I was watching outdoor life network this morning, a show called adventure quest about a group of guys climbing Kilimanjaro and then walking all the way to Tsavo to the Indian Ocean (some 300 miles away) The walk takes over 2 weeks. Its starts off normally enough in rain gear, nylon shorts etc walking up kilimanjaro in crampons over ice fields reaching the summit and taking photos and suddenly on the way down..
They stop to meet a game ranger and pick upa BUNCH of rilfes and web gear for the long dangerous trek. they talk about the dangers of Hippos, Lion and Rhino and tell the famous story at the bridge where 'Man Eaters of Tsavo" was written over 100 years ago by famed Col. patterson.
AMAZING shots of guys (pefectly legaly) pointing rifles defensively at all kinds of dangerous game (lions, buffalo, hippos, elephants) and telling stories that will rasie your hair.
It should be noted that 4 of the participants are licensed wardens/rangers and had the right to shoot dangerous game, and at one point even debated culling a few marauding elephants.
I love this network.. just when you THINK you are watching one thing you are actually watching something else. They discuss conservation in a rational format including the hunter as an active part of wildlife management.
Anyhow... the rifles used by the team included:
FAL's
An HK G3
at 1 dangerous game rifle, either a Steyr or CZ by the look of the drop point euro style stock and massive barrel. It was at least a 375 H&H by the diameter of the barrel, maybe even a .458. Massive Mauser action and the rifle was well worn (the mag floorplate was worn grey) and obviously a working gun as opposed to a 'trophy piece".
Some interesting notes:
The rangers RARELY used the slings on thier semi auto rifles, though the rifles had them. The DG rifle, though it had a barrel band for a sling NEVER was seen with a sling. Muzzle discipline was excellent (except for the cameraman who kept looking down the flash supressors).
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Here is the scenario:
You are on the same trek.. what weapons do you take and why?? (remember you aren't "hunting")
My choices (based on what I know of africa)
2 FN FAL's (the auo rifles are to protect you from poachers as well as dangerous animals) magazines full of 168gr ball ammo. (if you have to shoot a DG animal you want all the penetration you can get) 6 magazines per rifle.
1 heavy DG caliber rifle, preferably Mauser action. 375 is my fave, however with elephant on the list a 416 is better. Load the magazine with 1 soft point over 2 solids. Maybe 40 rounds of ammo.
And just because I'm an American I'd take a handgun. Not because it has serious utility, but because darn it bwana should have one. I think I'd take a revolver over an auto, 24 rounds total.
Anyway watch the show if you can.. and lets hear what you have to say. Doubles? Lever actions? Would you DARE take an AR-15 here?
They stop to meet a game ranger and pick upa BUNCH of rilfes and web gear for the long dangerous trek. they talk about the dangers of Hippos, Lion and Rhino and tell the famous story at the bridge where 'Man Eaters of Tsavo" was written over 100 years ago by famed Col. patterson.
AMAZING shots of guys (pefectly legaly) pointing rifles defensively at all kinds of dangerous game (lions, buffalo, hippos, elephants) and telling stories that will rasie your hair.
It should be noted that 4 of the participants are licensed wardens/rangers and had the right to shoot dangerous game, and at one point even debated culling a few marauding elephants.
I love this network.. just when you THINK you are watching one thing you are actually watching something else. They discuss conservation in a rational format including the hunter as an active part of wildlife management.
Anyhow... the rifles used by the team included:
FAL's
An HK G3
at 1 dangerous game rifle, either a Steyr or CZ by the look of the drop point euro style stock and massive barrel. It was at least a 375 H&H by the diameter of the barrel, maybe even a .458. Massive Mauser action and the rifle was well worn (the mag floorplate was worn grey) and obviously a working gun as opposed to a 'trophy piece".
Some interesting notes:
The rangers RARELY used the slings on thier semi auto rifles, though the rifles had them. The DG rifle, though it had a barrel band for a sling NEVER was seen with a sling. Muzzle discipline was excellent (except for the cameraman who kept looking down the flash supressors).
---------------------------
Here is the scenario:
You are on the same trek.. what weapons do you take and why?? (remember you aren't "hunting")
My choices (based on what I know of africa)
2 FN FAL's (the auo rifles are to protect you from poachers as well as dangerous animals) magazines full of 168gr ball ammo. (if you have to shoot a DG animal you want all the penetration you can get) 6 magazines per rifle.
1 heavy DG caliber rifle, preferably Mauser action. 375 is my fave, however with elephant on the list a 416 is better. Load the magazine with 1 soft point over 2 solids. Maybe 40 rounds of ammo.
And just because I'm an American I'd take a handgun. Not because it has serious utility, but because darn it bwana should have one. I think I'd take a revolver over an auto, 24 rounds total.
Anyway watch the show if you can.. and lets hear what you have to say. Doubles? Lever actions? Would you DARE take an AR-15 here?
