One of these days (before I leave this mortal coil) I want to do "the Africa hunt", and have been sort of planning my guns. Lots of reading about various calibers and what is critical. I haven't decided the "where" yet.

I already have an older (1950s vintage) Sako in .300 H&H for thin-skinned game. Great gun, and it shoots very well.

For dangereous game, specifically Cape Buffalo, I have decided to go with a .375 H&H for a few reasons;

Local availability of ammo should luggage disappear,
Less recoil for quick follow-up shot if necessary, (being that I'm female and not possessed of great upper body strength),
More choices in actions than the "four" calibers.

I know that gun fit is a key factor in how well a person shoots the gun, as well as the reliability of the action, so my questions are, (after this long background) is;

What gunsmith/stockmaker would you recommend to do a custom fit and/or tune the action to insure feed reliability?
What actions have you found to be suitable?
(I have read several instances where some actions will feed perfectly under range conditions, i.e. bolt worked slowly, but tend to jam when worked with great enthusiasm or under pressure).

This trip may not happen for a few years, but that just gives me plenty of time to work up some good handloads!

Thanks!

Hi Belle,

You didn't state any cost limitations so I will start with some of the best available for African rifles.

David Miller Co. David Miller and Curt Crum turn out some of the best big game rifles available today. They are located in Tucson, AZ.

Butch Searcy & Co (http://www.searcyent.com/). Butch offers both double rifles and square bridged magnum bolt rifle actions.

Guns from these two are as good as you can get for Africa. Here are some that at lower on the price scale.

Dakota Arms Inc (http://www.dakotaarms.com/index.php). Some very good guns from Dakota and the common hunter can afford them.

American Custom Gunmakers Guild (http://www.acgg.org/). You can find all the custom work you want here. They have the members in a list by their specialization.

Mauser Rifles (http://www.mauserwaffen.de/M-98-Magnum.79.0.html?&L=1) are importing some very nice guns for Africa.

Lower on the price list are Safari guns made by Ruger and CZ. For Africa you need a rifle with a Mauser style extractor and ejector. A dropped magazine is a very desirable option for an African rifle.

Frank

Thanks Frank!

I used to live in Tucson - didn't even think about them!

I've shot a Dakota .338 Win mag, and it was really comfortable - stock length and drop was apparently just right.

But, the Mausers, oh, the MAUSERS! That is a beautiful gun!

I think I'll have to check into Briley!

Hi Belle,

Glad to help. That new Mauser 98 is a really nice gun for Africa.

Mauser 416 Rigby
http://www.briley.com/ProductImages/rifles/i5-58.jpg

If I may add, most folks take rifles that are way to powerful than needed for plains game. I use a .223 on Springbok and under (although I've taken Bontebok) and a .280 on everything else (Kudu, Black/Blue Wildebeast, Gemboks etc). 300 mags are OK, but I'd only use it for Eland if I felt the need. Marginal shooting skills would be a reason, but if you are comfortable with your rifle, and you shoot well, don't buy into the "magnum" everything thought. Your .375 will be needed for Buff. It is the minimum caliber for dangerous game. Since you aren't planning to make multiple trips to Africa, I'd go with a CZ 550. It is very affordable and if you want, you can have a few custom things done. It will sell easily once your done with hunting in Africa. A number of my friends and clients use the CZ 550 and I've used it on Lion with good results. You will love Africa. It is more than words can describe. Not even movies or pictures come close. Take a good camera and lots of film. grayghost