Here are comments, suggestions and advice on adapting your bolt action rifle for optimal performance in the most common scenario of bushveldt plains and dangerous game hunting in Africa.
Rifle Stock, Wrist & Fore-End
It's really important that the stock is well designed and fits the hunter perfectly. An ill-fitting stock will make the rifle unpleasant to shoot by enhancing the recoil effects. If you can't afford a custom-made stock, it's an idea to try a variety of factory-made rifles to find one that fits properly, as there may be subtle differences between them. To add length, the adjustment can easily be made by either inserting a spacer or adding a recoil pad. To shorten, wood can be removed.
If you are primarily going to use a telescopic sight to hunt but there is the chance you may need to convert to open sights, make sure you have selected a low cheek-piece design.
The fore-end is a matter of personal choice just as long as you have a good solid one to grip.
Good quality checkering on the wrist and fore-end is essential in the heat of Africa
Try to avoid a high gloss finish - a dull satin or classic oil finish is ideal for a rifle in Africa.
It is worth mentioning here in the woodwork section, if you have a rifle that is so precious that you are afraid it will get dented or scratched by hunting in Africa, please don't bring it. Rather do this than fret about it and take extraordinary steps to protect it. It is not unheard of for a client to want to stalk game with it in a padded slip, not daring to expose it until the last moment!
A stock suitable for open sight use with a slightly curved back
The main thing to consider with a rifle action for hunting in Africa is an excellent quality build with a smooth bolt throw.
The merits of controlled or push feed and extractor types can be discussed until the cows come home, with every hunter having a different opinion.
As with triggers for all types of hunting, you want a good crisp let-off, not too much creep and a pull that suits you.
The safety mechanism which suits you and that you can operate quietly, especially when hunting dangerous game.
Some rifles have a greater magazine capacity than do others. Clearly having the availability of more shots is always an advantage, especially when hunting dangerous game.
If your rifle has heavy recoil, ensure the floorplate catch is strong enough to prevent an inopportune dumping of cartridges.
In summary, all you need in these working parts of your rifle for Africa, is flawless feeding and absolute reliability.
Mauser Model 98 with shaped trigger guard, bolt handle bent to clear low fitted telescopes & single stage adjustable trigger
Stock magazine
Rifle Barrel
A short barrel is preferable in bushveldt
Non-reflective finish
.500 Jeffery with 19 1/2" barrel
Rifle Sights
The traditional sights for dangerous game rifles of all types is the shallow "V" open rear sight called an "express" sight combined with a front sight featuring a large brass or ivory bead.
Fibre-optic beads are the best for light-gathering in poor light conditions however they are not as robust as other beads.
A selection of beads
Front Sight Ramp
3 leaf sight fitted to the Quarter Rib
Rifle Scope Mounts
Quick detachable (QD) scope mounts are always useful in plains game hunting.
QD mounts should be considered mandatory for dangerous game hunting
Detachable scope mount on Mauser 98
Rifle Swivels & Slings
If you do prefer to use a sling on your rifle, detachable swivels are the best option so you can take the sling off efficiently when the need arises, like follow-ups in thick bush.
Detachable sling swivel
Rifle Recoil Reduction Solutions
The most useful measure to reduce the effects of recoil is a mercury filled, tungsten bead or oil & piston anti-recoil tube fitted into the stock of the rifle.
Muzzle brakes are to be avoided, despite their good recoil reduction properties. They can leave the hunter unable to hear properly for sometime after the shot, which is not ideal in a dangerous game hunt situation. They also can affect the hearing of the PH and other members of the hunt team.
All photographs here are by kind permission of Eugene Combrink of Sabi Rifles, South Africa.
www.sabirifles.co.za
