The practicality of a scout rifle in South Africa.

[CorditeCrazy]

So as the title suggests, what are the practicalities of a bolt action scout rifle in SA. Does one buy new or does done convert say an old 303?

[oafpatroll]

Before they got so blerrie expensive a Jungle Carbine with a forward mount scope would have done it for me.

[CorditeCrazy]

Before they got so blerrie expensive a Jungle Carbine with a forward mount scope would have done it for me.

So what’s the current going rate for a No5 Mk1 “Jungle Carbine”, 7500ish? I recon this can be done for less, rifle included.

[Bundu Ric]

So maybe before asking what is the practicality of that, what is the reason for wanting to go that route with all the various options in both bolt and semi we currently have, or is purely based on cost?

[oafpatroll]

So what’s the current going rate for a No5 Mk1 “Jungle Carbine”, 7500ish? I recon this can be done for less, rifle included.

I like the idea of a scout rifle and would love a JC just for sommer so getting both out of the same package would be a win for me. haven't seen one come up for a while but the last one that i know of went for R10k. It was in excellent shape though.

[CorditeCrazy]

So maybe before asking what is the practicality of that, what is the reason for wanting to go that route with all the various options in both bolt and semi we currently have, or is purely based on cost?

This is quite a simple question with a complex answer. So this is aimed at the person who doesn’t want or can’t afford a medium bore semi auto. Is it cheaper than buying say a Ruger Scout? Perhaps the individual who has an old Lee Enfield lying at home that they don’t own what to do with might see a conversion as an option. Also we as shooters in SA have fallen into the “it must have a role” trap. I suspect this has much to do with the legislation and pain in licensing and a gun “taking up a slot”. We tend to forget to have fun with our guns and just play for the sake of it.

[KK20]

So maybe before asking what is the practicality of that, what is the reason for wanting to go that route with all the various options in both bolt and semi we currently have, or is purely based on cost?

Bundu Ric

For me it is using what i have and not used/using much anymore. To breathe life into it.
Cost is a big factor.
Ease of feeding it.
and the ability to fix , modify and adapt using local as much as possible.

and it is cheaper and more exciting than antidepressants.

[Bundu Ric]

I dont fall in that trap, I just buy them to play and have fun with, all mine are toys, my toys.

[Bundu Ric]

and it is cheaper and more exciting than antidepressants.

Agree, I prefer them in 230gr, 147gr or 55gr depending on the toy for the day.

[oafpatroll]

and it is cheaper and more exciting than antidepressants.

I'm taking that as professional advice!