|
[ Return to Contents
| Post a Reply
| Post a new message
]
*** NEW Rifle For BEAR? ***
Posted by Gowge on Mar 17 2004
With all the recent discussion about the best rifle for BEAR in Alaska, I was very interested when I read this article from a Guide in AFRICA who hunts Dangerous Game.
http://www.african-hunter.com/lessons_learned.htm
The author wrote in part:
"Rifle Lessons Learned from the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter Proficiency Exam
By Don Heath
Every year Zimbabwe holds two events which provide the perfect testing ground for rifles. These are the Rifa Professional Hunter and Guides training/refresher course, and the actual proficiency exam itself. As shooting is an important attribute of both a hunter and a guide, marksmanship and speed and dexterity of handling and reloading a rifle under great stress are fully tested with quite high grades required to pass. Consequently a fair amount of time at the Rifa refresher course is set aside to riflemanship. Most of the hunters have grown up with firearms, but a great many of the guides have simply grown up in the bush and the only hunting they may have done before commencing with their apprenticeships has been with spear or bow. The confidence with a rifle needed to protect one’s clients in a close quarters contact with lion, elephant, hippo or buff requires complete familiarity with the rifle and a good deal of practice as well. During this year’s Rifa course about 600 heavy calibre rounds went down range whilst on the proficiency some 50 shots went into dangerous game and over 500 crashing down range on a variety of shoots. All in all the five day refresher course and the week long exam provide an excellent opportunity to evaluate the different makes of rifle......."
In the article, illustrated with pictures of the rifles in question, the author described the shortcomings of many rifles mentioned here and in use (obviously) around the World. Of particular note, are his comments about American made ammo and particular cartridges that have gained a poor reputation in AFRICA over the years. His criticism of American made rifles is particularly tough, but seems sound. I'm afraid I could never afford a rifle that would get his approval, but it is at least good enough to open our eyes to issues we can have fixed before we take a rifle into the Wilderness after Big & Dangerous game in Alaska. It's worth the time to check it out and think about this man's comments.
GOOD LUCK!
Next: *** Alternative To Rifles - Hard 12ga SLUGS? *** Gowge Mar 20 2004
 Message Thread:
- *** NEW Rifle For BEAR? *** Gowge Mar 17 2004
|
