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.

 

[AZDAVE]

40/50 Straight sharps in a Hepburn rifle.

 

[cash_tx]

My 1927 Remington 30 Express in 30-06 with its Lyman peep sight.

 

[analog_peninsula]

If I could see well enough, I’d take my M71 Winchester.

 

[MS 9x56]

Can never go wrong with an old winchester.

A sharps or highwall 45/110 or 45/120 if your going that route.
View attachment 730751

A savage 99 in 3006
View attachment 730750


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

Savage never chambered the 30-06 in the 99 as it was too long for the action. In its later years it was chambered in 308.

 

[farmer_john]

Savage never chambered the 30-06 in the 99 as it was too long for the action. In its later years it was chambered in 308.

I stand corrected. I always thought for some reason it did. Learn something new eve ry day. And its still a cool rifle

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Tang safety Ruger for me. But I’m a simple man.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Winchester 94 in 30-30. With 170 grain power points it works wonders on medium game up close.

 

[Ryan]

Don't forget W.M.D. Bell's classic Rigby with open sights in 275 Rigby (7x57) or a 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenauer. Though he used some other rifles, an incredible amount of ivory and meat for his crew was taken with those two.

I personally would love to use a Sharps, though I'm not sure I want tote one around all day.

 

[farmer_john]

Don't forget W.M.D. Bell's classic Rigby with open sights in 275 Rigby (7x57) or a 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenauer. Though he used some other rifles, an incredible amount of ivory and meat for his crew was taken with those two.

I personally would love to use a Sharps, though I'm not sure I want tote one around all day.

Only about 12lbs

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Savage never chambered the 30-06 in the 99 as it was too long for the action. In its later years it was chambered in 308.

Actually, if I remember correctly, about a half dozen prototype Model 99 were made in 30-06. I think I read only one is known to still exist.

 

[Hunt anything]

Pre 64 Model 70 in 30-06 with an old Weaver K4.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

30-06 Springfield 03A3 is what I shoot. It's from late WWII made by Remington with stamped floorplate and originally a 2-land barrel. Now it now has an earlier 4-land barrel. It's killed hundreds of animals.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

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.

What is your 99 chambered in?

 

[Tundra Tiger]

What is your 99 chambered in?

I have 2 (and would love to own more). The 1947 is chambered in .300 Savage. I have a newer one (late 60s) in .308. The .300 Savage went to Africa. I took a warthog, kudu, gemsbok, and impala with it. Handloads with 180 grain Accubonds.

 

[mark-hunter]

Ruger no 1? Why not?

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I have 2 (and would love to own more). The 1947 is chambered in .300 Savage. I have a newer one (late 60s) in .308. The .300 Savage went to Africa. I took a warthog, kudu, gemsbok, and impala with it. Handloads with 180 grain Accubonds.

View attachment 730906

I had an uncle that always hunted with one in .300 Savage as well. He took a lot of blacktails and a few mule deer with it. I always admired it. He passed away at 94 and his guns were given to the nephews. My cousin got the .300 but I received his 870 Wingmaster in 12 gauge so I really can't complain.