Lever-Action "Safari" rifle

44Special · February 25, 2002, 10:47 PM

I have become fascinated recently with the heavy, African game type "safari"rifles, and was wondering whether the big bore lever-action rifles which have come out recently such as the .450 Marlin, the .45/70 Marlin Guide Gun or the custom jobs from Wild West etc. are seeing much use in Africa as either back-up guns for PH's or as primary hunting rifles.

I know Teddy Roosevelt favored the Winchester Model 95 in .405 Win. on African game. Certainly the lever guns can provide a quick follow-up shot.

Thanks

EzraRiley · February 25, 2002, 11:07 PM

The lever big-bores, especially the Marlins, are becoming very popular in Africa both by Americans going there to hunt and PH's who are seeing their potential. If you go to the websites for Wild West Guns, Garrett cartridges, Cor-Bon Ammunition, and Buffalo Bore Ammo you are sure to see plenty of photos from Africa.

Zorro · February 26, 2002, 12:49 AM

Go Heavy Level 3 45-70 over the .450 Magnum.

Also there IS a 22 inch Marlin 45-70 Lever Action that works well too.

Zorro · February 26, 2002, 12:59 AM

Cross Referance:

Water Buffalo with 45-70.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...threadid=88549

bretshooter · February 26, 2002, 10:42 AM

The Accurate Rifle magazine (by PS magazine) has an article on this topic using Garrett cartridges in Africa. It talks about minimum legal caliber (which 45-70 isn't) and about the apparent refuting of "theoretical performance" by Garrett's cartidges. VERY interesting. Slow and heavy does perform as well or better than lighter and faster.

A "must read" for someone considering the Marlin 45-70 as a safari rifle.

February 25, 2002, 10:47 PM	#1
44Special Member Join Date: October 15, 1999 Location: Gallitzin,Pa. USA Posts: 27	Lever-Action "Safari" rifle I have become fascinated recently with the heavy, African game type "safari"rifles, and was wondering whether the big bore lever-action rifles which have come out recently such as the .450 Marlin, the .45/70 Marlin Guide Gun or the custom jobs from Wild West etc. are seeing much use in Africa as either back-up guns for PH's or as primary hunting rifles. I know Teddy Roosevelt favored the Winchester Model 95 in .405 Win. on African game. Certainly the lever guns can provide a quick follow-up shot. Thanks

February 26, 2002, 10:42 AM	#5
bretshooter Junior Member Join Date: April 28, 2000 Posts: 7	Great Article The Accurate Rifle magazine (by PS magazine) has an article on this topic using Garrett cartridges in Africa. It talks about minimum legal caliber (which 45-70 isn't) and about the apparent refuting of "theoretical performance" by Garrett's cartidges. VERY interesting. Slow and heavy does perform as well or better than lighter and faster. A "must read" for someone considering the Marlin 45-70 as a safari rifle.

February 25, 2002, 11:07 PM	#2
EzraRiley Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: Miles City, Montana Posts: 19	The lever big-bores, especially the Marlins, are becoming very popular in Africa both by Americans going there to hunt and PH's who are seeing their potential. If you go to the websites for Wild West Guns, Garrett cartridges, Cor-Bon Ammunition, and Buffalo Bore Ammo you are sure to see plenty of photos from Africa.

February 26, 2002, 12:49 AM	#3
Zorro Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2000 Posts: 1,072	Go Heavy Level 3 45-70 over the .450 Magnum. Also there IS a 22 inch Marlin 45-70 Lever Action that works well too.

February 26, 2002, 12:59 AM	#4
Zorro Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2000 Posts: 1,072	Cross Referance: Water Buffalo with 45-70. http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...threadid=88549