2 Rifle Beater Battery

[Xpraetor]

When I 1st read your title, I misunderstood the term "Beater". I envisioned long lines of Gurkas beating on metal pans while seeking to drive the Bengal Tiger to my hunting stand atop the Elephant. I missed the mark by a mile or two, lol. Instead of a 416 Rigby or a nice 450NE double rifle, I had to step back and re-think the concept of a "Beater Battery".

The only true Beater rifle I have ever been around was my buddy's old Rem 788 in 308. It had a short 18" bbl and a metal detachable mag and the stock was painted camo with a rattle can. The wood was so ugly that the paint job was an improvement. And it shot lights out. Some time later, he gifted it to his Nephew who still has it.

I have always wanted one of those fuggly little rifles. A nice pair of CZ550's in 30-06 and 458wm or 416R would seem to be one answer.

I have a two rifle battery that I took on my first Safari. A matched pair of FN Browning Mauser action rifles in 308 and 375HH. They are not beaters but get the job done. The 308 is a lovely Medallion Grade and the big rifle is a Safari Grade.

View attachment 786668

You've shared those before, and I was envious then & with this post it seems I'm still envious. And your slings are my all time favorite style, which is why have a few myself.

 

[steve white]

I suspect that what we are calling beaters is what became of first class rifles in the hands of the old professional elephant hunters, game wardens and PH's after hard use. They would take your favorite Highlander or Big Game rifle and wear the blue off the barrel by carry, not notice the nicks and dings AND justify it all by saying that they needed a rifle that approached 100% flawless function in order to preserve their own skins as well as client protection. I suspect that those hunters paid a higher sum for a super reliable rifle, not just to showcase it.
In other words we carrying the glorification of fine arms too far by babying them so much? Why own it if you cannot bring yourself to hunt with it, at any level....

 

[farmer_john]

I suspect that what we are calling beaters is what became of first class rifles in the hands of the old professional elephant hunters, game wardens and PH's after hard use. They would take your favorite Highlander or Big Game rifle and wear the blue off the barrel by carry, not notice the nicks and dings AND justify it all by saying that they needed a rifle that approached 100% flawless function in order to preserve their own skins as well as client protection. I suspect that those hunters paid a higher sum for a super reliable rifle, not just to showcase it.
In other words we carrying the glorification of fine arms too far by babying them so much? Why own it if you cannot bring yourself to hunt with it, at any level....

Or. Get yourself a rigby biggame. Hunt the piss out if it. And enjoy making memories.
Not saying abuse it but dont be afraind to let life happen.

Like a rolex. Alot of folks get one. When they arent wearing to special occasions it lives in a safe to not get scratched.
Never understood the safequeen mindset

 

[rsmurray]

I have Ruger M77's in 416 Rigby, 375 H&H, 338 WM and 275 Rigby. I suppose the 375 is unnecessary in this line up but I like shootin' it even if just at the range. Dunno if they qualify as beaters but I love those old guns and they are still pretty reasonable if you can find. The RSM's are the most costly (especially 458 Lott which I don't have....yet) but they take a beating and never seem to mind it. Just take care of'em. Many, many PH's still carry RSM in 416 Rigby and shoot iron and won't let go of'em. I have a Tikka 300 WM with the synthetic stock and it's crazy how well it shot out of the box and especially with good glass and you can treat'em like I used to my shotguns in the duck blind and they take it straight up and keep shootin. I did add 2# to mine (I don't mountain hunt) and it made a huge difference for me off the sticks which is the way I shoot it most often.

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

I’ve been seriously tempted by a Mannlicher schoenauer Gk lately, I hear nothing but good things. I’d like to have QR rings for it so the kids can shoot too but that seems like a task and a half to find.

Model 1950 style claw mount from New England Custom Gun (NECG):

The challenge is to find a qualified smith to install them.


Steyr Swing Away Mount _"designed for use with the new low 1952 bolt."_ :

1954:

1955 - Note description of new receivers with 'dummy side plate' which makes installation of side mounts relatively easy:

1958:

1959:

1960:

 

[JPbowhunter]

Model 1950 style claw mount from New England Custom Gun (NECG):
View attachment 786773

The challenge is to find a qualified smith to install them.


Steyr Swing Away Mount _"designed for use with the new low 1952 bolt."_ :
View attachment 786774


1954:
View attachment 786778

1955 - Note description of new receivers with 'dummy side plate' which makes installation of side mounts relatively easy:

View attachment 786779

1958:

View attachment 786780

1959:

View attachment 786781

1960:

View attachment 786782

Thank you sir that’s useful information. I think the mounts/rings will cost as much as the fun. But they are beautiful.