Speak softy and carry a big stick - you will go far

franzfmdavis

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Roosevelt uttered these words at the Minnesota State Fair on September 2, 1901. Two weeks later he would be the president of the United States.

Eight years later, and 19 days after his presidency ended in March 1909, he went on his first African safari during which his group collected 11,400 specimens for the Smithsonian natural history museum. It took almost a decade to catalog them all.

Among the guns Roosevelt used was his Holland & Holland Royal double rifle chambered in 500/450 3 1/4" that he had ordered the year before. This gun has become known as the 'Big Stick'.

Roosevelt H&H.png


In African Game Trails, he wrote of its first use in the field: “I pushed forward the safety of the double-barrelled Holland rifle which I was now to use for the first time on big game…. The rhino saw me and […] as he rose, I put in the right barrel […] Before he could get quite all the way round in his headlong rush to reach us, I struck him with my left-hand barrel […] Ploughing up the ground with horn and feet, the great bull rhino, still toward us, dropped just thirteen paces from where we stood.”

He went on to note: “For heavy game like rhinoceroses and buffaloes, I found that for me personally, the heavy Holland was unquestionably the proper weapon.” But, of course, the power came at a price and his son, Kermit, noted: "the recoil of the big gun was so severe that it became a standing joke as to whether we did not fear it more than a charging elephant!”

Please share a picture (and description) of your Biggest Stick!
 
I have "Big Stick" envy issues....
 
Years ago, there was a movie titled “In the Blood.” A pretty decent film about hunting in the Moyowasi Reserve. Robin Hurt was the PH. One of the hunters was a big time gun auctioneer and he brought that same gun to hunt with. Teddy’s own big stick. I’ve never wanted something that I couldn’t afford more…then or since!
 
Years ago, there was a movie titled “In the Blood.” A pretty decent film about hunting in the Moyowasi Reserve. Robin Hurt was the PH. One of the hunters was a big time gun auctioneer and he brought that same gun to hunt with. Teddy’s own big stick. I’ve never wanted something that I couldn’t afford more…then or since!
 
As long as the big stick is chambered in 375 H&H you’re ok. Hunters are incapable of handling anything bigger.(kidding)

HH
 
IMG_8740.JPEG


My big stick, a 500NE made somewhere in the late 50'ies by a Belgian artisan on (likely) a Francotte action.
 

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We are very excited to come to Salzburg for the first time.
Should you at all have any interest in hunting with me and want to discuss different options please do not hesitate to contact me and we can set something up.
Hyde Hunter wrote on malcome83's profile.
where are you located? I would be happy to help you with you doing the reloading but I will only load for a very few real close friends as posted before liability is the problem. but will help you.
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A two minute video I made of our recent Safari. I think it turned out well
Speedster wrote on Sue Tidwell's profile.
Just received your book. It will be a Christmas present from my wife. Looking forward to read it.
 
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