Cape Buffalo Hunt-Bring or Rent a rifle?

[Doug Hamilton]

Renting is common sense because the hunt is expensive, or if this hunt is a "one and done" experience. That said, if you fully intend to commit to hunting African game, then buying a DG caliber rifle like .375H&H is certainly something to consider.

Who goes to Africa on a safari and doesn't want to go back? Not taking your own rifle only makes sense if you live somewhere where you are limited in how many guns you can have. I do not think it is ever a good idea to hunt, and especially for dangerous game, with a rifle that the hunter is not familiar with.

 

[Doug3006]

I can think of lots of good reasons to use my own rifle on a Buffalo hunt. Just to share a few:

1. I can practice with the exact rifle I will hunt with. This advantage can’t be overstated when hunting Dangerous Game.
2. I can develop loads that maximize my rifle’s accuracy and allow me to load premium bullets not easily found in factor ammo.
3. I like to include my rifle in a few of the trophy pictures so I’ll remember the rifle I used.
4. I never have to worry about how the PH or his last 40 clients treated the loaner gun.

The reasons for using a loaner include:

1. The process of getting the proper rifle clearances and permits is a bit daunting, especially for your first trip. The great news is that there are travel agents who specialize in safari travel and gun permits. Pay them a few hundred dollars and it takes most of the hassle out of this chore.
2. You avoid having to schlep a 30 pound rifle case. It is a hassle. I’ve partially addressed this issue by spending the $5 to rent a hand cart at the airport.
3. Your rifle and or ammo can get lost in transit. If so, you can always use the camp loaner until yours catches up.

I’ve never used a loaner and doubt I will.

 

[Katy Darren]

I’m a newbie, only been on two Africa hunts, so not the experts many are that have commented above. After reading most of them and from my experiences, I’ve distilled it down to three key reasons to take your own rifle -

1) An African hunting trip is the adventure of a lifetime, taking a Cape Buffalo only makes it more so, and for me the process of deciding the rifle/caliber(s) to take, finding accurate loads, practicing etc makes the adventure last longer and almost doubles the fun. Squeezing the trigger on your hunt takes a fraction of a second, the entire process is what makes it a memory of a lifetime you’ll never forget.

2) They’re called DG for a reason, I can’t imagine putting myself into a risky situation without practicing adequately with the weapon and having 100% confidence on the things that you can control.

3) Extra costs and hassle traveling with the firearm - both of which to me aren’t that much - are easily worth it due to 1 and 2 above. As has been said if it truly is one hunt you can sell the gun here after the hunt and be out very little, or who knows find a deal and have a proven tack driving big bore that’s set up you may even make a little. I’m checking bags anyway and the process is not that hard and I’ve had no issues on my trips traveling with firearms.

Edit to add, on this, my most recent hunt was with 3 first timers whose first thought was to rent. After talking it over, detailing the process, and making similar points to them that I did above, they all 3 took their own rifles and are glad they did! And this was just a PG hunt.

 

[Nyati]

Traveling with guns is a PIA, and getting worse, I did take my gun in my first 3 safaris, then decided it´s not worth it.

Shot my buffalo and hippo with loaned rifles, without any issues.

 

[grand veneur]

Traveling with guns is a PIA, and getting worse, I did take my gun in my first 3 safaris, then decided it´s not worth it.

Shot my buffalo and hippo with loaned rifles, without any issues.

It's increasingly like this for me too.

The problem with rented rifles is that there are rarely greater calibers available.

 

[Katy Darren]

Maybe it depends on where you’re going but I’ve had no issues traveling with firearms. Get your form 4457 and hire an importer to help you get it in. That’s it, and a little extra time at the airport when checking in and when arriving to get em in country. As said above, the pros for me easily outweigh the cons.

Clearly it’s a personal choice

 

[coreydb]

Maybe it depends on where you’re going but I’ve had no issues traveling with firearms. Get your form 4457 and hire an importer to help you get it in. That’s it, and a little extra time at the airport when checking in and when arriving to get em in country. As said above, the pros for me easily outweigh the cons.

Clearly it’s a personal choice

An importer like "My Rifle Permits" at Joburg makes it effortless and removes all anxiety at the airport

 

[grand veneur]

Importing rifles in various countries has never worried me. It is the export and transport that are the real problem. In the EU some people at the airports is not particularly friendly and helpful to gun owners and especially hunters. This is also reflected in the attitude of many European airlines.

 

[coreydb]

I absolutely agree when it comes to the EU! If not the people, it's the bureaucracy. I found that out in Spain; BOTH WAYS!

 

[grand veneur]

Not only the bureaucracy, there are people who will make you feel that they don't like hunters.

 

[coreydb]

Not only the bureaucracy, there are people who will make you feel that they don't like hunters.

YES!!!! and in Spanish too. For me, the worst I've seen has been in England.

 

[grand veneur]

These are all reasons why I am increasingly considering hunting with a rented rifle. As I have already mentioned in a previous post, the caliber selection by the rifles available is unfortunately quite limited, especially the larger ones. Otherwise, I have no problem with it. In the field, a rifle is for me above all a tool, not a toy. Sure, I prefer hunting with my own rifles, but someone who has shot many different weapons in his life life can handle no matter which other. You have to fire the rifle several times before the hunt and then you quickly see which way it is going.

 

[Tbitty]

I would not stoop so low as to talk anyone out of buying another rifle for their collection. And if you own/buy the rifle you want to use for your hunt, no matter what the quarry, I fully support it.

But I am also a supporter of using a camp rifle assuming they have proper equipment. On 4 international hunts, I am yet to take my own firearm(s). I did take my bow for a bear hunt in Canada and would have taken a rifle (as a last day, just in case option) but the outfitter assured me I would have ample opportunities with the bow and if I felt the need for a rifle he would let me use his. Zero issues so far with the camp guns, and I remain more likely to rent than travel with one internationally.

 

[Tbitty]

Specifically to your question, I rented a camp rifles for this year's Buffalo (and PG) hunt. I dont own a 375 or larger, and wasnt going to buyone when they had quality firearms available. First shot at the target range was dead on. Follow up to verify was 1/2" from the first. No need for anything more. When the time came to pull the trigger on my buffalo, it performed equally perfectly. Honestly could have been a 1-shot kill, but he was still standing so I hit him a 2nd time to drop him on the spot.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Importing rifles in various countries has never worried me. It is the export and transport that are the real problem. In the EU some people at the airports is not particularly friendly and helpful to gun owners and especially hunters. This is also reflected in the attitude of many European airlines.

All the better reason to tweak the Moses of the anti hunters. If they should actually make a comment you have an opportunity to educate them on the value hunters make in paying for conservation.

 

[M70375!]

I love my 416 so much. I couldn't imagine renting a rifle for DG. It would be like wearing somebody else's oversized boots while on safari . Just my opinion. Like they say, you can always sell it later on.

 

[Jim Golden]

Something nice about having company over for a cocktail and someone says “Tell me about this rifle. Where has it been? What has it done?”


View attachment 723933

F yeah! Man, that is Beautiful!

 

[Jim Golden]

I posted on here earlier several years ago...I built my own .375 Weatherby from scratch...and want to take it to Africa. Enfield Model 1917 action with an A-Square stock. I have a .460 Weatherby being built, also on a M1917 action, with another A-Square stock (they are ugly as Sin but really do work to cut the recoil effect) that is just about done. I want a Cape Buffalo. That's it. Anything else (plains game or what have you) is great.

 

[dogcat1]

I have done both. I prefer my own rifles but if the cost is significant to bring them, then I use a loaner rifle. I shot a very nice lion with loaner Parker & Hale 9.3x62 and have done the same with CZ's on buff.
Do what makes economic sense.

 

[dogcat1]

I undeerstand the nostalgia about rifles but in reality they are just tools. I never see a carpenter in front of a house holding his favorite hammer. Just saying.

We overly romanticiz tools.