mikeh416Rigby
.450 member
Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
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I'm starting to think seriously about going to Tanzania to hunt Cape Buffalo, and limited plains game, probably only Tommy and Grant's Gazelles, and perhaps Zebra. I only want to take one rifle along. My choices are a 375 H&H Whitworth Express, a 375 Ackley Improved Custom Win. Model 70, or a Ruger 77 in 416 Rigby.
My personal favorite is the Ackley for several reasons. It's been with me on several trips to Africa, and has never let me down. It's very accurate,handles very well, and the beautiful stock looks great in photos  . I get groups that average around 3/4" at 100 yards with Barnse Triple Shocks.
On the other hand, the Whitworth just came into my posession a little over a year ago, and I've not had it in the field yet; only to the range where it shoots well, but I don't shoot as well off hand with it, as I do with the Ackley.
The Ruger is new. It shoots reasonably well, with 100 yard groups right around 1 1/4" with 400 grain Woodleigh's-both softs and solids. It is bout a pound heavier than the Ackley, and 1 1/2 pounds heavier than the Whitworth.
So, there you have my dilema. Which one would you go with, and why?
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500grains
.416 member
Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
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If you opened your safe and let me choose one, it would be the Whitworth. The Ruger would get sold to pay trophy fees, and I am not a strong model 70 fan. Just personal preference.
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DarylS
.700 member
Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27698
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
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I can only dream of such a trip, but it would be with the Whitworth.
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Daryl
"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V
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mikeh416Rigby
.450 member
Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
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What is it that turns you on about the Whitworth? And I'm seriously thinking about selling the Ruger. I just hate to sell any rifle.
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rgp
.333 member
Reged: 17/06/04
Posts: 373
Loc: TX & VIC
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I'd also pick the Whitworth. I like your custom Model 70 and may have that metal finish applied to my stainless M70 .375, but Mausers are my favorite bolt action rifles.
Richard.
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500grains
.416 member
Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
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When the going gets tough, Mausers extract better and eject better than a model 70.
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Scott
.275 member
Reged: 11/01/05
Posts: 89
Loc: Florida, USA
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Part of your decision might be based on what part of Tanzania you will be hunting. I hear the Selous is pretty thick while the areas in Masai land and Kigosi are very open. I have been told that getting within 100 yards there can be difficult. I leave for Kigosi on Sept 15 for buffalo and hippo (and who knows what else will tickle my fancy). The outfitter and ph wanted me to bring my 375 HH, which I am bringing as the second gun, for the long shots. I want to hunt with my new 458 Lott. Will let you know about the conditions when I get back in October.
My guess now would be the Ackley 375 or the 416. Really, any of the 3 will work.
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MauserRifle
.300 member
Reged: 15/03/05
Posts: 153
Loc: U.S.A.
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Scott
I agree with 500grains on this one 100%. The 375 H&H is as good of a caliber as you can find for all around hunting anywhere, and the Whitworth is second on to the GREAT BRONO ZKK 602.  For many years I only used Whitworth rifles, and still consider them to be one of the finest factory rifles made. You just can't go wrong with a Mauser! 
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Mauser Rifle
Everyday is a great day, some days are just better than others!
Edited by MauserRifle (02/09/05 03:26 PM)
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