From my viewpoint, I have never been one to plan for a PH to assist me with the shooting. Its my hunt and my kill.

Never thought of a game scout also helping me kill an animal. Sometimes their rifle, if any, would be totally useless.

Also some of us do, 100% DIY hunts, how hunting is supposed to be, no PH, no hand holding, no shooting your animal for you. These hunts are so much better, solo or with mates. Camp, track, hunt, butcher the animal all yourself.

Now I remember a Boddington (?) video, where the PH used to shoot the cape buffalo also a split second after Boddington. I would be having VERY STRONG words to that clown, and tell him, he just paid for his own buffalo. Mine is still in the bush ...

Now when hunting with an Aussie PH or with friends, I do not mind them also shooting the buffalo IF it looks too healthy AFTER the shot and my shots are expended, reloading etc or looks like it might run away. I don't want to go a track a dangerous beast which at the least might run a long long way miles in hot dry country. I have done so for a friend as well for his hunt. But only after the bull had run a distance after the shot, and looked way too healthy. Or if the person is taking too long to take the second and additional shots. In this case, it was because of an unfamilar rifle, I should have instructed my friend about the rifle, where reloading the magazine needed the .375 rounds to be inserted backwards into the standard sized action. In the heat of the moment is when incidents like that happen. At the time, I just thought he is taking too long and decided to put a round in. All up, with hindsight, my fault.

So I don't mind friends or a PH doing it when necessary.

Another time it was right on dark and the PH shot quickly as well. Didn't mind then as well.

But I don't plan on it.

Also in a charge, one can only rely on one person. Yourself.

So a double IS necessary.

But not if you don't have one, or can't afford on!

A single shot Martini-Henry .577 LNE would be cool, would have pownty of grunt. I would aim for the full power loads of powder. That great big hole in the muzzle is attractive. The cool factor would be extreme.

And I could use it at BGRC matches, which I so rarely attend. Missed one yesterday. Was in the city but without any rifles. Had planned to drive the 3 hour round trip to get one or two. An ANZAC Day .303 shoot, could hgave got yhr old SMLE out with old ammo to compete. No reloading in advance necessary. Got the days mixed up ...

Ended up driving the wife to airport instead anyway.

With a new brrel .577 one could compete and not worry about wearing out an expensive set of DR barrels, a new barrel which can be replaced.