best,
Kelly Palmer
I'm looking at a post from 2018 where you were looking for a lefty Winchester in .375 H&H Magnum. I'm selling mine. My email is [redacted] in the event that you're still searching for a unicorn.
Best,
Kelly Palmer
Gents, if you book and pay your deposit before the end of this year , you can have the bigger cull package for the 2026 price! https://www.africahunting.com/threa...griffiths-safaris-starting-at-us-2-560.96285/
I am currently in Northern Cape scouting a hunting area, we will have lots of amazing hunting opportunities for 2027! I will post updated available dates soon!
Azklmsr wrote on MANKAZANA SAFARIS's profile.
Good Evening. I am very interested in you hunt for the spiral slam. March in 2028 would be fine for me
Couple of quick questions:
1) Can we add some additional species on
2) what do you want for a deposit?
3) how do you want me to sign up
I'm on whats app or email
Kurt [redacted]
have a great evening
Couple of quick questions:
1) Can we add some additional species on
2) what do you want for a deposit?
3) how do you want me to sign up
I'm on whats app or email
Kurt [redacted]
have a great evening