Some people talk about the 577NE like it is terrible to carry and shoot.
"It's Too Heavy!"
We might be getting a bit soft these days. The American soldier in WW2 carried and fought with the M1 through thick and thin. ( Plus a pack and equipment.) It weighed 10-12 pounds and was about 6 inches longer than a break open rifle. I think the BAR was about 20 lbs.
Most 577NE double rifles today weigh between 10 and 14 lbs. with 12 lbs. being popular. ( my single shot 577NE weighs just under 12 lbs.)
Most cape buffalo hunters today, usually walk and stalk for less that 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. Usually less.
"Oh the Brutal Recoil! "
I have to agree that the 577NE is hell to sight in on a bench, so I just get it close on the sticks and then fine tune it with a shot or two on the bench.
The recoil of a 577NE is easier for me than the sharp kick of a 416 Rigby. The 577NE is more of a shove than a kick, I try to relax, pull it into my shoulder firmly and let it rock me back some. I squeeze the trigger even with a quick shot. As soon as the sights are on, I do a "quick squeeze" on the trigger. Its quick but it's still a squeeze not a jerk.
As you know, if you jerk the trigger on these big guns they seem to kick more and you may flinch. It works best when you do a quick squeeze and the brain is slightly surprised when the trigger breaks.
Just a note on the killing power. Poor bullets will make a whimp out of a big bore rifle. First rate expanding bullet are common. Swift is excellent, I like CEB Raptors.
However, many cape buffalo hunters still don't have solid bullets sorted out. I use solids with a wide flat meplat as they provide deep, straight penetration and leave an open wound channel. No round nose solids for me!
I find the 577NE is very satisfying to hunt cape buffalo with. It kills decisively and the tracker loves it. (chuckle)
Is the 577NE needed to kill cape buffalo? Of course not. The 416 is more than enough as long as you use good bullets.
The 577NE has the "Wow" factor and at 76 years of age I will take all the "Wow" I can get. Cheers, Brian
"It's Too Heavy!"
We might be getting a bit soft these days. The American soldier in WW2 carried and fought with the M1 through thick and thin. ( Plus a pack and equipment.) It weighed 10-12 pounds and was about 6 inches longer than a break open rifle. I think the BAR was about 20 lbs.
Most 577NE double rifles today weigh between 10 and 14 lbs. with 12 lbs. being popular. ( my single shot 577NE weighs just under 12 lbs.)
Most cape buffalo hunters today, usually walk and stalk for less that 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. Usually less.
"Oh the Brutal Recoil! "
I have to agree that the 577NE is hell to sight in on a bench, so I just get it close on the sticks and then fine tune it with a shot or two on the bench.
The recoil of a 577NE is easier for me than the sharp kick of a 416 Rigby. The 577NE is more of a shove than a kick, I try to relax, pull it into my shoulder firmly and let it rock me back some. I squeeze the trigger even with a quick shot. As soon as the sights are on, I do a "quick squeeze" on the trigger. Its quick but it's still a squeeze not a jerk.
As you know, if you jerk the trigger on these big guns they seem to kick more and you may flinch. It works best when you do a quick squeeze and the brain is slightly surprised when the trigger breaks.
Just a note on the killing power. Poor bullets will make a whimp out of a big bore rifle. First rate expanding bullet are common. Swift is excellent, I like CEB Raptors.
However, many cape buffalo hunters still don't have solid bullets sorted out. I use solids with a wide flat meplat as they provide deep, straight penetration and leave an open wound channel. No round nose solids for me!
I find the 577NE is very satisfying to hunt cape buffalo with. It kills decisively and the tracker loves it. (chuckle)
Is the 577NE needed to kill cape buffalo? Of course not. The 416 is more than enough as long as you use good bullets.
The 577NE has the "Wow" factor and at 76 years of age I will take all the "Wow" I can get. Cheers, Brian
Last edited: