Old School vs. New Tech: What’s Your Go-To Rifle for the Veld?

[crackerman]

I bet that made the Brain Trust at SAPS heads blow up!

Funny Bull, funny

Actually I apparently live a charmed life because I got the preapproved permit from Riflepermits.com (sponsor shoutout right!) and it was absolutely no problem.

On the ground I was the first guy to have my paperwork checked by SASPS in the office and all the officer did was look at my paperwork and have me read him the serial numbers then lock the case back up.

I don't think those rifles are as uncommon as they clearly once were but people in camp were intrigued.

I will say while I like my space gun some of the Gunwerks and other makers with the crazy barrel fluting and colored twists are to crazy even for me. I won't dump on others fun but definitely not my jam

 

[Hunting Hitman]

New Technology: BLASER R8

Old Technology: HEYM Double

HH

 

[glblanchard]

So how about this. Old caliber with new bullets. 450/400 NE, 375 H&H, 7x57 with bronze, CEB Safari Raptors, all on Ruger No 1 rifles.

 

[Jefferry404]

Old school! 9.3x62 and 7x57 mauser square bridges.
Steve

 

[MS 9x56]

Old school! 9.3x62 and 7x57 mauser square bridges.
Steve
View attachment 686888

Now your making me drool.

 

[Longwalker]

I’m kinda stuck in the middle. My favourite Safari rifle is a very modern Verney-Caron Impact Plus switch barrel / takedown bolt action rifle in 9.3x62. Blued steel barrel, aluminum receiver, nice but plain walnut stock, good cut checkering, QD mounts, and detachable magazine. It looks sorta classic, shoots accurately, packs small. The only “classic” parts are the walnut stock, blued barrel, and the chambering. Here it is in its case, with the Merkel double.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I'm firmly old school when it comes to Africa.

I've taken a Pre-64 Model 70 Super Grade, in .375 H&H on every hunting trip I've taken to Africa and can't imagine taking one without a Pre64 M70 in .375 H&H accompanying me.
That rifle is 1 Animal shy of completing the Big 5, 3 animals shy of the Dangerous 7, and 3 animals shy of the Tiny 10. I'll hopefully reshoot another Blue Duiker (with it this time), plus a Suni and Red Duiker to complete the Tiny 10, as well as a Croc. If all goes well this will leave me focusing on a Leopard and Hippo for the next trip.

To complement my .375 H&H I have the following old school options
Pre-War Rigby .275
Pre-War Rigby 470 Double
Lee Speed .303
Pre WWII M70 Super Grade .300 H&H, as well as several other Pre WWII M70's in various calibers

Life's too short to own ugly guns

 

[Hififile324]

I'm a wood stocked bolt guy through and through. For me it's the Sako 85, Wood stock, .30-06. It has never failed me. I have 3 safes full of guns, but when I go on a serious hunt, that's what I reach for.

 

[Jefferry404]

@MS 9x56
Sorry about that
I must confess this pair are modern renditions.
Integral octagon barrels, GMA G33/40 actions,
stocks are from a single piece of Bastogne with Dakota Arms skeleton buttplates inlaid with Gabon ebony.
Hopefully, this will get rid of your condition
Best regards
Steve

 

[MS 9x56]

@MS 9x56
Sorry about that
I must confess this pair are modern renditions.
Integral octagon barrels, GMA G33/40 actions,
stocks are from a single piece of Bastogne with Dakota Arms skeleton buttplates inlaid with Gabon ebony.
Hopefully, this will get rid of your condition
Best regards
Steve

They are beautiful. Much prettier than my meager selection.

 

[Jefferry404]

Ah, a man after my own heart and old school to boot
There is something about mannlichers that are appealing…

 

[Red Leg]

I use whichever rifle seems best for a particular hunt - the game and the environment. Like @mdwest I am fortunate to have a wide selection. My most used "African" choice has been my R8 with the now sadly discontinued full length wooden stock. However, my last hunt in Africa was with a Highland Stalker in .275. My favorite deer rifle is currently a Bradshaw in 7x65R. But my ready for anything deer rifle is an R8 with synthetic Success stock wearing a .257 Wby barrel.