Which old school American rifle?

[Bearkat]

I was hunting a concession in 2023 that had a lot of nice Red Lechwe. However, they were quite docile and I elected not to shoot one. I had told my PH about my 1885 Winchester in 38-55, and how that could be a bit more challenging with open sights than a modern scoped rifle.

As I’m sitting in my room looking at the trophies from that trip, it got me to thinking. What old school American rifle, and in which calibre, would you take to Africa? An 1895 Winchester in .405? A pre 64 Winchester in 30-06? Maybe a Sharps in the legendary 45-70?

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I took a 1947 Savage Model 99 on my last trip - decidedly old school. It's in my profile photo with my gemsbok.

I have a 1940 Remington Model 141 I have considered.

I do really like the idea of an 1895 in .405; that would have some serious cool points IMHO.

 

[318AE]

A Griffin and Howe on a Springfield action in 30’06 is about as American as it gets, and good plains game rifle to boot.

 

[farmer_john]

I was hunting a concession in 2023 that had a lot of nice Red Lechwe. However, they were quite docile and I elected not to shoot one. I had told my PH about my 1885 Winchester in 38-55, and how that could be a bit more challenging with open sights than a modern scoped rifle.

As I’m sitting in my room looking at the trophies from that trip, it got me to thinking. What old school American rifle, and in which calibre, would you take to Africa? An 1895 Winchester in .405? A pre 64 Winchester in 30-06? Maybe a Sharps in the legendary 45-70?

Can never go wrong with an old winchester.

A sharps or highwall 45/110 or 45/120 if your going that route.

A savage 99 in 3006

An old 3040 krag could also be an interesting rifle and conversation starter.