Future One-Rifle PG-DG Setup

[Altitude sickness]

404 fits into a standard 98 Mauser. 375 requires cutting into forward ring or magnum action (= $$$!).

I don't understand why the OP thinks two scopes for two purposes for the same gun is over complicated. 400 gr 404 for heavyweight dangerous game and then bounce down to 325 gr for plains game. Change bullets and loads = different trajectory and impact. Just switch scopes. Both scopes zeroed for specific ammo.

Or carry two custom made leupold, Ziess, etc etc custom made turrets for the ballistics of each rifle.

2 rifles. One scope. two tiny turrets changed in seconds.

Of course. I don’t do that. I carried four rifles and 3 scopes on my last trip

 

[Mark458]

404 fits into a standard 98 Mauser. 375 requires cutting into forward ring or magnum action (= $$$!).

I don't understand why the OP thinks two scopes for two purposes for the same gun is over complicated. 400 gr 404 for heavyweight dangerous game and then bounce down to 325 gr for plains game. Change bullets and loads = different trajectory and impact. Just switch scopes. Both scopes zeroed for specific ammo.

I don't know why you would use two scopes when you can do the job quite easily with one. This is the scope on my 404J. Leupold vx5 2-10 with CDS. I'm zeroed for the 400 grain TSX and then all I have to do is raise elevation 23 clicks to zero my 257 grain Safari Raptors. Takes approximately two seconds and I'm ready to go.

 

[SStomcat]

I don't understand why the OP thinks two scopes for two purposes for the same gun is over complicated. 400 gr 404 for heavyweight dangerous game and then bounce down to 325 gr for plains game. Change bullets and loads = different trajectory and impact. Just switch scopes. Both scopes zeroed for specific ammo.

Wouldn’t it be simpler to have one rifle, one scope, and one load that works well for both?

 

[SStomcat]

OK, interesting. I have a similar setup with my .338 Magnum with CDS rings.

Now, hypothetical situation… but one that could actually happen:

You’re in the bush hunting DG, DG scope mounted, ammo in the chamber. Suddenly, there’s a kudu standing there that you absolutely, cannot miss.

So now what? You can switch to the PG scope, drop the magazine, clear the chamber, change scopes, load the PG ammo, and get everything sorted again. Or, if you’re using CDS rings, change the setting but you still have to change the ammunition.

Sure, it’s all doable. But in the field, when the kudu of a lifetime is looking at you, I’d rather not be doing this because when you are done, in all probablity both DG+PG will be long gone

Personally, I’d much rather have one rifle, one scope, and one load that works for the majority of PG and DG, with the obvious exception of elephant.

If I’m elephant hunting, I’ll have solids with me and if a rabbit happens to wander past, well… I suppose it’s going to have to take its chances.

 

[Mark458]

Wouldn’t it be simpler to have one rifle, one scope, and one load that works well for both?

That would be the simplest solution for sure if you are truly satisfied with using your dangerous game bullet on your plains game. For those using heavier calibers it becomes a bit more complicated shooting plains game at longer distances, but definitely doable. I personally prefer a lighter and flatter shooting option once the buffalo is in the salt.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

As mark458 said, just adjust the scope, it’s what I do for my 308 with 135 gn and 168 gn A/Z-max . Just need to remember to change back to the base zero as soon as you take out the lighter ammo
Gumpy

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

OK, interesting. I have a similar setup with my .338 Magnum with CDS rings.

Now, hypothetical situation… but one that could actually happen:

You’re in the bush hunting DG, DG scope mounted, ammo in the chamber. Suddenly, there’s a kudu standing there that you absolutely, cannot miss.

So now what? You can switch to the PG scope, drop the magazine, clear the chamber, change scopes, load the PG ammo, and get everything sorted again. Or, if you’re using CDS rings, change the setting but you still have to change the ammunition.

Sure, it’s all doable. But in the field, when the kudu of a lifetime is looking at you, I’d rather not be doing this because when you are done, in all probablity both DG+PG will be long gone

Personally, I’d much rather have one rifle, one scope, and one load that works for the majority of PG and DG, with the obvious exception of elephant.

If I’m elephant hunting, I’ll have solids with me and if a rabbit happens to wander past, well… I suppose it’s going to have to take its chances.

I typed out the last reply as you posted.
My now deceased friend Howard shot one of those little antelope things( dik dik??, about two feet tall) with a woodleigh hydro from a 458 Lott , he was actually stalking a hippo when he saw it , got the hippo as well just as it went back into the river , hippo was a cull for the village.
Gumpy

 

[Mark458]

That would be the simplest solution for sure if you are truly satisfied with using your dangerous game bullet on your plains game. For those using heavier calibers it becomes a bit more complicated shooting plains game at longer distances, but definitely doable. I personally prefer a lighter and flatter shooting option once the buffalo is in the salt.

Great point and let me clarify what I do. I don't change anything while I'm buffalo hunting. If I encounter another animal I want to shoot then it gets the heavy buffalo load. When the buffalo is in the skinning shed then I switch to PG mode. I might switch over midday if we put the buffalo to bed and don't plan on getting back after them until later in the afternoon.

Last month when I was over there I took two rifles. 404 for buffalo and 338 Win Mag for plains game. Shot my blue wildebeest with the 404 and 400 gr TSX because that was what I had with me. Made short work of him.

 

[Russ16]

OK, interesting. I have a similar setup with my .338 Magnum with CDS rings.

Now, hypothetical situation… but one that could actually happen:

You’re in the bush hunting DG, DG scope mounted, ammo in the chamber. Suddenly, there’s a kudu standing there that you absolutely, cannot miss.

So now what? You can switch to the PG scope, drop the magazine, clear the chamber, change scopes, load the PG ammo, and get everything sorted again. Or, if you’re using CDS rings, change the setting but you still have to change the ammunition.

Sure, it’s all doable. But in the field, when the kudu of a lifetime is looking at you, I’d rather not be doing this because when you are done, in all probablity both DG+PG will be long gone

Personally, I’d much rather have one rifle, one scope, and one load that works for the majority of PG and DG, with the obvious exception of elephant.

If I’m elephant hunting, I’ll have solids with me and if a rabbit happens to wander past, well… I suppose it’s going to have to take its chances.

I believe you just describe a 375 with 300 grain A-Frames. Or a 416 with 400 grain A-Frames.

To me elephant is the only game that really changes the conversation.

 

[steve white]

One gun is practical...until that one gun is wrecked in transit or lost. Then you have to be sure the PH has a back up loaner. Some folks have two DG doable rifles in case one goes down.

 

[Red Leg]

One gun is practical...until that one gun is wrecked in transit or lost. Then you have to be sure the PH has a back up loaner. Some folks have two DG doable rifles in case one goes down.

I fully appreciate that reasoning. However, my issue with such a practice is that Africa is the only place on earth where this logic seems to apply. I have never seen anyone, myself included, bring a backup rifle to British Columbia, Argentina, or anywhere in Europe. I long ago quit doing it to Africa.

 

[SStomcat]

I believe you just describe a 375 with 300 grain A-Frames. Or a 416 with 400 grain A-Frames.

To me elephant is the only game that really changes the conversation.

Agreed.

I fully appreciate that reasoning. However, my issue with such a practice is that Africa is the only place on earth where this logic seems to apply. I have never seen anyone, myself included, bring a backup rifle to British Columbia, Argentina, or anywhere in Europe. I long ago quit doing it to Africa.

And the chances of that happening increase when you’re hopping through multiple airports. Not that it doesn’t happen on direct flights, but we’ve actually lost luggage once, and on several occasions our bags have been delayed because of short layovers at Dubai, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.

That’s one of the reasons I prefer flying Delta from IAH–ATL–JNB, with the entire itinerary booked through to JNB from Houston. One airline, one ticket, and hopefully one less thing to worry about when the bags are concerned. I put Airtags in all.

 

[Russ16]

Agreed.

And the chances of that happening increase when you’re hopping through multiple airports. Not that it doesn’t happen on direct flights, but we’ve actually lost luggage once, and on several occasions our bags have been delayed because of short layovers at Dubai, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.

That’s one of the reasons I prefer flying Delta from IAH–ATL–JNB, with the entire itinerary booked through to JNB from Houston. One airline, one ticket, and hopefully one less thing to worry about when the bags are concerned. I put Airtags in all.

But carrying two rifles isn't going to fix that. I don't know anyone who checks two gun cases, everyone puts two guns in one case, in which case they would both be lost. Yes, it is redundancy for a mechanical failure.

 

[SStomcat]

But carrying two rifles isn't going to fix that. I don't know anyone who checks two gun cases, everyone puts two guns in one case, in which case they would both be lost. Yes, it is redundancy for a mechanical failure.

Never said that or as plausible

 

[Red Leg]

Agreed.

And the chances of that happening increase when you’re hopping through multiple airports. Not that it doesn’t happen on direct flights, but we’ve actually lost luggage once, and on several occasions our bags have been delayed because of short layovers at Dubai, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.

That’s one of the reasons I prefer flying Delta from IAH–ATL–JNB, with the entire itinerary booked through to JNB from Houston. One airline, one ticket, and hopefully one less thing to worry about when the bags are concerned. I put Airtags in all.

I agree. I too have had a bag delayed enroute to Mozambique (thorough pain for the better part of a week), but assuming one isn't bringing two rifle cases, the second rifle is also hung up with the first.

 

[EuroOptic]

Blaser R8 Professional 2 American Package 375 H&H
I still have some of these .375 H&H American packages I put together on hand.. $4650 is a unbeatable deal to get into an R8.. Plus the hard case that has a spot for a spare barrel & optic..
This package + a 300 win mag / 30-06 barrel is a hard combo to beat for a "1 gun" battery

 

[SStomcat]

I agree. I too have had a bag delayed enroute to Mozambique (thorough pain for the better part of a week), but assuming one isn't bringing two rifle cases, the second rifle is also hung up with the first.

True, and there is no guarantee if one case doesnt make it the other will, you can just as easily end up with one in Johannesburg and the other taking a scenic tour of Europe.

 

[Mark458]

Whether you take one or two rifles it's always best to confirm that your outfitter has a rental rifle available that will fit the needs of your hunt. Hope for the best and plan for the worst.

 

[SStomcat]

Blaser R8 Professional 2 American Package 375 H&H
I still have some of these .375 H&H American packages I put together on hand.. $4650 is a unbeatable deal to get into an R8.. Plus the hard case that has a spot for a spare barrel & optic..
This package + a 300 win mag / 30-06 barrel is a hard combo to beat for a "1 gun" battery

You will probably want to scope both barrels, which means two scope mounts, I know they aren’t exactly inexpensive plus a Selous or standard barrel, roughly $3–4K with the magazine, and of course two scopes.

The .300 Win Mag barrel shown in the video doesn’t have sights, so that one could not be used as-is.

And your last statement is probably in-accurate, this is not one one package deal except for the case.

By the time you add everything up, you’re easily into the $10K+ range before even considering the scopes. At that price point, IMHO, there are plethora of choices.

 

[EuroOptic]

You will probably want to scope both barrels, which means two scope mounts, I know they aren’t exactly inexpensive plus a Selous or standard barrel, roughly $3–4K with the magazine, and of course two scopes.

The .300 Win Mag barrel shown in the video doesn’t have sights, so that one could not be used as-is.

And your last statement is probably in-accurate, this is not one one package deal except for the case.

By the time you add everything up, you’re easily into the $10K+ range before even considering the scopes. At that price point, IMHO, there are plethora of choices.

$9,484.96 before tax and shipping - at list price.. No AH discount..
.375 rifle package 4,650.00
300 win mag barrel w/ magazine 1,845.00
x2 30mm optic saddles 659.99 each - 1,319.98
VX5 3-15x44 869.99
Patrol 6 1-6 799.99

Barrels come with the magazine when purchased new, 300 & 375 share the magnum bolt face
w or w/o sights makes no change to pricing on Blaser barrels

I agree, at the 10k price mark there are a plethora of options.. Enough to make a mans head hurt trying to choose!