Well you should actually read the post before interrupting .... you might learn something.

Like not all of us use PHs ....

I couldn't give a ffff who also has a rifle on my hunts, as I am the one hunting. And I plan to try to do it properly myself. I would hunt Africa without a PH if it was legal. Lots of Aussies have and used to even recently. Buying a few weeks in a concession and hunting with a local farmer who supplied camp gear and some staff etc. Some local guys I knew one of two of, did it, including my chiropractor when he was still practising. They are now too long in the tooth I think. I would have jumped at the chance to do it as well. The locals concession in Zim probably has suffered in terms of game, if locals in Zim can still bid on it as well. Some disreputable outfitters especially South Africans started bidding on it as well to sell to clients illegally.

So if you are happy planning to let your PH shoot for you go for a single shot instead of a double. Especially when the SHTF.

As for PHs doing your shooting for you? Well a true story about another lion hunt in Zimbabwe. A mate, a member here on NE hunted lion. He shot the lion, it ran off into the thick bush. The PH REFUSED to follow it up and went and sat in the bakkie, so my mate went in alone with his old model Blaser .375. And yes collected his lion with his bolt action.

I would hate to have a bloody single shot at such a time. Really a good PH should probably tell the client to go and sit in the bakkie himself on a wounded DG follow up ...

Don't speak for others, speak for yourself if happy for the PH, trackers, game scout with his AK47 to do your shooting for you.

I am happy to try my luck using a single shot .577 LNE. And practice to reload it quickly and competently under pressure. And would give it a try on cull elephant, cape buffalo, scrub bulls, water buffalo etc and when possible hunt solo or with mates. I would strongly PREFER A DOUBLE, but beggars can be choosers ...

[quote[On my last Lion Hunt

My email is Nitro AT NitroExpress dot com for the photos. Thanks. Would be interesting photos.

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Here in the states our DG (?) is limited to Brown Bear, some might add Black Bear or even Wild Boar. Of the three I havent been close to a Brown and I killed my Black Bears with a single shot BUT the boars have occasionally taken exception with bad hits/poor ammo selection. The charge was exciting and the reload too. Frankly THATS part of why I enjoy the hunt.

Double have lots and lots of uses and all sorts of hunting, except usually long range shooting and mountain hunting. Many are accuate enough for long range shots. But they are designed for close work in thick bush and running shots. I have used my doubles also on donkeys, horses, numerous pigs, an odd deer. Some other wuldlife as well.

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I do like doubles they are a passion of mine but I also like "classic" single guns and doubles too.

Good to hear, you're in the right place then. '_

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Today a Double Rifle is like a Rolex. Both great items of quality and class but neither a requirement for a hunt or to tell time.

Incorrect.

But your opinion so what works for you.

Others don't like to rely on a PH to finish off a hunt. And if hunting solo, prefer to have a lesser risk of getting stomped in the bush with help 100 kms away if not further.

But yes, my "incorrect" was tongue in cheek, a bolt action can also do the job quite well and a double is not necessary. Even though the best choice for a DG close follow up. A bolt action is also far better than a single shot. The single shot is what is not needed these days and a lesser choice. But I would like a .577 and a customised single shot may be an option, so that's it.

Your opening post is asking about a Martini Henry .577, I say, go for it. I also have strong intentions to do it myself, seeing the older thread and Marrakai's post that it is possible. I can't see it being an expensive option. A suitable rifle isn't too pricey. A new barrel, how easy or expensive? Whatever else is needed? Restock it one day.