Reccomendations on big bore rifles for field guides

**RakerX16** · 22-10-2014, 16:49

Hi i have no experience with rifles and thus need advice. I am pro photographer and am looking at getting a rifle for my photographic safaris. As i am already loaded with camera gear, i am looking for something compact and light but will stop big game. I have looked as a few 375's, 458's, 460's. Some of the rifles i have looked at have a shortened barrel which apeals to me for both the weight and manovability. I am also wondering what would be the best in terms of cost for reloading and ease of obtaining the components etc.

Basically i need advise cradle to grave on this matter

Thanks

**Maroelas** · 22-10-2014, 17:18

So you've never shot rifles?

**ou bobbejaan** · 22-10-2014, 17:37

This sounds like a Troll.....☺

**Clint357** · 22-10-2014, 17:38

Looking at a charge stopper the 458 is a minimum in inexperienced hands, go out huning or go take pictures, no sense in trying to combine the 2,

**Desperatezulu** · 22-10-2014, 17:46

Presumably this is a 'self defense' rifle rather than a hunting one.. In which case a 375HH is probably your best bet. Plenty rifles to choose from, ammo is widespread etc. reloading components are readily available too, although for very limited actual usage buying rather than reloading maybe more cost effective?

If you're prepared to pay something of a premium for compactness, then a Steyr Scout 376 may be the ticket. Ammo availability will be more of a challenge than a 375 unless you reload.

As a beginner, steer clear of 460s and other big thumpers unless you're prepared to put in the time and effort to learn to shoot them properly.

**CorditeCrazy** · 22-10-2014, 18:37

Get hold of Bushboy, he has a wealth of experiance guiding. Chat to him, ask him questions and listen to his advice. You can even do a big game SD rifle shooting course with him, if you want to carry a big bore to stop things biting and stomping you this will be a good move too.

Off the cuff, most guides carry the 375H&H, must be a reason for that.

**Bosman** · 22-10-2014, 18:39

.375H&H

**DRD** · 22-10-2014, 18:44

.500 Smith And Wesson revolver ?

**CorditeCrazy** · 22-10-2014, 18:48

Originally Posted by DRD

.500 Smith And Wesson revolver ?

Would you rely on a .500S&W to stop an angry pachyderm?

**SBB** · 22-10-2014, 20:29

Some of the Ruger Alaskan models are nice and compact. Compact generally means more recoil. If you havnt shot a big bore before best to try some out first. 375 is very manageable imho but folks vary. Secondly if you are unfamiliar with rifles and iron sights Google Trijicon RMR sight. They are pretty awsome on a DG rifle.