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Does anyone know the rationale behind the stock design for this rifle? Is the extra long (26")barrel and extended three quarter length foreend an accomodation to perceived Africa conditions, and if so, which?
It's hard to believe that a rifle like this was ever actually used in Africa, given the fact that the calibers in which it was commonly available (e.g. 9.3X62 and 10.75X68) translate to use in hunting dangerous game, which would place emphasis on a short, handy rifle.
Think about the times. No TV, few moving picture shows and even few books with photographs. Information was still mostly word of mouth. And it must be remembered, Africa had only been explored (by Whitey) over the previous 30-40 years. There were still areas uncharted. For information coming from German East Africa (Tanzania) and German SW Africa (Namibia), there was probably amazement, if not disbelief, in the distances and game tenacity compared to a Mountain Chamois or a wild boar! Old Paul and Wilhelm probably thought, better make 'em long and hard hitting for the fellows going to the Dark Continent! Or maybe they just thought 'Africa Model' sounded cool!
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Re: When Santa Brings Don S His Christmas Present . . .