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EXCLUSIVE

Paul Mauser’s First Ever Nitro Rifle 7.65x53mm

Kaokoland Hartmann Zebra

Self-Defenc fence Pistol Drills

2020 HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES April 2020

Baikal .45–70 for under R20 000

Girsan Polymer 9mmP MC 9S

Namibia N$47,00

R47,00 incl VAT

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VOLUME 45

NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020

ON THE COVER:

Paul Mauser’s first nitro rifle Model 88 in 7.65x53mm. Read more on p36.

Photos supplied by Jon Speed.

Features 12 16 20 22 26 30 36 42 46 50 54 61 64

Girsan MC 9S 9mmP

André Grobler

A BOY’S RITE OF PASSAGE

Kevin Thomas

DEFENSIVE HANDGUN TIPS

Phillip Hayes

Accurate all-purpose polymer pistol from Turkey Raised in rural Rhodesia

So you think you don’t flinch?

THE NONCHALANT CLIENT Trophies are not always important

Terry Irwin

SAKKIE: A HUNTER’S STORY

Robin Barkes

DEVELOPING CARRY LOADS

IJ Larivers

MAUSER REVELATION!

Jon Speed

Rekindling a flickering flame

…with Peregrine premium projectiles Never-before seen photos of Mauser’s first nitro rifle

OUR NATIONAL BOK

Gregor Woods

BAIKAL DOUBLE .45-70

André Grobler

KAMANJAB BERGSEBRA

Francois Jacobs

Graceful gazelle with an amazing past Rough-and-ready big-bore brush-buster Kaokoland se rateltaai streep-donkies

THE METRIC AND THE IMPERIAL

Honouring fond acquaintances of old

CASE CARE

Metal fatigue: the hidden foe

Ian Myburgh Francois van Emmenes

HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES 2020 Book early for the coming season

Subscribe to our Digital Edition, go to www.manmagnum.com

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Trail Talk

by ANDRÉ GROBLER

A Season for Everything IN MY HOME province, the hunting season opens at the start of April. For the past couple of months, the devastating drought laying waste to large parts of the country has been on every hunter’s mind. At the time of writing this, I spoke to a nephew in Douglas, where many game farmers are being inundated with enquiries by outfitters and hunters regarding the availability of game species for clients and friends.

It made me think.

Although I have seen online pictures and short videos taken by truck drivers and motorists, showing weak kudu lying in dirt roads, and by farmers showing exhausted animals on porches during 2019, these images did not really hit home. Maybe the regular news of the ongoing drought in many parts of the country has inured me to the point where the cumulative impact has been lost on me. In an informationoverloaded society, it seems that real news travels slowly.

The gravity of the situation finally struck me when attending my niece’s wedding in late November 2019. A family friend, farming just south of Bray in the Molopo, told of warthog running up to their house in search of food and water – showing no fear of humans. During the discussion, it came up that there was ‘not a single leaf in sight’ for many a hectare, and that farmers putting out lucerne bales

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to feed core herds of cattle, had game animals feeding among the cattle as if themselves domesticated. I have hunted warthog and kudu on the farm next door to where the warthog run up to the house. The land, 30km south of Bray on the way to Tosca, belonged to my brother-in-law, and the family hunted there every winter holiday for many years. Kudu and warthog were always plentiful, though in that dense habitat, I had to work hard each season for every kilogram of meat. Not long after I began hunting, coming from the open spaces of the Free State, I got lost in the thick bush during one such outing. Now, it was heartbreaking to hear of this struggle in the area that provided many of my hunting memories.

At the time, it was reported that the situation in the Northern Cape’s northern and eastern regions was dire. The farming body, AgriSA, estimated that 20 million hectares were severely affected by the ongoing drought. Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) reported that the province has lost an estimated two-thirds of its game over the last three years.

I am relieved to hear that towards the end of February, many of these dry regions received rain. The national rainfall forecast for early- to midautumn (March-April-May) indicates probabilities of below-normal rainfall over most of the country but higher than normal temperatures. The South African Weather Service’s drought monitor shows that rainfall during January 2020 was normal to above average in most parts of the country. It is my sincere hope that reports of ‘normal and above-normal’ rainfall continue.

Nature has a fantastic ability to restore itself in quick time and for farmers like those in the southern Free State where rain was also desperately needed, the prospects for the winter now look better. Towards the end of February, I

enquired after the health of a farmer friend who, earlier, had been seriously worried about the weather, and found him in high spirits. He was also almost fully booked for the hunting season.

I hope that by now, most hunters have decided what and where they will hunt this season. I phoned two of my regular hunting spots in the Free State and game prices for biltong hunters are reasonable. In some instances, prices were very similar to last year’s. Blue wildebeest are available for R4 000 to R5 000, red hartebeest for R4 500 and R3 500, and gemsbuck at R5 000. I mostly hunt for the pot and I’m always looking for wildebeest-size animals.

Farmers who sell game by carcass weight are charging between R35/kg and R45/kg. For places to hunt this season, turn to our 2020 Hunting Opportunities on page 64; some good deals are available. Out of interest, I looked up the April 2000 edition’s Hunting Opportunities; gemsbuck were selling at R2 900, springbuck was R12/kg, kudu cows for R1650 and hartebeest cows for R 1400. Those were the days.

Remember, you cannot really put a price on the experience of the hunt – spending a few days in the outdoors, getting some exercise and sitting beside an open fire. If you maintain good manners, you will make friends for life and be welcome to return every season. The memories and the biltong can be savoured long after the money is spent. When booking, try to get all the prices, terms and conditions in writing; book early, hunt ethically and respect the landowner, his property and the animals.

Lastly, HuntEx 2020, South Africa’s most prominent annual hunting and firearms expo, is just around the corner. The event this year seems to hold some surprises that would make a visit worthwhile. Magnum will again have a stand, this time in Hall 5. We look forward to meeting you there.

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Consider This...

by CHRIS PARGETER

Stranger than Fiction TH

STOR S a ost unbelievable ave t d to tell it for fear s will as fiction.

966, year-old in the old sia, h ft England a year to fu oyhood dream of oming a hun nd game warden, I h. I was posted to e Bulawayo; it was hardly the wilderness I longed for, being farming and tribal trust lands, but a step in the right direction. I had a lot to learn about that beautiful country and about hunting and rifles. The district had a fair population of various antelope species and multiple terrain types.

I purchased a standard Mauser ’98 in 9x57mm. This gave root to a love for German calibres that eventually led to my owning a 10.75mm for buffalo control work. The Mauser proved an excellent bush rifle, hard-hitting with the ability to plough through the odd leaf or twig when the going got tough. With it I shot kudu, bushbuck, reedbuck, duiker, steenbuck and the odd impala.

I was soon sent to Fort Rixon, the

10 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

next police district. The area had similar terrain and was home to the same antelope species plus leopard, hyena and tsessebe. However, due to the cost a n d i n t e r m i t t e n t a va i l a b i l i t y o f 9x57mm ammo, I now used my .303 most of the time, and in a fit of utter stupidity sold the 9x57.

In 1978, an old friend invited me to hunt in the Grahamstown district of the Eastern Cape. Eight hunters congregated at an old farmhouse for instructions. While I listened to Derek lay out the rules and describe the boundaries, I allowed my eyes to roam in appreciation of the other men’s rifles. One looked familiar. When Derek had finished, I walked over to the man with the familiar-looking rifle and asked him if I could examine it, explaining the possibility of it having once been mine.

I wish I could say there was a nick on the stock or blemish on the action to distinguish it, but there wasn’t. However, the serial number, which almost matched my police force number, 727710, was the clincher. It was my old friend, twelve years and two thousand kilometres later!

The man had purchased it two years earlier from a gun shop in East London, and had no idea of its history.

It was like bumping into an old friend in a pub. The rifle looked well cared-for and it felt good to handle it again. But no, he did not want to sell it. On that hunt I used a scoped Parker Hale .303 and bagged a reedbuck; the 9x57 man was unlucky, and my faithful old friend never got an opportunity to demonstrate its dependability.

Much later, I moved to Zululand and, in 2002, was on a group hunt in the Babanango district. I now had a beautiful English .303 Army & Navy. A mixed bag of rifles attended the hunt, one a Mauser ’98, and I smiled at its resemblance to my old 9mm.

After being briefed we

moved off in pairs and I ended up with Terry, the Mauser ’98 man.

It was a beautiful farm with sweeping valleys, thick acacias and steep, rugged hills that could really be called small mountains. We had the east side of the biggest hill. I had been drawn to the Mauser but did not want to appear over eager to handle another man’s rifle, so I let it be. After a pleasant walk but no sighting of game, we rested next to a massive granite boulder. Terry leant his rifle against the boulder and I walked over to it. Asking permission to handle it, I told him the story of my roaming rifle. He consented, so I immediately checked the serial number.

Believe it or not, it was ‘my’ rifle!

“Sorry Chris, it’s not for sale. I love it.”

Terry had bought it the previous year from a gun shop in Durban. Like me, he had a thing for Mausers and German calibres.

Once again, the rifle had travelled, this time over 700 kilometres, and miraculously, we had met up again.

Terry suggested, “How about us swopping rifles for the hunt?” Entirely overcome by his generosity, I gladly held on to the Mauser. He picked up my .303 and I waved him through to continue with our hunt. It would be a lovely end to the story by saying I bagged a beautiful kudu with my beloved rifle, but that didn’t happen. We flushed a reedbuck and two grey duikers but we were after kudu, nothing else. At times the going was a bit tight, so I let Terry walk ahead. As a valley suddenly opened up, we hesitated. Two kudu bulls were standing half-in, half-out of the fringe bush at the far end, about 80m away. They had not seen us. Terry looked at me; he was in a better position to shoot, so I nodded. The bull’s horns measured 51ꞌꞌ.

I have since lost contact with Terry but have no doubt that the 9mm is safe and well-loved. Maybe I will get to meet it again one day.

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3 1993 the Tu ed th gard l e poly 28 pis Magn the MC 9S, a

RSAN started making firearms city of Giresan. They estabame with the Yavuz 16 and the f pistols and, in 2014, entered striker-fired market with the three models. ecently tested Girsan’s latest polymer offering, ingle-action, 15-shot 9mmP that works on the ystem. It is 191mm long, 135mm high and arrel length is 108mm, and without the magazine it weighs 700g.

Breech locking occurs when the barrel hood moves up into, and bears against, the front of the ejection port. On firing, the slide and barrel recoil together for a short distance until a cam on the underside of the barrel moves onto a shaft in the frame, drawing the barrel down to unlock it from the slide, which continues rearward to extract and eject the case.

The single recoil spring on a metal guide-rod pushes the slide forward, which scoops a cartridge from the magazine, raises the barrel and locks up with it on chambering the round.

The side-walls of the steel slide are grooved front and rear, and angled inwards in front to facilitate snag-free holstering.

The slide is 27mm wide with a large ejection port and sizeable extractor. Slide-to-frame tolerances are close – free play is minimal. The slide runs on four rails integral to a steel chassis within the polymer frame. The three-dot sight system is dovetailed into the slide, with a sight radius of 165mm. The rear sight’s notch is wide enough for fast and clear reference to the front blade.

1: The pistol is well balanced with a low bore axis that helped keep muzzle jump to a minimum.

2: The medium grip insert fitted my hand well. The grip and insert texture are rough but not uncomfortable. The flat magazine release button is excellent for concealed carry in a holster.

3: The magazine well is slightly bevelled on the front and sides which helped guide a loaded magazine smoothly and quickly into the grip.

4: The cocked striker protrudes from a recess in the centre of the rear of the slide, visible by the red dot at the end. The three-dot sight system is also visible. Aftermarket sights were not available at the time of writing the article.

THERE ARE SEVERAL safety features: an ambidextrous safety lever which locks the trigger, a firing-pin block, trigger-safety, loaded chamber indicator hole and a red cocking indicator at the back of the slide. The trigger’s polymer blade-safety is 8mm wide.

Trigger-pull was a constant 6.5lb and like most striker-fired pistols, the trigger has quite lengthy take-up before it breaks sharply with increasing pressure. The short reset can be felt but not heard.

The MC 9S has an ambidextrous slide release button. The disassembly lever is on the left side of the frame. The controls are all low-profile buttons, grooved for secure contact. The reversible magazine

4

5: The ejection port is huge. The slide and sights have no sharp edges.

5 ManMAGNUM | 13

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6

8

9 6. This grroup was shot against th he clock with a full magazine o of 15 rounds.

7. The magazine with the extensiion afforded a full grip but slowed down my magazine change time.

8. Three shots against the clock to a ste eel plate at 25m.

9. Note the standard Picatinny rail, squared trig gger guard and ambidextrous manual safety and slide release b buttons.

10. The MC 9S comes in a plastic case with two m magazines, two additional grip inserts, cleaning ning bru brushes, h oil bottle, magazine loader and manual. ma

release button is flat, square and finely grooved â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ideal for snag-free concealed carry.

The frame has a Picatinny rail and the broad trigger-guard is squared and grooved for a supporting finger-hold. The grip has textured front and sides for a secure purchase, even with wet hands. Interchangeable back-straps are supplied in three sizes, also textured for grip. The front strap is slightly flared at the bottom to support your pinkie and protect it during fast mag changes which are facilitated by a bevelled magazine well.

The Girsan comes with two Italian-made, steel, doublecolumn Mec-Gar magazines. One has a grip extension and 15 witness-holes at the back; the other has only three witness-holes on the right-hand side at the 5th, 10th and 15th rounds. The magazine floorplates and followers are polymer. I found it easy to load 15 rounds in each.

To disassemble the pistol, make it safe then draw the slide fully 10 back and push the slide release button up. Turn the takedown lever clockwise into the upright position. Push the slide stop lever down then carefully move the slide forward while simultaneously pulling the trigger until the slide is drawn off the front of the frame. Remove the recoil

14 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

spring and barrel from the slide. Re-assemble in reverse order.

For the range session, I took Sellier & Bellot FMJ 115gr, PMP JHP 115gr and CCI JHP 115gr, plus reloads with Bullet Corp coated RN 124gr and Frontier RN CMJ 124gr bullets.

I fitted the medium back-strap, rendering the MC 9S comfortable and well-balanced in my hand, with all the controls within easy reach when shooting with one hand only. When applying a two-hand hold on striker-fired polymer pistols, I have an unfortunate habit of riding my thumb on the slide release button, which has taught me to count my shots.

THE STANDARD MAGAZINE dropped freely whether empty or charged. With the extended mag, the bottom of my hand pressed against the extension; this held the magazine in place, forcing me to shift my grip to allow it to fall free. A friend with medium-sized hands, and another with smaller hands, experienced the same problem. I suggest carrying the pistol with the shorter magazine, reserving the extended mag for backup.

I did a double-tap exercise at 7m, placing two controlled shots in the A-zone of an IPSC target as rapidly as possible.

When drawing, I got an excellent first-time grip on the pistol, with fast target acquisition. Then I did a failure-tostop drill from concealment, which entails putting two shots in the central A-zone and one to the headâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A-zone as rapidly as possible.

11

12

13

11. Using the finger rest at the front of the trigger guard.

12. With a proper two-handed grip the sight picture was immediately available for a follow-up shot.

13. The pistol was easily accessible for a good first-time grip in this old Bianchi holster.

I followed this with an emergency clearance drill, against the clock, including a magazine change, having loaded a dummy round in each magazine to cause stoppages. Here I lost time through having to shift my grip when it impeded the fall of the extended magazine. When clearing the stoppages, I initially used my left thumb and forefinger in a ‘slingshot’ grip to rack the slide, but my thumb became too sensitive. I found that the stronger, overhand push-method afforded a better grip on the slide without my little finger obstructing the ejection port.

During a later session, a fellow shooter and I did several grouping exercises at 7m, 10m and 15m, employing twohanded as well as strong- and weak-hand-only holds. The Girsan proved accurate with the various factory loads and reloads, and my fellow shooter was as impressed as I. All cases were ejected unmarked, landing 2.5m away in the 3-o’clock position.

THE GIRSAN MC 9S retails for R7 800 and is well worth considering for everyday concealed carry, sport shooting and security work. We thank Dave Sheer of Johannesburg for providing the test pistol. Contact them at 011-440-0345.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 15

Our house was on the banks of the majestic Sabi River - now called the Save River.

A Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rite of Passage ... during a bygone era

by KEVIN THOMAS

Many pools in the vicinity contained hippos which were left in peace unless they plundered crops.

16 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

Local Ndau tribesmen and boys would often abandon their fishing efforts and tag along on my hunts.

Within two years of receiving the Diana, I had worn it out, and my dad bought me a .22 calibre Falke Model 90, a superb German-made air rifle which launched its big pellets at around 490fps. I was nine years old and in seventh heaven

MY GENERATION GREW up handling guns and hunting game. I first became familiar with guns and the smell of gun oil around 1957. On my 7th birthday I received my first gun, a .177 Diana Model 1 airgun. It was a break-barrel with a blue tinplate action and a wooden stock. Eventually, as the gun became worn from use, you could watch the pellet in flight.

At the time, we had a dairy farm on the eastern border of British Colonial Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), where I was born. The Diana constituted my introduction to gun safety and to going out shooting on my own. My dad periodically hunted for the larder, kudu being the venison of choice. He had a WWII era Oberndorf Mauser in 7x57, but I wasn’t allowed to handle it unless he was cleaning it.

Like many farm-dwelling white kids of that time, I had a ‘minder’. He was the son of one of our farm labourers and a few years older than me.

His family were of the Ndau tribe, a sub-grouping of the Shona people and his name was Makandende. He thought the Diana capable of dropping a duiker or even a bushbuck. Once, when we were walking to a field where my dad was working, we disturbed a magnificent bushbuck ram. It stood majestically, staring at us in the early morning mist, before giving a throaty warning bark and fleeing. I took a quick plink at it with my trusty Diana and Makandende actually disappeared into the bush to search for blood! When he returned, he looked at me and mockingly remarked, “Wa posa” (You missed).

Within two years of receiving the Diana, I had worn it out, and my dad bought me a .22 calibre Falke Model 90, a superb German-made air rifle which launched its big pellets at around 490fps. I was nine years old and in seventh heaven. My father insisted that I was not to shoot anything I couldn’t eat. To test him, I shot an egret – he made me cook and eat it. I didn’t test him again. Doves and green pigeons were my most sought-after prey, though the Falke also proved adequate on spurfowl.

WITH MY TRIBAL friends tagging along, I’d endeavour to collect about ten doves before we made a fire and prepared a birds-only feast, cooking the plucked and gutted carcasses on skewers angled over the flames. We even had coarse salt, carried loosely in my one trouser pocket.

Here I was 12 years old with my 12ga side-byside and young Labrador, Shandy.

LEFT: Our second son, Keith, as a 10-year-old with his first springbuck taken with a .270 in the Ciskei during the mid1980s.

Come evening, I sat on our lounge carpet in the light of a hissing Tilley lamp and lovingly oiled the air rifle. Interestingly, Falke are said to have made only about 400 of the Model 90 – to this day I wish I had kept mine.

By the age of 12 I had two rifles: the constantly-used Falke, and a hand-me-down Remington .22 LR, known throughout southern Africa as a ‘two-two’. The Remington had belonged to my grandfather, who’d then passed it down to my father. It was never really given to me; I just sort of took it over. Hard use had removed all its blued finish. It had a six-shot magazine and despite its age, it was highly accurate.

At the end of each school term my dad would buy me 250 rounds of Eley-Kynoch hollow-point for the Remington and a box of 500 Marksman pellets for the Falke. By the time I

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 17

For my 12th birthday my folks gave me a Belgian-made Alro 12ga side-by-side shotgun – a non-ejector with double triggers TOP: Kudu in the lush bush.

ABOVE: An impala taken by me as a youngster.

returned to boarding school at the end of the holidays, there weren’t many rounds of either type remaining. In those days, buying guns in Rhodesia was easy. In Chipinga, a small village close to where we farmed, the gun shop and liquor store were one and the same. Guns and ammunition were on the left, and alcohol on the right. Try finding such a shop anywhere today!

VERVET MONKEYS CONSTANTLY plundered my mum’s vegetable garden; consequently I shot a lot of them with that .22 rim-fire. In those times vervet monkeys were classed as ‘vermin’. Later, as wildlife conservationists became more enlightened, crop-raiding animals were reclassified as ‘problem animals’, irrespective of species.

18 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

In our region, most fathers chose the impala as the species whereby they introduced their sons to serious hunting.

For my 12th birthday my folks gave me a Belgian-made Alro 12ga side-by-side shotgun – a non-ejector with double triggers and 28ꞌꞌ barrels. By then we had relocated from the Chipinga farm to the embryonic Chibuwe Irrigation Scheme in the Sabi Valley. It was wild and remote, an absolute Eden for a young boy who loved hunting. The shotgun added a new dimension to my hunting forays, as Chibuwe and surrounds had numerous huge natural pans which attracted various waterfowl species in their hundreds. A .22 bullet sent through the reed-beds saw clouds of wild ducks and geese suddenly lift off, blackening the sky, at which point the shotgun took over.

Late one afternoon, just as the light was fading, I shot an African wildcat in a dense riverine thicket. I held back my excited yellow Labrador, Shandy, while a tribal youngster

belly-crawled into the thicket to retrieve the dead cat. We then skinned it, made a fire and barbequed the hindquarters. Shandy ate most of it and, after experiencing the taste, I never tried cat again. I was also chastened by my father for shooting a species that did a lot of good.

Hippo frequently plundered tribal crops, as did marauding elephant. Whenever this happened, Tom Orford, the government game ranger living upriver of the irrigation scheme, would arrive to deal with the problem. Throughout his lengthy Game Department service, Orford used a .505 Gibbs and it was he who encouraged me to pursue my post-school career, initially as a game ranger, and then after political changes in the country, as a PH. In time, I longed to shoot something bigger.

Impala were well represented in the surrounding mopane woodland and were the usual quarry on which Rhodesian youths cut their hunting teeth. Geographical location has a lot to do with the particular species a youngster gets to shoot when learning to hunt. Across southern Africa’s varying terrain, the choice is usually one of impala, warthog, springbuck, mountain reedbuck, common reedbuck or blesbuck. In Zimbabwe, it was mainly impala and warthog. My opportunity to grass an impala eventually came and I heart-shot it with a borrowed .22 Hornet. The 45-grain factory load at about 2 650fps ensured a clean kill.

My dad was intolerant of crocodiles and shot a number of them using his 7x57mm Mauser.

terrible, ongoing cycle of death and destruction that makes me want to weep in frustration.

As I grow older, I appreciate more just how privileged I was to have seen the tail-end of the old Africa. My hope too, is that the sport hunter of today never takes for granted what is indeed a very special privilege – to be able to hunt well-managed game on a sustainable basis.

SOON AFTER BECOMING a cadet game ranger in 1968, I bought my first .22 Hornet and over the next forty-six years I always owned one, and used it to cull hundreds of impala, warthog, mountain reedbuck and springbuck.

Thinking back to my boyhood, it must have been quite a comical sight to see me and my entourage of followers heading out hunting. Aside from my regular ‘bearers’ (who shared my sandwiches), there were always lots of ‘hangers on’.

Quite simply, as we moved along the Sabi riverbed hunting birds and monkeys with the Falke 90, the .22 rimfire and the 12ga, young boys and men would stop fishing the pools and backwaters and tag along with us. Protein of any sort is highly valued in remote rural Africa.

My own sons were blessed with a similar boyhood in a place called Ciskei. Our home was also rural, relatively remote and surrounded by plenty of wildlife, though it was during the new era of game ranching and high game fences.

As a father, I’m truly thankful for the boyhood they had.

Sadly, Africa is rapidly changing. Ever-more frequently now, we read or watch news reports of elephant in Zimbabwe and Mozambique being poisoned by poachers using cyanide – at times, entire cowherds. Cyanide is an organo-phosphate and doesn’t break down. A while back, eighty-four endangered white-backed vultures and a few other vulture species were found dead alongside a cyanide poisoned elephant carcass in Mozambique. Any animal that feeds on it will die – a

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 19

Defensive Handgun Tips

by PHILLIP HAYES

Practise with dummies I’VE BEEN CARRYING my trusty old CZ75 Compact pistol on my right hip for decades, and through the years, fired thousands of rounds. However, for the past six years, I have fired only a few shots every couple of months to ensure that I keep my basic handgun skills up to scratch – or so I thought.

Recently I realised with a shock that these pitiful efforts of emptying a magazine every once in a while were totally inadequate to prepare or keep me in shape for any handgun use, sport or self-defence.

Yes, I’m on the range almost every week, handling firearms and shooting, but recently putting myself to the test

with some emergency drills with the help of a friend acting as range officer and using a timer to add a bit of pressure, left me embarrassed at my now non-existent handgun skills.

As I explained in Trail Talk, March 2020, the first problem to arise was that, in casually emptying a mag or two at informal targets, I’d never really noticed how far sightedness had affected my shooting ability. Yes, I was aware I needed glasses for reading, but now for the first time it became abundantly clear that I cannot focus on my front sight.

Secondly, I ‘suddenly’ have a severe case of trigger jerking when firing a

string of shots against time, sending some of my shots low. Adding a dummy round to the magazine (I did not know which of the ten rounds it was) illustrated this clearly with the barrel moving sharply downward on pulling the trigger on the dummy round.

Thirdly, my emergency drills were hopelessly rusty. Loading a dummy round to simulate a dud in among the live ammo in my magazines forced me to perform the tap, rack, assess, engage drill to clear the stoppage. My initial immediate action drills can only be described as those of a novice. Adding a mag change to the drill made things even worse. The exercise ended with me fumbling around as though I had ten thumbs, trying to catch the ejected magazine with my weak hand to prevent it hitting the ground and losing precious time mid-exercise trying to recall the next steps of the drill.

THE FIRST PROBLEM mentioned cannot be solved by practice at the range, so I will not discuss it. However, for problems two and three there are easy fixes.

To smooth out my trigger pull I reverted to a simple drill: load a magazine with five or more rounds, insert the loaded mag in the pistol, chamber a round and then remove the mag. You then draw the pistol from your holster

20 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

a n d f i r e t w o r o u nd s a t a t a r g e t between five and ten metres away. Of course only the first shot will go off, but dry firing that second shot immediately after the first (working against time) will reveal trigger pull problems.

Three range sessions and about 50 rounds later my trigger control is much improved. Of course dry firing alone also helps, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found that the dry firing after firing a live round had me furious with myself more often as the live round gave rise to trigger jerking the second shot, more than dry firing only. Doing this exercise each time you visit the range, even if only using five rounds, will improve trigger pull. It has the added benefit of improving muscle memory for reloading.

TO WORK ON my tap-rack drill, I load six rounds in each of two magazines, among which is one dummy round in both magazines. The dummy can be loaded anywhere in the mag, preferably

Using the MantisX firearms training system revealed trigger control problems.

not first or last. To ensure that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the sequence in which the dummies are loaded, you can get a friend to load the mags, but I do it myself. After loading, I spin them around behind my back and then push them randomly into the mag holders on my left hip. I pick a magazine, load and holster the pistol. I set a timer on 20 seconds, at the buzzer I pull the pistol

and fire six rounds (dummy included) at a target, clearing the stoppage when it occurs, change magazines and fire the rest of the shots, again clearing each stoppage as it occurs.

After three range sessions spent practising this, I can now comfortably perform the drill in about 14 seconds while keeping all ten shots in the targetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A-zone. Of course the aim is to further improve my time.

Both these drills are easy to master and ideal to get the basics of handgun shooting under control.

Lastly, not being able to buy dummy rounds at my local retailer I decided to make my own. I loaded two rounds exactly the same as the others, but without primers or powder. I sprayed them white with a quick-dry spraypaint, but any colour that makes your dummies stand out from the live rounds will do. I use the spray-paint sparingly and clean and respray after about every third range session.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 21

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Test Report

Evolution Eyewear for Shooters EVOLUTION EYEWEAR APPEARED on the market in 2007 and the company now offers various models of sunglasses, safety and s h o o t i n g e y e w e a r.

Magnum recently tested Evolution’s Switch 4 eyewear.

The unisex style Switch 4 package comes with four interchangeable one-piece lens sets (spanning both eyes) in grey, yellow, orange and purple. Being polycarbonate, the lenses are impactresistant, shatterproof and comply with the EN166 European standard for protective eyewear, carrying a class 1 rating, meaning suitable for continuous use.

The lenses have a high UV protection rating (UV400) and are rimless, offering unobscured vision. They are lightweight, with scratch-resistant coatings that help repel water, oil and dust and limit fingerprint smudges.

Evolution states that the smokycoloured (including grey) lenses reduce all light equally and are best for general wear in bright light and sunny conditions. The package we received had smoky-coloured lenses with a blue hue, and amber-coloured lenses giving your surroundings a ‘warm’ appearance and also increasing contrast – objects appear in sharper focus – which are suitable for most weather and light conditions. The yellow lenses enhance light, provide high colour-contrast and are ideal for low light, low visibility and cloudy conditions. The purple lenses are excellent for all-round use, dulling the brightness of objects and increasing contrast.

THE NOSE PADS are of soft, nonslip rubber and fasten onto a hard-plastic clip attached to the ‘bridge’ of the one-piece lens set. The arms are attached by means of ‘temple tips’ which fit onto the sides of

by ANDRÉ GROBLER the lens-set, and are of lightweight, durable plastic with a textured soft rubber strip making skin contact behind the ears.

THE LENS CASE includes a printed diagram showing how to switch lenses in two easy steps. To disassemble, hold the lens-set and pull off the temple tips by gently tugging them downwards.

Insert the sides of the chosen lens-set into the small slots in the front of the respective temple tips; apply light upward pressure and the two parts snap together. An audible ‘click’ confirms they’re in place. Likewise with the nose piece – a ‘click’ affirms that it is securely attached to the bridge section of the new lens-set.

I wore the smoke-coloured lenses as everyday sunglasses for a couple of

months. They were comfortable even when worn for long periods, and gave no discomfort when worn with electronic earmuffs during some lengthy shooting range sessions. The fit was snug enough not to shift even when I fired rifles of significant recoil.

Used in conjunction with scopes, the lenses showed no distortions towards the edges when I turned my head, nor did they hinder my vision even when shooting at distances up to 500m. The lenses fitted the contour of my face well and wrapped far enough around the sides of my orbital bones to give adequate protection.

On the range, I mostly used the yellow and amber lenses. The yellow lenses would be helpful at indoor shooting ranges for their light-enhancing ability.

Obviously, no lenses can be smudge free, but water ran off them leaving no marks. A single shake got rid of smallish drops leaving the lens blemish-free during a rainy day on the range.

THE FOUR LENSES come in a hard carry case with a sponge recess for each individual lens, a soft pouch, cleaning cloth and an assembly pamphlet. Evolution also has an option to accommodate prescription lenses with protective eyewear.

Quality eyewear is something every shooter should take seriously.

E vo l u t i o n s h o o t i n g e ye w e a r i s purpose-made and is to be recommended.

I have seen the Switch 4 package advertised online in South Africa from about R700. For a retailer near you contact Nati onal Cartridge Company at 065964-9161 or email pta@ suburbanguns.co.za.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 25

ABOVE: The warthog lies where it fell to a neck shot.

ABOVE RIGHT: Author loading a muzzle-loader while Sakkie looks on with interest.

BELOW: Sakkie prepares to fire at a warthog on the distant open ground.

Sakkie: A Hunter’s Story

by ROBIN BARKES

Steps in a journey of triumph over tragedy

TH w

S THE ream was cu t shatt Sakk me for . Sakk Western Cape

of Sakkie, a man a professional a single gunft leg.

Neil Pretorius excursion into from a town in had ridden all on his motorld me how his friend had lost a leg in a hunting accident through no fault of his own, and now had an artificial leg. The traumatic incident had occurred four years earlier and caused Sakkie to lose all interest in hunting, the outdoors, and anything to do with firearms. But now a flicker of the old flame was beginning to flare once more and Neil wanted to get his friend back into the bush and hunting again. I felt honoured to be a part of this endeavour.

We headed north in the Land Cruiser, our destination the foothills of the distant Zuurberg Mountains, a leisurely trip of about an hour and a half.

Our accommodation would not be the 5-star lodge used by the overseas clients of Tootabi Hunting Safaris, but a large shipping container converted into

a comfortable three-roomed cottage.

Owner/outfitter Loodt Buchner kindly allowed us to sleep here and hunt a warthog or two.

The three of us were itching to get into the bush, so our gear was soon unpacked and the rifles made ready.

Since our primary objective was for Sakkie to shoot a warthog, he would use Neil’s .270. My intention had been to use a .50 calibre muzzle-loader but, due to ominous black clouds and a light drizzle, the conditions were not favourable for hunting with black powder; I decided to carry only my camera. I was pleased to see Neil sling his .458 Lott over his shoulder because we would be wandering around in buffalo country.

With Neil leading, we walked across the open hilltop then began a slow descent into the huge valley. Sakkie brought up the rear and I watched with interest how he coped with the broken

A happy Sakkie with the first animal he’s bagged in four years.

ground. He did just fine – in fact, better than I was doing; my 80-year-old eyes struggled to find good footing.

Heading down the slope, we hugged the bush line with the grasslands on our left. Every so often we paused to examine an open patch through a gap in the bush. We had a few moments of excitement when we spotted a warthog but the encounter was brief and in seconds the hog was gone. And so it went for a few kilometres; walk, stop, look, then walk again.

Sakkie brought up the rear and I watched with interest how he coped with the broken ground. He did just fine – in fact, better than I was doing

WHILE THE TWO rifleme n w e r e u p a h e a d scanning the bush, I looked across the open plain hoping to spot the animals usually found there. On previous hunts in the area, I had seen springbuck, blesbuck, impala, blue and black wildebeest, and zebra. But now, due to the long drought, the grassland was fast becoming a dustbowl and there wasn’t an animal to be seen.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 27

Sakkie fires his first ever shot with a muzzle-loader.

After a while we were nearing the valley floor when suddenly I noticed that Neil and Sakkie had stopped to glass a distant corner of the parched plain and that Neil had set up the shooting sticks.

I hurried over and made ready my camera as Sakkie rested the .270 on the sticks and took aim. I couldn’t see anything out there, but the blast of the shot was followed by the distant thwuk of a bullet hitting flesh and bone. Seconds later, with a loud cheer, Neil confirmed the successful hit and threw his arms around his friend to congratulate him.

WHEN THEY POINTED out where the warthog lay, I gasped in amazement because it looked half-amile away. Using his binoculars with a built-in r a n g e - f i n d e r, N e i l announced that the distance was only 173 yards – an excellent shot. I grumbled to myself, “I’m too darn old for this longrange stuff; better stick to m u z z l e - l o a d e r ra n g e s where I can count the animal’s eyelashes.”

Leaving Sakkie and me at the spot, Neil set off on

the long walk back to the cabin to fetch the truck. While we waited, I again applauded Sakkie for his good shooting, especially considering it was the first time he had fired a rifle in four years.

“Well, that’s not strictly true,” he replied. He explained that in the area where he lives, there has been an explosion in the rock pigeon population, and these birds had formed a habit of resting and messing on the roof of his home, when not feeding in the sur-

rounding wheat fields. So Sakkie had bought an air rifle and kept his eye in by sniping at the pesky birds. “Heck,” he said, “I must have shot about eighty of the blighters.”

Eventually we heard the growl of the truck coming across the veld. Neil picked us up and we headed for the downed warthog. It was a young sow, neatly shot through the neck with no damage to the best-eating parts. Neil swiftly gutted the carcass and, after loading it, we headed back to camp where we hung it in the shade of a tree with a stick holding open the cavity to allow the mountain breeze to cool it down.

With a few hours of daylight left, we headed for the steep hills that rose up to become the Zuurberg Mountains. Neil figured there could be no better way of boosting Sakkie’s spirits than to let him have the pleasure of seeing wild animals in the bush again. As we travelled slowly along the rough road that ran through the jungle-like bush, Neil pointed out The hunting vehicle makes its way through the thick East Cape bush. places where visiting for-

28 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

eign hunters had shot various animals, including buffalo.

During our ramble, Neil showed Sakkie deep cuttings in the earth at different places. Some years back, during my first venture into the area, these strange cuttings had mystified me – some had been laboriously dug out but others were blasted through solid rock.

The mystery was solved when I learned that the cuttings originally held the rails of the very first train line from Port Elizabeth into the interior. It must have been a wonderful trip through that wild and beautiful countryside.

WE SOON BEGAN spotting animals on the bush-covered slopes surrounding the track. It was strange seeing antelope like gemsbuck in the thick bush but, lack of feed on the droughtstricken plains had such species seeking nourishment in the bush. On one small open hilltop we saw the unusual sight of kudu, impala, bushbuck and a troop of baboons all looking down on us. Later, when we crossed a more open area, we saw herds of blue and black wil-

debeest, red hartebeest and blesbuck all milling about together. Although the dams along the valley floor were all bone dry, the swampy ground between them held lush green grass which explained the absence of grazing animals on the dry plains.

Then at dusk, we were lucky enough to see a herd of buffalo – a perfect ending to our game viewing. Most importa n t l y, S a k k i e h a d enjoyed every moment.

It was dark by the time we arrived back at the cabin but a big camp-fire soon provided all the light we needed. It had been many months since I’d last sat around a hunting camp-fire, and years since Sakkie had done so. Needless to say, a passing squall of rain was not enough to dampen our spirits – though it ruined the cigar I had saved for the occasion.

The next day, in the early morning sun, we enjoyed coffee and rusks before I hauled out the muzzle-loader for Sakkie to have a few shots. He had

never seen an old-fashioned gun in action and looked on with interest as I went through the loading procedure with a light charge of powder for target shooting. I think everyone remembers their first shot with a muzzle-loader. I could see that Sakkie relished the moment, standing there in a cloud of white smoke and taking in the distinctive aroma of burnt gunpowder. His n e x t s h o t wa s e ve n more spectacular because, for realism, I used my full hunting load of 90 grains of powder in front of a heavy Maxi-ball. After that shot all the grinning shooter could say was, “Wow, that was terrific!”

I guess you could say that our short, but very enjoyable, interlude in the bush ended with a bang. I am sure the outing has helped Sakkie on his road back to enjoying the bush; the challenge of the chase; and to cherish once again all the things that make a man what he was born to be – a hunter.

Needless to say, a passing squall of rain was not enough to dampen our spirits – though it ruined the cigar I had saved for the occasion

The first train from Algoa Bay into the interior once puffed its way through this cutting.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 29

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empty once-fired cartridge cases from a production lot, then filling the cases to overflowing with water and weighing the water-filled cases. Working on the premise that 1cm 3 of water weighs approximately one gram at 40°C, the added weight of the water is then used to establish the liquid volume and in turn the case capacity. It is important to use cases from the same manufacturer and to measure a number of cases, say ten, from each production lot. When inputting that data into QL, you use the average case capacity.

This software clearly demonstrates how changing variables affect ballistic performance, and can predict the effect of variables such as ambient temperature (especially important when developing dangerous game loads for places like the Zambezi Valley), bulle t seating depth, and barrel l e n g t h . H o w e ve r, Q L i s merely a computer simulation; this portends certain limitations. When using any such program, it is the shooter’s responsibility to cross-reference the software’s predictions with load data supplied by the propellant manufacturer, and to employ caution when working up any load.

While I have been impressed by the accuracy of QL’s predictions, I strongly urge you to heed these warnings.

I cannot overemphasize the need to err on the side of caution and to make haste slowly with propellant increments – not only for safety’s sake, but because increased propellant weight does not necessarily translate into increased bullet performance

I ASKED QL to predict a suitable charge of MP200 to achieve velocities of 1 000fps, 1 100fps and 1 200fps using the above components. The variable here was the propellant; I also used S121, S221 and MS200. QL didn’t give me any options that would achieve even 1 100fps within safe working pressures. So, I got in touch with Peregrine’s ballistics expert, Adriaan Rall, who told me that the QL data was a couple of beats off for their SD bullets. He sent me his own data, which was 7.6gr of MP200. Peregrine’s excellent little reloading manual also had a 7.8gr charge, but I didn’t go that far. I started with the QL prediction of 6.9gr, keeping a close watch on pressure signs and felt recoil. Velocity was but one variable I sought; more important to me were accuracy, reliability, and an estimation of terminal performance.

When charting new reloading territory, I cannot over-emphasize the need to err on the side of caution and to make haste slowly with propellant increments – not only

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 31

FAR LEFT: Chris Pakenham setting up the LabRadar chronograph.

BELOW FAR LEFT: We developed loads in 9mm and also in .44 magnum.

BELOW: Peregrine’s monolithic bullets are well presented, and the bullets tipped the scale at exactly the stated weight.

for safety’s sake, but because increased propellant weight does not necessarily translate into increased bullet performance. This was a mistake a lot of wildcatters made with their so-called ‘improved’ loads in the days before everyone owned a chronograph. Some of their loads lived up to expectations but, quoting Field & Stream’s gun guru David Petzal, “In real life, most improved rounds produced piddling increases in velocity but huge increases in pressure.”

I assembled five rounds of each test load on a singlestage RCBS press, using the Hornady Lock-n-Load electronic

32 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

powder measure to provide a very accurate and consistent charge. A quick check confirmed that the bullet diameter was in fact .451, so all good to go.

I WANTED A reliable, accurate and manageable load. I used a LabRadar Doppler chronograph, which can track a projectile to record diminishing velocities up to 100 metres.

It records maximum and minimum velocities, and calculates averages, standard deviations and extreme spreads (see table).

At 20m, the 1 070fps load – pretty much the velocity I had decided on – shot into ‘minute of IDPA target A-zone’, which is exactly what they are intended to do

Higher velocity may give more impressive muzzle energy, but I wanted to test other factors, including the bullet’s reliability in feeding, its deformation with repeated chamberings, its accuracy, terminal performance and recoil recovery time.

Loading for a cartridge overall length of 1.250ꞌꞌ, which is well within the SAAMI maximum of 1.275ꞌꞌ, I experienced no problems with magazine fit or reliability in feeding (the SD ogive is very similar to that of an FMJ ball projectile). To check for deformation I chambered several rounds ten times each; these exhibited the expected markings on the bullets, but the SD’s petals were pretty much unaffected.

I have a 16-pound recoil spring in my 5ꞌꞌ-barrelled pistol; I expected my SD loads to bite some, but the recoil was not at all noteworthy. At 20m, the 1 070fps load – pretty much the velocity I had decided on – shot into ‘minute of IDPA target A-zone’, which is exactly what they are intended to do.

When the FBI assesses any cartridge, they test for penetration, velocity and accuracy. I had yet to test for penetration.

Many years ago, I was assisting the late Detective Superintendent Charlie Haley to do comparative terminal performance tests with various dangerous game bullets. Charlie was the commanding officer of Police Forensic Ballistics in Harare, and Don Heath of National Parks had asked him to evaluate several different bullets. Charlie came up with what he called the ‘elephant sandwich’, which consisted of numerous water-soaked telephone directories interspersed with the odd elephant femur and hip-bones. This proved quite effective for BULLET POWDER MP200 testing bullet penetration and expansion. At 170gr SD 6.9gr the time, I’d been read170gr SD 7.0gr ing anything I could find 170gr SD 7.1gr

by Dr Martin Fackler, who was the originator 170gr SD 7.2gr of modern ballistic gela170gr SD 7.3gr tin, which is probably as 170gr SD 7.4gr good as it gets for termi170gr SD 7.5gr nal performance tests.

170gr SD 7.6gr To my mind, wet tele-

ABOVE: Working up the test loads with varying powder charges.

RIGHT: Accuracy at 20m was more than good enough.

phone directories provide the same comparison potential: a bullet’s performance in a wet paper medium may differ from the same bullet’s performance in ballistic gelatin, but wet paper nevertheless provides a consistent medium for comparing the performance of different projectiles in the same medium. Besides, here in Zimbabwe, phone books were in plentiful supply, as no one uses landlines any more.

So, I took a heap of water-soaked phone books out to the range and let fly. My load penetrated 19cm into this medium, which I consider acceptable. The recovered bullets had expanded to 29mm and looked pretty much MUZZLE MUZZLE like those on PerVELOCITY ENERGY egrine’s website.

921fps

20ft.lbs

991fps

71ft.lbs

1 011fps

86ft.lbs

1 022fps

94ft.lbs

1 026fps

97ft.lbs

1 033fps

03ft.lbs

1 070fps

32ft.lbs

1 065fps

28ft.lbs

PEREGRINE’S SD BULLETS measured up to the company’s claims, and I had a lot of fun playing with all the latest toys like the LabRadar chronograph.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 33

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Test Report

Ledlenser MH11 Head Torch THE LEDLENSER MH11 head torch is this German company’s first Bluetooth enabled outdoor light that works in conjunction with a smartphone and the Ledlenser Connect App. The App extends the standard capabilities of the MH11 as a head torch in that it affords customized settings. You can operate the MH11 torch by using only its manual switch or with the App, which is available for Android and iPhone.

The torch weighs 179g and is 88mm wide out of its hard plastic cradle; the part which contacts your forehead is soft foam rubber. In the cradle, the beam can be adjusted through 120-degrees up or down. The cradle’s durable headband also has a strap going longitudinally over the top of your head. The adjustable elasticized bands attach to a broad plastic disc at the back of your head for a comfortable and secure fit.

The LED output is 1 000 lumens attaining a maximum range of 300m.

The rechargeable 18650 3.6V battery has a minimum burning life of four hours and a maximum of 100 hours, depending on use. The torch comes with a USB magnetic charger.

THE MH11 HAS three mode settings: App mode, white (light) mode, and RGB mode. You can switch modes by holding down the on/off switch at the top for varying durations.

White mode has four power settings: 750 lumens provides high output suitable for most outdoor situations; low power saves battery life and is suitable for reading and close working conditions; mid-power provides a medium output for general work. Mid-power mode also has an Optisense function whereby the torch automatically adapts to the existing light conditions and helps to counter glare. On Blink function it sends out light impulses at regular intervals and the Boost function emits 1 000 lumens for a short duration if needed. Rotating the milled ring on the lens housing adjusts the beam from a very wide field of view to very narrow reaching out to 300m.

by ANDRÉ GROBLER RGB mode uses the red, green and blue LEDs. Red works well for reading and provides a measure of night vision.

Green is suitable for low-light conditions such as fog. Blue is best for signalling.

Connected via Bluetooth, the App mode’s main menu shows the four primary functions: direct control, timer,

intervals and switch profiles. With direct control, you can set the brightness of the white beam to three energy-saving levels, and it gives you access to the red, green or blue LEDs. Also, the Blink and Optisense functions can be used or disabled. Settings used in direct control cannot be saved.

Using the timer function, the torch can be set to turn on (for 20 minutes at 150 lumens) at a specific time or be turned off, within a 24-hour cycle. The intervals function sets the torch to blink at particular intervals, while in use, such as every ten minutes as a timer.

The App’s real benefit is in the switch profiles setting which enables you to personalise the torch’s function, programming it for specific light needs. Eight profiles can be saved for

different scenarios using all the torch’s abilities. For example, you can set a profile for hiking or general camp use.

After a profile has been created it is sent to the torch. The phone can then be put away as the torch is programmed to the pre-defined profile settings. There is an S.O.S. function which can only be activated through the App. This sends a distress signal in Morse code (3x short, 3x long, 3x short).

The MH11 has an IPX4 water classification (resistant to water splashes from any direction) and an IP5X dust rating (the inside is protected from dust). It can be hand-held as a torch. I used it at the coast for a couple of weeks. On full flood setting, the white light was bright enough to light up the whole backyard for everyone to see clearly during a braai.

With the focused beam on Boost I could see people moving in the shadow of a dune on the beach at 250m. I used it to walk along narrow footpaths between the dunes and the coastal bush – it was like being in sunshine.

THE UNIT’S MANY App functions were almost daunting and I used the supplied Quick User Guide extensively. I then lost the User Guide, but fortunately it is available on Ledlenser’s website. At a recommended retail price of R2 500, the company’s flagship outdoor head torch is not cheap, but it is an excellent package for all night-work, hunting, fishing and camping. In South Africa, this torch has a two-year warranty if not registered online. If registered online, with a unique code, the warranty is for seven years. For more information contact Awesome Tools on 021-981-6672.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 35

Exclusive

1

Mauser

Revelation

by JON SPEED

Paul Mauserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Nitro Rifle Model

2

36 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

EDITORIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jon Speed, widely acknowledged as the world’s foremost living authority and author on Mauser rifles and history, has afforded Magnum the privilege of being the first to present these never-before published images and details.

3

1: Rifle Model 88, right view.

2: Model 88 system dismantled, right side with magazine. Note the magazine cut-off lever to facilitate single-shot use while reserve ammo remains in place.

Note push-button magazine release behind the magazine.

3: September 22, 1888 Mauser letterhead, an internal company document to Paul Mauser from Director Schmid informing Paul that his Belgian patents had been processed.

4: October 8, 1888 Ludwig Loewe letter to Paul Mauser informing him that if any UK representative could convince the British to accept the New Model 88 Mauser, Loewe-Mauser would pay up to 15% commission on the total value of any finalized contract. At the time, Paul was in London, at the Kaiser Royal Hotel.

5: Joe Jonas’s letterhead, September 1, 1888, to the Mauser company’s office manager, Mr Gronki, giving dates and status of trials in London.

4 5

Please Turn Over

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 37

Model 88 system dismantled; left side with magazine.

IN HIS CLASSIC books on Mauser rifles, Ludwig Olsen’s description of Paul Mauser’s Model 1888 test rifle in calibre 7.65x53mm was based solely on images from the Mauser Patent book of 1908 – he never had the opportunity to lay hands on an actual example of this rifle. Ludwig’s first trip to Mauser’s Oberndorf factory and museum took place sometime in 1956. The first examples of this model only came back to Oberndorf cartridge than the standard German developed the first new nitro propellant in 1968, by which time not even the 11mm used in his Model 71/84 rifles. for use in smaller calibre rifles. The critfolks at Mauser had any idea what This new round was of 9.5mm calibre ical time had arrived when new and this rifle represented. and had slightly higher velocity with a better rifles in smaller nitro calibres At the end of WWII, with the French lighter bullet. Hoping to attract interest were coming on line. occupation of Germany, France had in this cartridge, Paul made up a few taken over the Mauser factory at Model 71 type single-shot rifles in the BEFORE THE FINAL Turkish contract Oberndorf on April 15, 1945. The new calibre to hand out to procurement was drawn up, Paul Mauser received a French took the entire Paul Mauser colofficials from several countries. Meanletter from Germany’s General Baron lection and the company’s reference while, by 1886, Mauser and the Ludwig von der Goltz who was one of a team of collection back to France. As part of a Loewe firm (which owned the Mauser German army officials responsible for new post-war diplomatic relationship company) were in the process of drawtraining the Turkish Military in their between France and Germany, the ing up a contract with Turkey. Paul modern war methods. Goltz questioned French returned 600 rifles to the decided to offer his new 9.5mm round Paul Mauser about his efforts with his Mauser factory, among which were two in a new upgraded Model 71/84 type 9.5mm round and felt the time had examples of Paul Mauser’s Model 1888 rifle. Also by 1886, the French had come for Germany to develop new rifles test rifle in calibre to handle the up-and7.65x53mm Rimless (not coming smaller calibre to be confused with the nitro cartridges. The German 1888 Commisproblem was that Paul sion rifle in 8x57 rimhad committed his factory less). The Mauser factory to building a New Turkish hired Hans Lockhoven to Model 87 rifle chambered make a full assessment for his 9.5mm cartridge, of these rifles. The and since the Turk condetailed B&W images tract was almost ready to used for this story came sign, he could not back from Hans Lockhoven out of this deal which before he passed away a involved a total of 550 000 few years ago. Hans and rifles and carbines.

I had talked about this Paul Mauser considrifle’s place in Mauser hisered Goltz to be the most tory; here is the story of knowledgeable of all the how this rifle came to be. high-ranking German In 1884, Paul Mauser military officials in Turkish inspectors at Oberndorf shooting range in 1903, shooting for group sizes was working on creating with the New Model 1903 Rifles in 7.65mm, the first Mauser to use what we call the r e g a r d t o a r m s a n d a better black powder Intermediate system. The Turks bought 200 000 of these rifles. ammunition production.

38 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

Paul and Goltz became good friends and kept in touch on all matters during the German/Turkish relationship up to and throughout WWI. The Turks also liked Goltz for his unique skills in dealing with them in terms of their culture and military abilities.

In 1916, to show their high regard for Goltz, the Turks minted a medal embossed with a bust of Goltz.

The Turks had heard about the new nitro ammunition, so they included a clause in the contract to state that if Paul Mauser created any new models, his production line had to drop the Model 87 and commence production of Paul’s new models for the remaining numbers ordered in the contract and for a similar price.

This would put the Mauser factory under increased pressure in every aspect involving blueprint drawings, new tooling, gauges, test procedures, materials etc.

B y e a r l y 1 8 8 8 , Pa u l Mauser had decided to develop a new nitro cartridge, the 7.65x53mm (rimmed), and design a new rifle to accommodate it. Paul was influenced by world famous German ballistics expert, Professor Wilhelm Hebler, who, in 1886, wrote in detail about the need for new ammunition in calibres in the 7–8mm range, and new bullet types and new powders. Hebler ran tests comparing Germany’s old black powder 11mm round with the new cartridge in calibre 7.65mm. Hebler and Goltz knew that black powder rifles were obsolete and so did Paul Mauser.

While these various events were developing, Paul heard through his industry contacts that the Spandau arsenal was also developing a new rimless 8mm cartridge and rifle, which would become the commission Model 88. This rifle was first produced by the

LEFT: Mauser Patent Book 1908 shows D.R.P. No. 45561, April 18, 1888, New Model rifle. Note use of a rimmed case which was soon converted to rimless.

Paul Mauser had chambered his first rifle in .303 for the British rifle trials.

LEFT: Clip set-up in Mauser’s 1888 system, from patent book 1908. Such drawings are not to scale but simply to show the principle.

Paul Mauser chambered his first rifle for the .303 cartridge for submission to the British rifle trials. The Brits showed little interest as they preferred their Lee Enfield model over all others tested

studied the patents of various boltaction systems whose bolts had various types of multiple locking lugs. Paul worked night and day to come up with a robust new bolt-action system, the bolt of which had two large rear lugs that locked into corresponding recesses in a solid receiver bridge (unlike his Model 71 and 71/84 that had split-bridge receivers like the Mannlicher).

Ludwig Loewe Company. Later, this rifle was made by other German State factories as well as Austria’s Steyr Company, Paul Mauser’s biggest competitor! Within a few months Paul had developed his 7.65mm round and had

FIDEL FIEDERLE, DESIGNER of the famous C96 ‘Broomhandle’ auto pistol, did most of the machine work on the Model 88 test rifles. Engineer Drössel supervised the test shooting for accuracy on all these Test rifles.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 39

He made up a trial rifle, later designated the Belgium 89, which he submitted to the trials. This new model swept all other competitors off the field and went on to bring Paul and his firm world acclaim Bolt stripped, showing its two main parts: the shaft with two rear locking lugs and the bolt-head with guide-rib. The guide-rib also acts as a dustshield when the bolt is closed, having ridges on the side that match recesses in the receiver wall. The bolt locks up like a bank vault with no play at all.

Paul Mauser chambered his first rifle for the .303 cartridge for submission to the British rifle trials. The Brits showed little interest as they preferred their Lee Enfield model over all others tested. Paul was disappointed but then had the opportunity to submit his rifle for Belgian trials starting in late 1888. This rifle was in Paul’s new 7.65x53 (now with a rimless case).

PAUL MAUSER HAD a close friend named Joe Jonas, who was a major steel provider (Continental Steel) in the UK. Jonas was Paul’s inside man regarding arms development in the UK and other countries.

He went on to become wellknown in UK politics.

Paul had big hopes for his new rifle, but during test-firing in Belgium, a cartridge ruptured, resulting in some minor damage to the boltface and extractor of his twopart bolt. Due to this failure, his rifle was dropped from the trials. Crushed by this event, Paul stated that it was most likely an incorrectly loaded cartridge and not a fault of the rifle, but no one would listen.

Paul went on to develop a new cartridge clip, unlike the

40 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

S t e y r s y s t e m w h i c h e m p l oye d a packet-type unit which remained inside the magazine box until all the rounds were used up, and was then ejected.

Paul was determined to get a Mauser rifle back into the Belgian tri-

als, so within three months he designed an all-new solid-bridged action employing a one-piece bolt with two large dual-opposed locking lugs at the front of the bolt. He made up a trial rifle, later designated the Belgium 89, which he submitted to the trials. This new model swept all other competitors off the field and went on to bring Paul and his firm world acclaim.

Paul Mauser offered his new Model 89 rifle to the German military, but because Loewe, Spandau and other state factories, as well as Pa u l ’s b i g g e s t c o m p e t i t o r, Steyr, were in full production with the Commission Model 88 rifle in 8mm, the powers that be did not want to disrupt the industry. It was not until 1895, when Paul designed his New Model 95 rifle with its threelug bolt, which then evolved into the legendary Mauser Gewehr 98, that he found worldwide acclaim. And the rest, as they say, is history…

Paul Mauser’s bolt with two rear locking lugs could have been modified into a more usable practical system, as in modern times Mauser has used such concepts in hunting Test target, September 4, 1888, for rifle number 4 set up with the rifles, namely the Models 77, new clip loading function. The clips fed ammo directly into the removable magazine.

83 and 86.

A mature female springbuck.

Photo above and below by Philip Huebsch.

Our National Bok The springbuck in history

by GREGOR WOODS

In June 1823, George Thompson saw a migration near Beaufort West which he estimated to number 100 000 in a solid column 80km long

IT IS GENERALLY assumed that the springbuck was chosen waves, drank salt water and died. Their bodies lay in one as South Africa’s national animal because it was our most continuous pile along the shore for over 30 miles, and the common species, and for its historical association with the stench drove the Trek Boers, who were camped near the early Cape, birthplace of our nation. That may be so – coast, far inland”. although I can find no historically recorded reason for this Another account says that a migration, walking steadily, choice. Interestingly, the early Dutch settlers encountered took three days to pass a given point. On reaching the Orange many other species, including the Big Five, before encounterRiver, those coming from behind pushed those in front into ing the springbuck some 30 years (and possibly as long as the water where they drowned in their thousands.

120 years) after their arrival.

During the era of black powder and lead bullets, a single According to Historical Mammal Incidence in the Cape springbuck made a difficult target. Historical accounts indicProvince, Volume 1, by CJ Skead, the earliest (but unconate that hunters seldom if ever tried to shoot individual anifirmed) record of what may have been springbuck appears to mals – they fired into the massed herds – usually riding after be that of Olof Bergh who, in 1682, near Garies (Vanrhynsthem on horseback. In Travels into the Interior of Africa via dorp area) wrote what translates as: “About two hours from the Cape of Good Hope, Volume 1, François Le Vaillant, travOlifants River, I saw so many wild bucks that they were elling on the Sundays River south of the “Sneeuw-Bergen” in uncountable, and I shot one there.” The description the late 1790s, encountered “a large number of Spring-Bock” “uncountable” suggests springbuck, but without more inforand decided to spend the whole day hunting them. He killed mation, is not definitive. Conceivably, seven, and later wrote, “Although gemsbuck could have been another they are swift runners, on a horse possibility. one can easily catch up with them.

It was not until 1773 that the As they run in a dense herd like next sighting was recorded by Massheep, they impede one another, and son and Thunberg in the Bokkeveld this slows them down. If one aims of the Ceres district – regarded as one shot carefully, it can go through the first positive record. The Bokketwo, sometimes three, and even veld was named for the springbuck more.” migrations seen there. Then, in 1796, the naturalist, François le VailTHE FRENCH NATURALIST, Adullant encountered springbuck “on the phe Delagorgue, hunting the Karoo way to Little Namaqualand after in 1838, wrote of seeing swirling colpassing Koekenaap and Krakeelklip umns of red dust rising 200 feet into on the west coast” (north of the Olifthe air, as large herds of “springants River). booken… 3 000 to 10 000 strong, Historically, the springbuck’s nat- Drawing titled “Springbuck Feeding” by the naturalist crossed each other’s paths as they ural habitat was South West Africa, and artist JG Millais from his 1885 book, A Breath from swept over the plain.” He had to keep the Veldt (Galago reprint 1986). extending southwards into Little assuring himself that it was not a Namaqualand, and the Kalahari, vision. He describes hunting these extending southwards into the Northern Cape, Free State and herds with a party of seven Boers, all mounted on horseback, Northwest Province. Early Cape encounters were largely in yet who “brought back only eleven spring-booken after three times of the great migrations which drove the massive conhours of relentless pursuit”. Springbuck meat was regarded gregations southwards. These were not frequent, but as the very finest, and the local farmers rarely killed an ox or immensely impressive. a sheep, as springbuck meat supplied all their needs.

In June 1823, George Thompson saw a migration near Gordon Cumming, who hunted in SA from 1844 to 1849, Beaufort West which he estimated to number 100 000 in a wrote of witnessing a vast springbuck migration in the Beer solid column 80km long. During the drought of 1860, a Valley area of the Karoo. Awoken in the wee hours by the migration headed south into Little Namaqualand where there noise of their travel, he lay in his wagon listening to them for was neither water nor grass, and the herds died in their two hours until dawn, and then could not believe his eyes as thousands. One report said, “Millions of them crossed the he beheld the ground “covered with a dense living mass of mountain range and made for the sea. They dashed into the springboks, marching slowly and steadily along…” They were

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 43

emerging from a gap sively on his farm, for in the distant hills, the pickings were flowing past his camp slim. They rode at full and disappearing over gallop straight a ridge opposite, a towards a distant further mile away, the herd of about 30 mass being half a mile springbuck, but with wide, continuously 300 yards still separ“pouring like a flood of ating them, the herd some great river”. He took off at “an astonwatched it for a furishing pace”. Grunther two hours, unveldt dismounted and abated, then mounted f i r e d s i x o r s e ve n A fine old springbuck ram; note the rearward-curling horn tips – a sign of mature age. up and rode among shots into the herd, them, firing into the with Sandeman copymass until he’d killed fourteen, then ing him, but neither hit any. Sandeman ceased, adding that he could have killed wrote of using a Westley Richards falling 3 0 o r 4 0 i n a m o r n i n g , a n d wa s block (probably a .450 No2 Musket) and astounded that they “allow me to ride so a “long-range rising block rifle” (possinear them”. Later, he saw a further mass bly a Swinburne in .577/.450). They of springbuck which “infinitely surgalloped after the same herd, which passed” that which he’d seen that morntook off at 400 yards this time; a lucky ing, densely covering the plains for as far shot from another ‘fusillade’ brought as he could see in any direction. down one springbuck. By then their Springbuck will drink if horses were exhausted. water is available, but can survive without it, obtaining TRAVELLING TO THE sufficient moisture from the Pretoria-Lydenburg area, Sanvegetation. Clearly, these deman crawled to within 400 migrations were due to a coinyards of a ‘nice lot of springcidence of huge populations bôk’ and fired into their midst, and severe droughts destroyluckily dropping one. They ran ing the vegetation. The vast off and he fired four more shots herds would congregate into the mass, felling another. where the last grazing and He rode back to camp for a browse remained, until it ran pack-horse; on his return to the out, forcing them to trek. carcasses less than an hour I doubt that these were later, vultures had left him migrations to seek new habinothing but the skulls and tat. I think this was nature’s bones. He told a Boer of this, Two springbuck rams fighting during the rut. Note that they curl their way of controlling their numwho showed no surprise, saying tails between their legs when fighting. bers. Virtually all the ‘migrahe had several times shot into a tory’ springbuck died during herd at 800 to 900 yards, and the trek. Those leading, ate whatever grazing they encounby the time it took him to ride directly to the carcass, vultures tered, leaving the ground bare; those coming behind died of had swooped down and stripped it. thirst and starvation along the way. I know of no record of Sandeman wrote that prior to the wholesale slaughter of any arrival of masses settling in pastures new, nor of local the herds when they were changing their summer or winter populations increasing in numbers after a migration. There is quarters, “…it was no uncommon thing for a waggon to have no record of migrations returning whence they’d come once to pull up for an hour at a time while the herds crossed the the rains started again. They all just perished. path in front… spring-bôk went past in such crowding masses With the spreading of farms after the Great Trek, the that they never swerved as shot after shot was fired into the ‘migrations’ drew to an end. In 1878, William Sandeman, line; but that is a thing of the past. The bôk are now [1878] author of Eight Months in an Ox Waggon, visited a Free so wary that, however big the herd, it is no easy matter to get State Boer named Grunveldt, who’d clearly hunted extenwithin shot unless on horseback…”

There is no record of migrations returning whence they’d come once the rains started again.

They all just perished

44 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

In A breath from the SA Amateur Aththe Veldt, the naturalist letic Association at the JG Millais, wrote, English championships.

“Although the springThey wanted to wear bucks of today [1895] an emblem for identifiare but a scattered cation, and being reguremnant of what they lar springbuck hunters, were… they are still by they got their eldest far the commonest sister to embroider a representative of the springbuck on their antelope tribe in that vests. In 1906, Paul country.” The Boers Roos, captain of the w i t h w h o m M i l l a i s Drawing by JG Millais showing a ‘coursing’ scene – the hunting of springbuck with first local rugby team greyhound dogs, horses and horse-drawn scotch-carts. hunted used Martini to play against EngHenrys; he does not land, wanted a symstate what calibre he used. By now, however, the era of bolic name to prevent the British press from inventing one for small-bore jacketed bullets and nitro propellants was underthe SA team. It is said that his choice of a springbuck was way; the world already had the 8x50R French Lebel, the 8x57 impromptu, but the Blignaut family claims it was at the sugMauser, the .303 British and the 7x57 Mauser. These flatgestion of Piet and Phillip who knew Roos. ter-shooting rifles could reliably hit the vitals of an individual springbuck at ranges up to 200 yards.

IN 1910, WHEN the Union of SA was formed, Arthur Holland, Millais writes of ‘coursing’ for springbuck, which was of the Government Printing Works in Pretoria, designed a clearly a British introduction. In sporting terms, coursing national coat-of-arms – he chose a springbuck emblem. refers to running down the game with greyhounds. In this Whether he was influenced by the Blignaut-Roos choice is instance, the hunters followed on horseback and with horseunknown. The springbuck remains SA’s national animal. drawn two-wheeled scotch-carts. Millais says a good greyhound can catch a springbuck or run it to a standstill.

He wrote that the Boers hunted springbuck by means of a properly-worked chain of hunting carts or mounted horsemen stretched across the veld at intervals of 1 000 to 1 700 yards, guided by an old hand usually positioned in the centre giving directions. “… if the game be properly played and the line well kept, each and every shooter will get good sport.” He adds, “A rifle shooter going out by himself into the Karroo stands but a poor chance with the bucks…” The Boers, hunting in a party, “largely contribute to each other’s sport by driving the bucks to one another.” This long moving line seemed to confuse the herds, several hundred in number, which moved back and forth, not knowing at which point to try to circumvent the approaching hunters. Millais fired 25 shots before wounding a ram, which they lost. He later shot, at 300 yards, the only springbuck bagged by anyone that entire day; next morning he shot one at 400 yards and another at 200, all aimed at individually. This suggests Millais was using a modern small-bore nitro calibre.

The last massive migration was recorded in 1896, witnessed by WC Scully. Inevitably, farm fences, borehole water and flat-shooting rifles ended the migrations. But they certainly left a memorable impression.

How did the springbuck come to be our national animal?

Politically, ‘South Africa’ did not exist until the Union was formed in 1910. The coat-of-arms of the Cape Colony from 1875 until 1910 included a black wildebeest and a gemsbuck.

In 1895, the Blignaut brothers, Piet and Phillip, represented

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 45

Baikal Double .45-70

by ANDRÃ&#x2030; GROBLER

Disassembled for easy transport.

46 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

Rugged bushveld ‘breker’

AIKAL ONE of ands f Russia ncern, manufa nge of i ilian and s. Th kal an ands mostl nting sport w h i l e t h e Ka l

ree firearm alashnikov s of a wide itary weapIshmash on civilian firearms, ov b ra n d litary arms. l’s MR-221 double, is one metre long overall and weighs 3.1kg. The lacquer-finished walnut stock has a low comb for open sighted use, with no cheek-piece and no cast-off, hence is adaptable for both right- and left-handed use. It has a somewhat swept-back pistol-grip, wellsuited to double-trigger rifles, with fairly coarse cut chequering for a secure hold. The skeletonised recoil pad is 22mm thick.

The slightly beaver-tailed fore-end is 215mm long, 50mm wide, but shallow, with chequering similar to that on the hand-grip; its recessed releaselever, positioned centrally, is springloaded and smooth-operating.

The box-lock action is beefy and robust, and the metal-work is blued throughout, but for the triggers, which are gold-coloured. The tang-mounted safety-catch engages automatically on

dovetailed and which is also grooved for mounting a scope or red-dot sight.

The rear sight is held in ABOVE: Barrel chambers - the place by a screw, has a walls are 6mm thick.

U-notch, and is adjustable LEFT: Breech face, double underfor windage. The front bolts. sight-ramp forms part of RIGHT: Barrel lumps with bites. the solid-looking muzzle link and is finely grooved to prevent reflection; its opening the action. When the safety is sight-element is a post, adjustable for engaged, it reveals a small springelevation. loaded steel bead just ahead of it.

The barrel chambers appear solidly When pushed forward to disengage, it fused together and the chamber walls reveals a small, red indent behind it, are 6mm thick – stout for a .45-70. The indicating the fire position. barrels are not soldered together, but The top-lever is within easy thumbseparate to facilitate regulation by the reach but was somewhat stiff – doubtowner to the load of his choice. They less just newness – and I had to are joined at the muzzles by a consciously push it all the way robust link. The left across to open the barrels. The barrel is fixed; the smooth-faced double triggers are 5mm wide; the front one’s length of pull is 35.8cm, and the rear one, 33.7cm. Both triggers broke cleanly at about 5lb pull.

THE 23.6-INCH barrels have an integrated quarter-rib into which the rear sight blade is

The Baikal’s open action and Leupold scope. The extractor pushes the empty cases out of the chamber far enough to be easily removed by hand.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 47

ABOVE: With open sights the Baikal mounted smoothly for quick shooting and felt recoil from offhand shots was negligible.

barrel’s regulating screw is in a rib beneath the barrels ahead of the slingswivel. Rotating the screw adjusts a wedge system which moves the right barrel in relation to the left, to coincide their respective shots to a point-of-aim at a distance of your choice. The rib is made of sheet metal, and visually closes the gap between the barrels.

VX Freedom 1.5-4x20 scope readymounted and two boxes of .45-70 ammo: Winchester 300gr JHP and Hornady 325gr LEVERevolution FTX. Using an X-bag, I bench-rested the rifle and found the left barrel to be zeroed at 100m. The Winchester ammo, clocking 1 928fps at the muzzle, put three shots into a 46mm group. Four shots with the Hornady ammo printed a 56mm group, three of these clustering into 40mm. I then fired at a 50m target to determine the distance at which the barrels were regulated. The two Hornady bullets struck 56mm apart, precisely on the same horizontal line; the Winchesters hit further apart but also on the same horizontal line. I did not attempt to adjust the regulation as this can be a time-consuming exercise requiring many identical loads.

Still using the scope, I took fast shots at various 50 and 75m targets, and found the rifle to be accurate.

I then removed the scope to try out the open sights. Shooting freehand, I fired at a 300x300mm gong from 25m and both barrels were spot on. There-

The rifle fitted me well and mounted smoothly for quick shots, including followup shots

THE ACTION WAS newly stiff and did not fully open unless I tugged down the barrels at the final stage to enable me to extract the spent cases and to ensure the cocking rods set the strikers. The extractors drew the spent cases far enough out to enable me to grasp them easily. The barrels locked up very tightly against the standing breech.

The test rifle arrived with a Leupold

LEFT TOP: Three-shot group at 100m with Winchester’s 300gr JHP. MIDDLE: Shots from 25m with the HornadyLEVERevolution ammo.

BOTTOM: Four-shot group at 100m with Hornady’s 325gr bullets.

48 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

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LINKS: Die plek waar die jag begin het is geleĂŤ in die oop vlakte op die horison in die agtergrond. REGS: Natuurlike watergat in die berge.

Kamanjab Bergsebra deur FRANCOIS JACOBS

...klippe kou in Kaokoland

50 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

LINKS: Daar was kameelperde aan die voet van die berg. REGS: Die tweede sebra wat geskiet is en my Mausergeweer in .30-06.

TY

ʼn KO gge d op Potchefnet vo ntervakansie, na di verlang en getref mann-bergseKama nherbergsame die n Namibië. Dit altyd droom om dié in hulle natu habitat te jag, sesvol nie. Dié ste keer dat ek my meisie, Renate, sou saam neem ‘huis toe’.

Die plaas waar die jag gereël was het diep in die bergreeks gelê en het slegs een pad gehad wat deur dit geloop het. Die res van die plaas was vir kilometers slegs te voet toeganklik. Renate en ek was vóór dagbreek by ʼn watergat. Ek het onmiddellik die vars spore gevolg. Die spore is ʼn berg

Die belangrikste item wat enige jagter moet hê tydens so ʼn jag is goeie en gemaklike stapskoene

oor, so ook ʼn tweede en by die derde berg het ek die spoor verloor. Terwyl ek op die spoor was, was ek weer in verwondering hoe dié sebras dit regkry om nou voetpaadjies langs steil kranse te volg.

Ons het besluit om na die naaste bergkruin te stap en van daar die valleie met verkykers te deursoek na die sebras.

Ek het harde lesse geleer op my vorige jag na sebras in die berge. Die belangrikste item wat enige jagter moet hê tydens so ʼn jag is goeie en gemaklike stapskoene. Alhoewel die betroubare Namibiese koedoeleer veldskoen sy plek het in die jagveld, los

dit maar by die huis as jy berge gaan aanpak, anders gaan jy huil. Jou jagklere moet vaal en aangepas wees vir die dorre bergwêreld. ʼn Goeie verkyker en afstandsoeker is ʼn moet.

Dit is baie belangrik om gereeld onder ʼn boom te gaan sit om elke vallei en kruin deeglik te fynkam vir enige beweging. Dit is gewoontlik ʼn bewegende oor of stert wat die bergsebra weggee.

OMDAT EK SELDE verder as 150m skiet, het ek my betroubare Mausergeweer in .30-06 saamgeneem. Dit was toegerus met ʼn Swarovski Habicht 4x36 teleskoop en ek het handgelaaide 180gr

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 51

BO: Hartmann-bergsebras is goed gekamoefleerd in die berg terrein.

ONDER: Die sebras het my tot hoog in die berg laat klim.

PMP patrone gehad. Dit is ook belangrik om iets te ete te neem en genoeg water vir minstens 12 ure se stap. Omdat Renate by was het ek ʼn ligte piekniek-ete gepak met romantiese bedoelings. Sy was egter ná agt ure se stap in die skroeiende hitte nie meer so opgewonde oor haar eerste besoek nie.

Ons het ook eers teen laat middag drie sebras gewaar, maar hulle was baie ver.

Die Hartmann-bergsebra, wat in groot dele van Namibië se bergreekse voorkom, is een van die gehardste diere. Hulle oorlewing in droë dorre areas, insluitend die Namib woestyn, is vir my ʼn natuurlike wonder. Die gemiddelde massa van ʼn volgroeide Hartmann is tussen 210 en 230kg. Hulle is besonders goed gekamoefleer teen ʼn bergagtige agtergrond en raak maklik weg as jy jou oë van hulle afneem. Hulle vel met wit en swart strepe gee jagters verkeerdelik die idee dat hulle sou uitstaan in hulle omgewing. Bergsebras lyk ook altyd nader as wat die afstand werklik is en daarom moet ʼn jagter baie seker maak hoe vêr die skoot is. Dit is hoogs onwaarskynlik dat jy ʼn sebra sou gewaar voordat hy jou gewaar.

Soms hoor jy net klippe rol en kan jy seker wees dit ʼn bergsebra was wat op die vlug geslaan het. Ek het geleer dat hulle tydens die hitte van die dag in ʼn skaduwee kol onder ʼn bergkruin rus tot temperature in die valleie weer daal.

Vroegoggende en in die aande beweeg hulle dan weer af op soek na weiding en water. In die berge is wind geneig om te dwarrel en ek het geleer dat dit altyd beter is om so hoog as moontlik op die berg se kruin te loop, maar nie so dat jou silhoeët maklik gesien kan word nie.

RENATE, MET DIE meeste toerusting, het onder ʼn boom gewag terwyl ek verder agter die drie sebras aanbeweeg het. Die terrein voor my sou veroorsaak dat ek soms die sebras buite sig sou hê en daarom het ek ʼn rotspunt bokant hulle as mikpunt ge-

52 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

identifiseer. Daarna het ek elke vallei en mopaniebos tussen my en die sebras as skuiling gebruik om nader te beweeg. Na meer as ʼn uur se bekruip was hulle skielik minder as 80 tree voor my gewees. Dit het gelyk of hulle reeds van my geweet het, maar het nie weggehardloop nie.

Toe ek aanlê het bokkoors my oorval sodat my hele liggaam gebewe het.

Ek het my hele lewe lank gedroom om ʼn Hartmann te jag, maar daar is niks wat jou kan voorberei vir die oomblik as jy die sneller moet druk nie. Ek het diep asem gehaal en die geweer in my skouer gelig. Die skoot was oorverdowend in die berg. Vir ʼn oomblik het ek getwyfel oor die skoot want al drie sebras het nog steeds na my gestaan en kyk. Dit was die vreemdste gedrag wat ek nog ooit gesien het. Die sebra waarna ek geskiet het het toe ʼn paar tree gegee en gaan lê. Die ander twee sebras het 20m verder geloop en weer gaan staan. Ek het weer die geweer gelig en nog ʼn bergsebra op die blad geskiet wat 60 tree verder neergeslaan het. Ek was baie gelukkig dat die twee karkasse nie teen die steil afgrond afgerol het nie.

Nadat Renate by my aangesluit het het ek skielik besef wat se reuse taak voorlê. Die roete terug na die voertuig was omtrent 8km oor berge en deur valleie, en dit het donker geword. Toe

BO: Die skrywer met vaal jagklere wat gepas was vir die dorre bergwêreld.

ONDER: Son opkoms voor die dag se jag begin.

dit pikdonker raak het ons vir so ʼn rukkie gewag vir die maan om op te kom - dit was gelukkig volmaan en ons kon darem so min of meer ʼn paadjie sien. Die stap na die voertuig was ʼn naelbyt-affêre. Uiteindelik het ons by die bakkie aangekom en opstal toe gery. Ek het vinnig iets geëet en toe sewe slagters opgelaai om te help om die sebras te herwin. Ek het met die terugstap orals stukke toiletpapier aan die bome vasgemaak, sodat ons die pad na die sebras maklik in die donker sou kon kry. Elk van die slagters het ʼn koplig gehad en ons het genoeg tou

saamgevat om takdraagbare vir die vleis te maak.

Ons het die 8km in die bergagtige terrein met ʼn volmaan en kopflitse aangepak. Teen ongeveer 23:00 het ons na vier ure se stap by die karkasse aangekom. Die slagters was teen dié tyd nie meer baie opgewonde nie veral toe hulle besef hoe ver die vleis en velle teruggedra moes word. Om die gemoedere te lig tydens die afslag het ek ʼn vuur gemaak en vir hulle lewer gebraai.

Om die twee sebras te slag en die honderde kilogram vleis op die selfgemaakte takdraagbare te pak het ons amper die hele nag geneem. Met die terugtog het van die moeë slagters eenvoudig inmekaar gesak en wou net tou opgee. Ons was eers teen sonop weer by die bakkie.

By die opstal het ek met my vuil lyf en klere in die bed geklim! Ek was aan die slaap voor my kop die kussing getref het.

DIE MOORDENDE DAG kan nie maklik vergeet word nie en ten spyte van die swaardra uit die berg het die velle mooi behoue gebly. Vir ʼn onvergeetlike ervaring moedig ek jagters aan om dié sebra te voet te jag. Renate (en ek) het die jag oorleef en hoewel sy my sedertdien op baie jagtogte vergesel het, sit sy haar voet neer vir nog ʼn sebrajag in Kamanjab se berge!

Vir ʼn onvergeetlike ervaring moedig ek jagters aan om ʼn bergsebra te voet te jag

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 53

The Metric and the Imperial

by IAN MYBURGH

A mentor, a rifle and a vehicle honoured FATHE OUSIN k and I have always shared a e f r gun more spe ally rifles – and the great outrs Whene r w could e’d be out camping or hunting. k w a land su eyor a had the privilege to survey and ex parts outh ca and neighbouring countries at w n on am o esperately wished I could live his life b he way from home for long periods and this ly life. loves his metric calibre rifles, specifically Mausers, and his Land Rovers. His camping gear reflected the safaris of yesteryear – everything utilitarian but with both the traditional and practical items required to live comfortably in the great outdoors.

Some time back, Nick’s health took a turn for the worse and he was diagnosed with debilitating diabetes. Sadly, I lost contact with him. Recently I took a chance and called at his last known address. To my elation he was there and we had a wonderful time catching up on our past experiences together; the stories, experiences and memories flowed freely. We spoke of hunting, rifles and the great outdoors and we felt as if we had missed out on nothing! Isn’t that hunting camaraderie?

When we chatted about our favourite rifles, he looked me straight in the eyes and announced that he wanted me to take over the rifle that, many years ago around the campfire, he had promised I could have when he moved on to the happy hunting grounds. I declined but he vehemently insisted. It was my dream rifle, a single square-bridge Oberndorf Grade MAIN LEFT: The 9.3 on the saddle from which I took my shot.

54 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

The Landy at the turnoff to the farm.

A Mauser in 9.3x62 manufactured in 1933. Again I refused his offer, insisting that we would yet hunt together, but he got the upper hand and won. For fifteen years I had been looking for a traditional, metric Mauser but the Boer OVS Mauser was out of my financial reach, and now Nick, in an instant, had fulfilled my dreams.

I left with an elated but also heavy heart because I was taking Nickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved rifle from him. Nick noticed this, and gestured that I should come with him. We walked outside and he took me to his second love, a Land Rover 110 Defender and announced that I should leave in style, as he physically could not drive it anymore!

This was truly a privilege as I had been part of the team that built these vehicles in the 1990s. I instantly became sentimental, and that is where the idea was born that I would go on a hunt in this Land Rover and with this rifle, and honour Nick by telling the story in Magnum and dedicating it to him. I would hunt with the Imperial and the Metric!

THE 9.3x62 needs no introduction as it is one of the most versatile and widely used cartridges in Africa. Its recoil is manageable, yet this cartridge can handle anything Africa can mete out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; assuming you put the bullet where it counts. Nick gave me a mix of 130odd cases, of which about 100 were RWS .338 Win Mag (left) and a 9.3x62 cartridge.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 55

Author with his blesbuck ewe. Notice the two bullet holes – the right hand bullet hole is the second shot that exited.

ABOVE: Dad heading back to camp with his impala strapped to the quad bike.

BELOW: Taking a break in the shade with the quad bikes.

Claude’s blesbuck as the sun was setting.

and Norma, plus a few Lapua. I planned to use a 286gr Nosler Partition for dangerous and heavy game, and a 180gr Impala for general plains game. My reason for the latter bullet choice was availability and affordability, and the fact that the 180gr Impala is stable at 2 880fps, affording it a nice flat trajectory. The ranch on which I intended to hunt called for both long and close shots.

When I resized the cases I noticed fine cracks on the shoulders of about ten of the RWS cases, so I threw them out. I annealed all the cases as I did not

want them cracking under pressure when I took that critical shot.

With the help of my friend Sean, I worked up two good loads: the Impala 180gr with S355 produced 2 880fps with no signs of excessive pressure, and the 286gr Nosler with S355 produced 2 350fps. Be warned, however, that the velocities I achieved were quite different from those stated in the Somchem tables for the same powder charges, so to be safe, start at Somchem’s minimum load, or even 10% below that, especially if using an old rifle.

LEFT TOP: Author at the river crossing.

MIDDLE: Claude with his blesbuck.

BOTTOM: A natural mountain spring runs through the camp.

I replaced Nick’s Leupold 1–4 scope with a Leupold Compact 3–9 which I felt would be better suited for hunting a variety of plains game.

Originally the rifle had been factoryfitted with a quick detachable sidemount which, though unwieldy, was functional. Nick never liked the look and feel of the side-mount and fitted a quick-detachable ring and base set above the receiver. Because the rings are not interchangeable, I have to live with the height of the rings as they are. The bore was perfect, the rifling sharp, and I was not disappointed with its accuracy. Trigger pull, which I regard as a major contributor to accurate shooting, broke cleanly at 3.5 pounds.

MY BIGGEST BUGBEAR was the height of the scope above the comb with the rings/base setup. This I remedied by making up a leather cheek piece to elevate my eye while affording me a better cheek-weld for faster crosshair acquisition. Also, the look now lends itself to an Out of Africa rifle.

With the rifle sorted, I turned my attention to the Landy. It had been built in South Africa at the BMW Rosslyn plant. At the time it was built, I was a Project Engineer in the BMW engine plant where we supplied dressed gearbox and engine assemblies to the Land Rover assembly line. As a result I have a certain affinity for this specific model. All the Land Rover needed was a new battery and a complete service and it was good to go. My Hilux was not happy!

Next – the hunt. I made a booking for our usual hunting group at a friend’s ranch in Badplaas – our first visit there.

The 1 000 hectare ranch has the most beautiful variety of terrains an all-round hunter could ask for. It has a mountain on its northern border and the hunting camp is in a valley through which a natural mountain spring runs. There are open plains, a river with various thickets of bush, washes and gullies allowing for fair-chase walk-and-stalk hunting methods for kudu, red hartebeest, impala, warthog and zebra.

I left at 04h00 in the morning in order to meet the farmer at 06h30 to get the gate keys. The Land Rover went beautifully and although it was minus 2 degrees Celsius outside, and the

heater did not make any difference inside, I was content, feeling as if I was on my own safari.

The farm owner briefly showed us the lie of the land and warned that the game was wild and that we could expect some pretty challenging hunting.

By the second to last afternoon, conscious that we were running out of time, Jarda and I went to a spot where you crest a saddle and have a view over an open plain. Luck was on our side: three blesbuck were grazing, unaware of our presence.

The downhill shot was a true 229m measured with my Bushnell Fusion rangefinder binoculars. With no opportunity to get closer I opted to take the shot. Fortunately, I could take my time; I used my bushjacket as a rifle rest and lay prone so that I was shooting over the edge of the ridge. I held four inches high and squeezed the trigger.

The blesbuck staggered and then veered away from the herd. It walked slowly away from us then lay down. I walked down the slope towards it through some tall, thick grass. At the sound of my footsteps the blesbuck jumped up and I dropped it in its tracks. My first shot had angled down through the chest cavity and was slightly higher than I would have liked, but it had gone through the top of the lungs. After we had taken photos we loaded it onto the quadbike and took it back to camp for slaughter.

As it turned out, everyone in our party bagged their animals by outsmarting and out-manoeuvring the extremely shy game. It was a nice change from the bushveld, where finding your prey is easy, but the challenge is to get close enough.

The 9.3 did not disappoint and proved how amazingly versatile and suited it is to our African conditions. It really is a beautiful all-rounder. That evening, with the stream bubbling over the rocks, our campfire burning and the whisky tasting that much better, I drank a toast to Nick and to Paul Mauser and lastly to my faithful steed the Landy.

Everyone in our party bagged their animals by outsmarting and out-manoeuvring the extremely shy game

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 57

Collector’s Corner

by RON BESTER

A lovely little .303 double rifle by Lang and Hussey that was professionally restored by Bennie Laubscher of Paarl. The engraving was freshened by Armin Winkler.

oughts on n Colle Collecting ti MS HAS provided me with an ure over many years. Furthermore, of the best investments I have made any. Collecting has also put me in rful people – and a few scoundrels t some of my thoughts and experiMagnum readers. llectors, at a young age I feverishly ry old firearm I could lay my hands realised this was not the way to go and I collected only those firearms in which I had a special interest, and got rid of the others. As a result, when new legislation required that we collect according to themes, it was no hardship for me – mine was already in themes. The days when someone might just give you an old Martini or other 19th century firearm that had been standing in a bedroom cupboard for years, are long over. Almost all new additions must be bought, and my disposable income forced me to collect according to my themes.

I must say, I consider it a good thing that a Certificate of Collectability is now required when applying for a licence, as it forces us to research the firearm. What is the point of col-

58 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

lecting something you know nothing about? Collecting is more than merely acquiring another firearm; it entails studying that firearm’s history, development, manufacture, distribution, use, and so on, as well as collecting the militaria and accoutrements associated with that piece, such as bayonets, cartridge clips, cleaning kit, etc. For this, reference books and firearm magazines like Magnum are essential.

As a collector, it is imperative to network widely. Attend collectors’ association functions, meet fellow collectors and find out what they are looking for. If you come across an item that lies outside of your theme, notify someone who collects such items. More often than not, that person will reciprocate. Respect dealers: do not press them hard for bargains; remember they must make a profit or they’ll be forced to close down. Yes, you are entitled to ask for their best price, but pay what they ask or pass up the item. This way, dealers will get to The woodwork has been very badly know you as a good patched up and the lock-plate is off-dated – 1876. Hardly worth collecting. customer, one who does not bicker, and they will notify you when an item comes in that matches your theme. They will start collecting for you. But they won’t do that for a person who wastes their time haggling about price. If you get to know them well, take them out to lunch occasionally. You may be surprised how such a good gesture pays off.

A good example of one of the .500 Westley Richards Monkey Tails bought by the O.F.S. in 1883.

The same applies when you do deals with other collectors.

Never cheat another collector (there are many ways of doing so). Sooner or later the word will spread. Build up a good name – in the long run, this will pay dividends.

If possible, never buy a firearm sight-unseen. If you cannot examine it yourself, try to get a knowledgeable friend to do so. Failing that, insist on good photographs. Beware the seller who is unwilling to send more photos if asked to do so.

WHEN NEGOTIATING A deal with a private individual, I am disinclined to press too hard. If I cannot reach an immediate agreement, I just “plant a seed” by requesting the owner to consider me if he/she is willing to come down in price. I do the same if I know of a firearm I’d like to buy but which the owner does not wish to sell. Once in a while, I’ll make contact again.

Sometimes, even years later, I may receive a call and we finalise a deal. Unfortunately, there are also people who are not true to their word. For instance, some years ago, I was told of a firearm that a man wanted to sell. I phoned him and learned that it was a Westley Richards .318 Rimless Nitro Express rifle.

Wow! I asked what he wanted for the rifle. “I had it made for me in the early 1950s while I was living in Zambia. It cost me £400 then. £400 equates to R800 in today’s money. But I also have 100 rounds in tropical tins, so I want R1 000 for the rifle and ammunition.” “Sir, if the rifle is in the condition you say it is, it could be worth quite a lot more. May I send a knowledgeable friend to evaluate it, and if I can afford it, we can strike a deal.” “Okay, that’s fine.” Two weeks later, when my friend phoned him to make an appointment, he had taken the rifle to a nearby dealer and let it go for an absolute song. So, pay what the vendor wants, and once the rifle is yours, let your conscience be your guide.

On occasion I have let an extremely rare item slip through my hands due to financial constraints. For instance, many years (and tears) ago, I had a Colt Model 1873 (Peacemaker) serial number 55 in my hands but I did not have R1 500 to buy it. Do you know what that revolver is worth today? I am still kicking myself. Moral of the story: if you come across an ultrarare item, find the cash and purchase it. Beg, borrow or… well, don’t steal, but do not let it slip through your fingers. Be a Boer and “maak ’n plan” – you may never get the opportunity again.

I can speak from experience, as I have made this mistake a number of times, all of which I sincerely regret.

An example of a “dog”.

What, then, is it doing in my collection? It is the only handgun I have ever come across that is marked to the Z.A.R.

On the other hand, steer clear of items that are in a very bad state of repair – or, as we say, a “dog” – unless it is something extremely scarce or you want to fill a gap in your collection until you can replace it with something better. Invariably, such relics do not increase much in value. Value increases exponentially with condition. Junk remains junk.

Consider your wife or partner. First prize if you can also get her interested in your hobby. Otherwise discuss the situ-

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 59

ation with her and come to an amicable compromise so that you don’t end up in the dog box for a week every time you acquire another firearm.

Allow me to share my views on cleaning and restoration. I like to clean all my military firearms, but not restore them. By definition, to restore is to “bring back to original state.” In my opinion, restoring a military firearm decreases its value.

Most collectors have their own ways of cleaning newly acquired firearms, and what follows here is not necessarily the only way. You’ll need a rag (I prefer towelling), brushes (an old toothbrush is fine), and a set of punches and screwdrivers, among other tools. It is of vital importance that you have a good set of screwdrivers, as these must fit perfectly into the slots of the various screws so as not to slip and burr the screw-head or scratch the surrounding metal or wood.

patina of the stock. All metal parts are then well-oiled and reassembled. The woodwork can sometimes do with a Some of the few layers of Scherell’s cleaning Schaftol. I use the clear equipment I variety. Apply it very use. sparingly – just one or two drops on the palm of your hand go a long way. Rub it in well, once a day, and repeat for two or three days.

It goes without saying that the bore must also be cleaned: we all have our own modus operandi for this procedure. Take time to do it properly. It is amazing how well old barrels can clean up if the necessary effort is applied.

Lastly, if they are missing, I have no compunction about replacing the correct minor parts, such as swivels, volley sights on Lee-Metfords/Enfields, clearing rods and whatnot, especially if the replacement parts have no serial numbers on them.

NEVER FORCE A screw. Douse recalcitrant screws with a releasing fluid. For a good, cheap releasing fluid, mix 750ml of diesoline with 750ml of paraffin, to which add 200ml of water-soluble cutting oil. (This is a tip from an old gunsmith with decades of experience.) Apply this to the screw daily, carefully testing it each time with the appropriate screwdriver until it gives way. Screws invariably come loose, but it may take weeks.

If the recalcitrant screw is affixed to a metal part that is removable, and which is not specially tempered, there is another way. Use a small blowtorch to heat the screw and its surrounding metal and then immediately flush with cold water. Repeat this process until you can turn the screw (success usually comes after two or three treatments).

I dismantle and strip down the firearm as far as I possibly can. I then remove all dirt, grime, grease and old oil from all metal parts.

For this I use Ballistol aerosol spray, but many other solvents are equally good. I prefer Ballistol because of its smell; if they made a Ballistol aftershave it would be my first choice.

Ballistol and 0000 (four noughts) steel wool will remove most of the surface rust on the metalwork without damaging the blueing. Mild rust pitting, if not too advanced, can sometimes be removed by scraping it with the edge of an old copper penny. Again, no damage will occur to the blueing. The layers and layers of grime on the woodwork can also be cleaned off with Ballistol and 0000-grade steel wool. Be careful, however, not to overdo it and destroy the

GOOD SPORTING ARMS can also be carefully cleaned in like manner. If the piece has minor dings and scratches, with minimal blueing loss or damage to the stock – in other words, showing honest use – I would leave it as it is. However, if damage is more severe, I believe the piece can benefit by restoration which will increase its value. When to clean or when to restore is a decision each owner must make for himself.

Restoration must be undertaken by someone very knowledgeable and skilled. If you are not absolutely certain that you can do it yourself, spend the extra money and leave it to an expert. However, just remember that not all gunsmiths, no matter how good, will have a “feel” for classic old and obsolete firearms. If yours is a top-grade sporter, go to the best. Let me reiterate that these are my personal views. You may differ, but please do not rush in unless quite certain you’re doing the right thing. It is best to get informed opinions first, rather than to do irreparable damage.

I sincerely believe that we, as collectors, are the primary custodians of our country’s firearm heritage. Many museums do not want to receive firearms due to legislative issues.

Some of those that do have firearms, lack the capacity, or knowledge for that matter, to properly preserve them. It falls to us, the collectors, to do so, no matter how challenging this may be – we must simply do what it takes.

Happy collecting, and may the ‘gun’ of your dreams fall into your lap.

I sincerely believe that we, as collectors, are the primary custodians of our country’s firearm heritage

60 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

Case Care

by FRANCOIS VAN EMMENES

Practical tips for extending case life

A .243 Lapua case (below) after six firings in a .243 Ackley. Notice the dark ring caused by escaping gasses. Repeated firing of hot loads enlarges primer pockets. This one measured .34mm larger than standard.

THE CARTRIDGE CASE is a vital component – it brings bullet, propellant and primer together and is the only component that can be used more than once. That is, if you look after it.

How do we ensure maximum lifespan for our brass? Firstly, not all brass is created equal. There is a plethora of manufacturers, each using their own raw materials, equipment, techniques and quality controls, hence quality differs.

Many years ago, when I acquired my .500 Jeffery, I bought som e unfired Star cases – at the time I was unable to find any others in the country. I weighed them individually and was astounded to find that the extreme spread in case weight was a massive 88.2gr between the lightest and heaviest. This equated to a 27.2% difference between the average and the heaviest case. There

Insipient case head separation. The cracks appear black, meaning the burning gas has been forced through them i.e. the cracks go all the way through the wall. Firing it again will certainly cause the head to separate.

Not all cases are created equal. Notice the thick webbing above right hand side case head. Also note the bulged shoulder of the case on the left as a result of forcing too long a case into a seating die.

were five in the batch that weighed more than 377gr and two that weighed less than 320gr. The point is, you should not assume all cases from

the same batch are similar; always weigh and measure them.

Repeated firing of a brass case causes repeated stress. In a millisecond, expanding gasses swell the case to the size of the chamber. As the pressure drops, and provided the cartridge wasn’t overloaded and the case has not been overworked, the brass will be springy enough to instantly contract slightly – but not to its original unfired dimensions. When a case is fully re-sized, the die reduces its external dimensions to a set industry standard. Dies that draw an expander-plug through the case neck to increase its internal diameter to specs, add a further stressful event to the procedure endured by the brass. All else being equal, repeated firing and fulllength resizing will drastically shorten a case’s life.

Case life can be extended by partial re-sizing or neck sizing only. Partial re-sizing is achieved by slightly raising

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 61

Cracks can occur anywhere on a case.

Notice the cracked shoulder of this .243 Ackley case.

A .303 case with the tell-tale bulge just ahead of the case head caused by an oversized chamber.

A bent paper clip with a sharp bur on the end makes a good inspection tool. This case had to be forcibly removed from the rifle’s chamber by a gunsmith who tapped it from the inside.

(unscrewing) the full-length resizing die in the press, so that it does not re-size the full length of the case. Neck sizing is a good option, but ONLY with brass that was last fired in the specific chamber you are reloading for. With neck sizing, the body and shoulder of the case are left unchanged; only the neck is reformed to size to provide a proper grip on the new bullet shank.

Typically, the neck’s internal diameter should be .001 to .002 inches smaller than bullet diameter. I own various neck sizing dies of the bushing and collet-type designs and have yet to decide which one works better. The Lee C Collet Sizing dies are excellent and d not cost an arm and a leg. do

Try to avoid repeated full-length resizing of your brass. The exception is reloads intended for hunting dangerous game, which should always be fully-resized to ensure they chamber readily.

ANNEALING CAN REDUCE much of the metal fatigue caused by repeated re-sizing, as it alters the molecular structure of the brass, making it more malleable for reshaping. Cases can crack, and an unseen crack in a loaded cartridge case can result in disaster.

Cracked cases, no matter how minute the crack, should be discarded immediately. A good practice is to crush the

Too much lube on this .375H& &H case resulted in dents forming on n the neck and shoulder.

62 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

neck with a pair of pliers to render it unusable. Anneal your cases regularly to extend case life and enhance accuracy. Read more on annealing in Magnum’s March 2019 issue (p51).

In 1995, I bought a CZ ‘Brno’ model 600 in .30-06, 100 rounds of Winchester ammo and 100 Winchester cases.

With repeated annealing, I am still reloading about 80 of these cases after countless shots, with very acceptable accuracy.

In contrast, my .243 Ackley’s Lapua cases did not last five reloads, even with annealing. The Ackley uses higher charges than the standard .243 Win, which proved too much for these cases.

A 6.5 Creedmoor case loaded to maximum charge. The excess pressure forced brass from the case head into the tunnel of the depressed ejector plunger in the bolt face. As the bolt rotated during opening, the extruded brass was sheared off, leaving a bur on the case head. It is easily corrected with a fine file but is a clear indication of excessive pressure.

The primer pockets expanded so much that new primers can be finger-seated in the pockets, and one even fell out of its pocket when I opened the bolt after the shot. Discard such cases immediately. A tell-tale sign is a dark ring around the spent primer, caused by escaping gas.

Case inspection should be a crucial step in your reloading routine. For this, a clean case is imperative; a small crack in a dirty case can easily go unnoticed. I am a firm believer in case tumbling, either wet or dry, to get my brass looking as new.

A final step in my case preparation regimen is to wash the cases in warm water with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and half a teaspoon of tartaric acid. It removes any traces of lube or tumbling media. I then let them dry in the sun for at least a full day before a final inspection. Never use abrasive agents such as Brasso or other ammonia-based solutions to clean brass.

Over time these chemicals can corrode and weaken the brass.

SOMETIMES A CRACK in a case is not visible on the outside, but has started on the inside, normally circular, around the inner periphery some 8 to 15mm from the case rim or extractor groove.

A neat little tool to detect these cracks is a paper clip. Straighten it out, bend the one end 90 degrees and snip off a millimetre or so with side-cutters to leave a small bur on the end. Insert this end into the case all the way down to the web, then draw the burred end back against the inner case wall of the case. If there is a crack, the sharpened end of the wire will snag on it. A good magnifying glass and desk lamp are essential equipment for distinguishing between cracks and scratches.

Certain case preparation procedures can also affect case life. Dies of almost all calibres, but certainly those bigger than .458 Win Mag, come with a case mouth expander-plug that slightly flares out the lips of the case mouth to allow easy entry of the bullet base during seating so as to prevent damage to

A good magnifying glass and proper lighting are useful for inspecting cases.

the case mouth should a bullet base snag on the lip. Large diameter cases such as .500 Jeffery are more vulnerable to deformation than say, .270 or .223 cases. The neck wall thickness is about the same, but the large circumference of the bigger calibre case renders the structure weaker. Flare the case mouths of big cases only slightly and ensure that the bullet base is fully within this flare, and the bullet shank properly aligned before seating. Dangerous game calibres should be tapercrimped to hold the bullet in place during recoil and to resist bullet impact with the magazine wall during recoil. Use either a taper crimp or factory crimp die. When applying a taper crimp, all cases must be of uniform length to ensure consistency.

Assuming uniform case length, it is essential to set up your dies correctly for ALL the steps in the reloading process. When full-length sizing, it is crucial to use the right amount of lube. Too little will result in the case becoming stuck in the die (Morkel & Crouse of Pretoria tell me they get about two requests a week to remove stuck cases). Too much lube will cause dents to form in the case shoulders. Normally these cartridges will feed and fire-form with the next shot, but it places undue stress on the brass and reduces case life. Forceful ejection of a spent case (such as from dangerous game rifles where bolts get worked hard and fast) can lead to severe dings in the case

mouth. I correct these by pushing a calibre-sized bullet from a dummy round into the case neck to bring it back into shape before re-sizing.

Certain calibres have their idiosyncrasies. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;doughnutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; effect of the .243 Win comes to mind where brass flowing towards the junction of neck and shoulder causes a raised ring on the inside, reducing the internal diameter of the case neck, thus increasing its grip on the bullet, potentially raising pressures to dangerous levels. Another

A bullet puller can salvage propellant and bullets from a deformed case. Both of these are collet-type bullet pullers: Hornady (left) and RCBS.

cartridge notorious for short case life is the .303 British. Military rifle chambers are deliberately oversized to accommodate dirty or corroded ammo in battle conditions, resulting in case over-expansion. Full-length resizing causes rapid metal fatigue resulting in case head separation after only 3 or 4 shots.

Lastly, record keeping is essential to keep track of the number of times a batch of cases has been fired, or when last annealed, etc.

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 63

Find the hunt you’ve been searching for in Magnum’s Hunting Opportunities for 2020.

Make a fair deal • Book early • Hunt ethically • Hunt safely... • Good hunting!

Hunting 2020 Opportunities t Alldays, Limpopo: Brombeek Safaris. Biltong en trofeejag. Kdoe, rbok, gems, eland, vlkvk. Slag en koelgeriewe. S/s akkom, volledig toegerus. Susara 082-554-8922, brombeek. safaris@gmail.com t Beaufort West, Western Cape: 35km north east, against Neuveld mountains. 21x species on farm, 10 to hunt.

No minimum group size. www.badshoek.co.za / colin@beaufortwest.net t Sentrum/Thabazimbi, Limpopo: 2 000ha game fenced, 10x species. All inclusive day fee, R500pppn. Johann 084-2948051, jjkotze03@gmail.com t Bedford, Eastern Cape: Belvedere Safaris. Your ultimate trophy and venison

hunting experience, with a wide variety of species. Full and s/c accom. 082-561-6005, venesia@r63.co.za / www. belvederesafaris.com t Alldays, Limpopo: Ledrea Game Lodge.

3 000ha mopane bush.

Imp from R1 300, kudu from R6 000, wbeest, eland, waterb. Accom for 12 people, en-suite chalets, slaughtering facilities, cold rooms, guides, vehicle.

Ben 082-463-4768, ben@ benheysteksafaris.co.za t Daniëlskuil, Northern Cape: Mount Carmel Safaris.14x species. Cold room, meat processing, many extras, 2 meals pd. 33 years in business, satisfaction guaranteed. Andries van Zyl 082-578-1989, mtcarmel@ yebo.co.za

64 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

t Swart Umfolozi, KwaZulu-Natal: Spoor Safaris. 5 000ha with lots of game. Bow/rifle hunting, great trophies.

Hunter R400pppd. Bush camp sleeps 10, s/c, cold room, guides, vehicle. Liona 083-275-5390, spoorsafari@ bundunet.co.za t Musina, Limpopo: 5 600ha mopane veld.

Biltong/trophy hunting.

Specialise in corporate and small groups. Accom up to ten hunters/observers.

Facebook Riebelton Safaris.

Michael 082-469-7856, info@ riebeltonsafaris.co.za t Sentrum/Thabazimbi, Limpopo: Rbok R1 200-R2 000, vlkvk R750-R1 000, bwbees R4 000R6 000, waterb R4 000 -R10 000, nyala R12 000, buf POA, swartwitpens R35 000,

sebra R6 000. Maks 10 persone. Leon 082-578-5581, leon@tse.co.za t Zimbabwe: Kholisa Hunting Safaris.

Ele, buf, croc, hip and plains game hunts available in Zimbabwe from March to December 2020. Regional hunts available at good rates. +263-7783-68488 (WhatsApp), +263-712334550, bstarsafaris@ yahoo.com t Roedtan, Limpopo: 16x spesie. S/s volledige toegeruste huis met slaapplek vir 9. Gidse, slagters, volledige toegeruste slag/ koelkamer. Geen rokers nie.

Jag Sondag tot Vrydag. 083254-6000, tom@laas.co.za t Elandsfontein/ Thabazimbi, Limpopo: Shabalala Game Ranch. Imp

bbuck

bontebuck/ bontebok blkwbeesblack wildebeest blsbk blesbuck/blesbok bshbk bushbuck/bosbok bshpig bushpig buf buffalo bwbees blue wildebees bvrk bosvark croc crocodile d/hert damhert dkr duiker ele elephant flwdeer fallow deer gems gemsbuck/ gemsbok gir giraffe

hbees hartebeest hip hippo imp impala kdoe koedoe kmpd kameelperd krok krokodil kspring klipspringer leo leopard luip luiperd mtnreed mountain reedbuck mtn zebramountain zebra ost ostrich rbok rooibok reedb reedbuck rhbok rhebuck rib ribbok

rrib spbok

rooiribbok springbuck/ springbok steenb steenbuck/ steenbok swbees swart wildebeest tses tsessebe vaalrbk vaal rhebuck v/rib vaalribbok vlkvk vlakvark volst volstruis wart warthog waterb waterbuck/waterbok wbees wildebeest

accom = accommodation • s/c = self-catering akkom = akkommodasie • s/s = selfsorg

MAGNUM publishes these free adverts in good faith as a service to game ranchers who have hunting for sale and, more importantly, as a useful guide to those readers who wish to find new places to hunt. Publication of these adverts does not imply that Magnum endorses the offers made. Make full and unambiguous arrangements, and please check references before venturing into unknown territory... in more ways than one.

stays free. Imp R1 500, blsbk R1750, wart R1 000, bwbees R3 750, zebra R4 500, eland cow R7 000. 4 sleeper cottage, s/c. R250pppn.

Mike 082-553-7406, mikep@ ersupplies.co.za

and walk & stalk hunts only.

Kudu R45/kg, spbok R42/kg, plus 9 more species. Full catering accom for 9 people. No minimum groups.

Ian Hattingh 082-879-9233, hatsaf@intekom.co.za

t Fouriesburg, Vrystaat: Uitzicht Game Lodge. 10x spesies. Eland, bwbees, blsbk, spbok. Jag al twintig jaar slegs met SA jagters.

Hannes 082-856-7181, hb@ prohb.co.za / www.uitzichtgamelodge.co.za

t Rhodes/Barkly East, Eastern Cape: Pure Hunt Africa. Greywing francolin shooting over English pointers and ultimate Macnabs with mtnreed, brace of greywing and wild trout. F Steynberg 082-640-2930, fred@linecasters.co.za

t Thabazimbi, Limpopo: Imbabala Game Lodge.

Special dads & kids, mom

t Murraysberg, Western Cape: Hattingh Safaris. Backpack

t Alldays, Limpopo: Kaalkraal Lodge. 1 350ha.

Biltong/trophy. Kudu, imp, zebra, bwbees, waterb, eland, gir. 5x en-suite serviced chalets, accom for 10, R500pppd. Includes equipped lapa/boma, guides, vehicle, slaughter facilities, cold room, firewood. Cheryl 082-7811870, cheryl@kaalkraal. co.za. Facebook: Kaalkraal Lodge .

R2 350 (20-24ꞌꞌ), R1 300 (f), bwbees R4 000 (under 26ꞌꞌ & f), wart R2 200 (m), R2 000 (f). Hunter R500pppd. S/c, cold room, vehicle, services of guide & skinners incl.

Mike 082-905-0817, keeny@mweb.co.za / www.ssafaris.co.za

t Waterpoort, Limpopo: Wild Rock Safaris. Biltong/ trophy/cull hunts, for local and international guests.

Plains game to Big 5. From bush camp to fully catered lodges, at fair prices. Charles 084-444-0306, charles@ lawproc.com / www.wildrocksafaris.com t Louis Trichardt, Limpopo: Imp R1 000, bwbees R3 750, kudu R4 500, bshpig R2 000, red dkr R20 000.

More species available.

Hunters R150pppd. S/c accom for 18 guests, cold room, guides, vehicle.

Hanno Roos 081-353-3788, wildnutlodge@gmail.com

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 65

082-781-8256, nicolaascoetzee45@gmail.com t Mkuze District, Kwa-Zulu-Natal: Bayala Nyala Ranch. Imp, nyala & bwbees available.

Lodge sleeps 16 in 8 comfortable rooms. Fully fitted s/c facility. 082-804-7976, mail to: pumbasafaris@ mweb.co.za t Thabazimbi, Limpopo: Imp F R1 250, M R2 000, bwbees R3 000, kudu R3 500, wart R1 000, zebra R8 500.

More species available.

Hunters R570pppd. S/c accom for 8 people, coldroom, guides, vehicle. Fred 082-445-0498, fcamphor@mweb.co.za

t Zastron, Vrystaat: Diepfontein Plaas. Blsbk (wit en bruin) trofee/vleisbokke vanaf R1 450, swbees vanaf R2 400. Gerieflike s/s geriewe R400pp. Koelkamer en voertuig ingesluit. Afslagfooi betaalbaar. Thea 082-8552012, Wicus 072-108-7033, oubaasj@gmail.com

t Zastron, Vrystaat: 14 spesies op 1 600ha. Biltong jag bv. bwbees, swbees R36/kg, eland, kdoe R45/kg, geslag asook uitstaande trofees bv. lechwe. Pragtige bos, savana, bosrante.

Jaghuis vir 15 persone. Tania 061-847-1991, Jacques 081-035-0876, glenrockhuntingsafaris@gmail.com / www.glenrock-hunting safaris.co.za

t Rustenburg, North-West: Imp R1 200, bwbees R3 500, kudu R10 000, wart R550, gems R5 500, plus more species. Hunters R550pppd.

S/c accom for 10 people, cold room, guides, vehicle. Dylan 079-977 3205, bushwacksafaris@vodamail.co.za

t Musina Limpopo: Imp R1 800, kudu bull R12 000, gems R6 000, wart R1 000, bwbees R4 500. S/c bush camp for 10 people, guides included.

082-784-0920, 082-256-6360, kariabeleggings1@gmail.com t Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal: Inhlanhla Game Ranch.

Trophy/biltong hunts. Kudu R5 500, bwbees R4 500, zebra R5 000, blsbk R1 900, imp R1 500, wart R1 800.

Hunters R450, non-hunter R350. Christo 082-375-4615, Monika 082-255-0324, inhlanhla@iafrica.com / www.inhlanhlagamefarm. co.za

t Marble Hall/Roedtan, Limpopo: Diphôfu Game Ranch. 1½ hrs north of Pretoria. Biltong and trophy hunting. S/c lodge accom 10 people.

Narizanne 012-346-6305, hunting@diphofu.co.za / www.diphofuhuntingsafaris. co.za t Musina, Limpopo: Mopane Ranch. Ideal for rifle/bow hunting. Kudu, imp, wbees, wart and many more. S/c accom for 14 clients, cold room, vehicle and trackers. 064-533-6557, mopaneranch@gmail.com t Wepener, Vrystaat: Biltongjag. Blsbk R1 450, spbok R900, wit blsbk, R1 600, bwbees R3 200.

S/s R180pppd. Nic Coetzee

66 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

t Heilbron, Vrystaat: Gewone blsbk vanaf R1 700.

Pa & seun/dogter asook groepe welkom. Koelkamer & slaggeriewe. S/s jaghut beskikbaar, slaap 8 persone.

Dagtarief R200pp. Alwyn 082-540-8474, 058-852-3103 alwyn@rwa.org.za t Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng: Day hunts. Bwbees R4 500, blsbk R2 500, zebra R6 000, eland R15 000, imp R2 500, gems R7 500, red hbees R6 000, waterb R7 500.

Coenrad 072-146-5221, coenrad@bhstaxidermy.co.za t Jagersfontein, Free State: Nietgedacht Boerdery. 80km from Bloemfontein. Blsbk, waterb, bwbees, red hbees, kudu, imp, eland. Accom R400pd. 082-787-9702, davisr@vodamail.co.za t McCarthy’s Rest, Noord-Kaap: Kalahari, 7km van Botswana grens. Gems R4 200, eland R45/kg, spbk R2 000, bwbees R3 400. Jagters R350pppd.

Chalets & kampering beskikbaar. Koelkamer en slaggeriewe. Fernando 082-224-5000, mabuabookings@gmail.com t Steenbokpan, Limpopo: Verskeie wildsoorte. Jagkamp met 2, 3 en 5-bed chalets. Eskom krag, koelkamer en slaggeriewe.

S/s akkom vir 10 persone.

Billike pryse. Jan 082-7752229, Joan 079-397-4309, joanbeukes@yahoo.com t Jansenville District, Eastern Cape: Saxony Hunt & Lodge.

Biltong hunt. Kudu R32p/ kg, spbok R600. Large lodge, groups 8-10. Weekends June to August. Braai, Wifi, Dstv. R500 day/R500 night fee. 074-356-9845, simonmarais320@gmail.com, and Facebook t Zastron, Free State: Highlands Safari Lodge.

16 species to hunt. 083-6110930, jpcalitz@gmail.com t Platjan, Limpopo: Greco Safaris. Imp R1 500R1 750, bshbk R12 500, zebra R8 000, dkr R2 000, steenb R2 500, waterb R7 500, wart R950, bwbees R4 250, kudu cow R5 000, kudu bull R7 500-R17 500.

R450 hunter/non hunter, Deposit R7 500.

M Maartens 082-800-8369, mdmaartens@gds.co.za t Klerksdorp, Noord-Wes: KMK Safari. Ons jag die volgende: Buf, kmpd, eland, kdoe, gems, rooi hbees, bwbees, swbees, rbok, spbok, blsbok, swart witpens en vele meer. Japie 061-733-1034, 084-373-7874, kmksafari777@gmail.com t Queenstown, Eastern Cape: Rheebokfontein. Eland R11 000/ R9 000, bwb R3 900/ R3 600, wart R650, imp R1 900/ R1 500, kudu R6 500/ R4 000, blsbk R1 800/ R1 600, mtn reed R1 800, zebra R5 500, Kalahari spbok R1 700/ R1 500, flwdeer R2 750, common spbok R1 200/ R1 000, waterb R8 500/ R6 600. 082-494-0819, danny@fibsqtn.co.za

Gallery

Big Ivory The article “In Quest of Big Ivory” by Dr Henk Rall has drawn input from a number of readers. The opening page showed a photo of men standing with two pairs of very large elephant tusks and a car in the background which appears to date the photo as late 1940s. In the text, Dr Rall stated that the photo was given to him by Otilio de Vasconzalez of Mozambique, and that the two tusks on the right side of the photo each weighed roughly 240lbs, and the two on the left each weighed about 220lbs, the elephants having been shot at a waterhole south of Lourenço Marques on a Sunday morning by the German man appearing in the centre of the picture.

The readers raised various questions, but to cut to the crux, Bill Feldstein emailed the article to his friend, American hunter and author, Joe Coogan (who, incidentally, has just been awarded Gun Digest’s coveted John T Amber Award). Joe thought he recognised the central man in the photo as the late Wally Johnson, one of Mozambique’s most famous professional hunters of that era. Joe Coogan happens to be a personal friend of Wally Johnson’s son, Walter Johnson Junior, to whom he forwarded the article. Walter Jnr positively identified the central man in the photo as his father, Wally Johnson, and the man on the right of the photo as Harry Manners, another of Mozambique’s famous ivory hunters of that period. Walter Jnr said he remembered seeing the identical photo in the family album, and dated it at around late 1940s. He says his father shot the two bulls north of Lourenço Marques. As to what became of the tusks, he says that while his father was away on safari, his mother needed money, and sold all four tusks locally for a total of £300 sterling.

We contacted Dr Rall for comment, who told us that Otilio de Vasconzalez, when giving him the photo, also gave him the

stated tusk weights, adding that the hunter was a German, and Dr Rall had accepted this information in good faith.

The stated weights of 240 and 220lbs, if valid, would rank these tusks pretty much equally with the world record tusks – those shot by a slave of Tippu Tib on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro in 1898, which originally weighed 235 and 226lbs and are now in the British Museum. (In Africa’s Greatest Tuskers, Tony Sanchez-Ariño states that the Tippu Tib tusks were re-weighed in 1962, giving 226 and 214lbs, having dried out over the intervening 64 years.) A comparison of the two photos shown here clearly reveals the Tippu Tib tusks to be longer and heavier than the Wally Johnson tusks (use the heights of the respective men in the photos for scale, and the size of their hands relative to the diameters of the tusks). Walter Johnson Jnr and Joe Coogan estimate the Wally Johnson tusks to weigh about 180 and 160lbs.

Something about the tusks in the Wally Johnson photo seems odd. The two on the right are both white at the bases (the sections within the elephant’s maxilla) which would seem to indicate their being a pair from the same elephant. The two on the left are not white at the bases, which would seem to indicate they are a pair. However, of the two on the right, the outermost tusk appears very much thicker at the base than the one immediately next to it, which seemingly contradicts their being from the same bull. Likewise, of the two tusks on the left, the outermost one appears significantly thicker than the one right next to it. Going by their respective thicknesses, it would seem likely that the two outermost tusks on each side are a pair, and the two innermost tusks are a pair. But what, then, explains the difference in colouration at their bases? I guess we’ll never know. Our thanks go to those who contributed to this debate.

More on these particular tusks will appear in future editions of Magnum. – Gregor Woods

April 2020 | ManMAGNUM | 67

Gallery

HuntEx 2020 – 10 Years On The HuntEx expo, celebrating its 10th year, will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, from 24 – 27 April. HuntEx first opened its doors here as a 3-day event in April 2011, featuring three hunting destinations and seven firearm dealers as the main attractions. More than 16 000 visitors attended that year. Within two years, visitor numbers had more than doubled and exhibitors increased to 400.

Now HuntEx features 40 hunting destinations and outfitters, 35 local firearm dealers, plus a growing number of foreign firearm and optics manufacturers, and other exhibitors.

HuntEx’s Adriaan Woudstra says the expo enables exhibitors to present their products in a world-class environment.

He says the average HuntEx visitor has done the homework on prices and products and is not easily fooled by sales talk. Exhibitors using the expo to build rapport with potential customers benefit in the long term. “Where else can you potentially get 33 000+ people to see your brand and visit your stand in four days?”

To avoid long queues, the ticketing system has been streamlined. In the past, overcrowding in the halls has impeded interaction between visitors and exhibitors. “Should the need arise, we can temporarily limit access, as having satisfied visitors and exhibitors is more important than cramming people in,” says Woudstra. The average visitor spends about six hours at the show, and some return the next day, as they were unable to explore all 26 000m2.

One of the new attractions at HuntEx 2020 is a shooting range under Hall 1, sponsored by Southern Sky Operations, enabling visitors to test-fire the smaller calibre firearms (.223Rem, 9mm, .22LR) marketed by this company. Having firearms on the premises requires much stricter security than found at other big expos. Visitors bringing firearms in order to ask advice of exhibitors can make use of gun safety zones in the halls; specially trained security and emergency medical personnel will be present.

Well-aware that the firearms and hunting industries, like all others, are affected by the Eskom power crisis, HuntEx’s organisers have approached purveyors of alter-

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native and renewable energy-generating equipment to exhibit this year. Likewise, crime has increased awareness of personal safety, increasing the need for security products and services, which will be well represented, as will self-defence firearms. Don’t miss the ATA Arms exhibit representing Turkey’s firearm industry, or the exhibitors from France and USA. Several exhibitors will be launching new products this year. For newcomers to the sport, several hunting and shooting associations will be present to discuss all the requirements for participating in the shooting sports.

Visitors can even take part in archery axe-throwing events!

Wildswinkel will present a timed online auction of specialised firearms and other products aimed at the serious enthusiast. On Saturday 25 April, Classic Arms’s 67th auction of 500 lots of rare and sought-after firearms will again take place. #HelpJag, a charity that is part of a feeding scheme for underprivileged children run Continued on page 70 ➤

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Gallery Continued from page 68 ➤

by Helpende Hand Kosblikkie Project, will as sist hunters to bag an extra animal for donation n to this feeding scheme.

Visitors are encouraged to make use of the Bulletpass online ticket system, which is cheaper than buyin ng tickets at the gate and also offers multi-day ticketts at reduced r prices. The exhibition halls open at 09:00 but the main i s open at 07:00 to allow early visitors to enjoy coffee before official opening time. Visit www.huntex.net or HuntEx’s Facebook and Instagram @huntexnow. – André Grobler

Swarovski Automatic Bird Identifier Swarovski Optik have launched their 8x25 Automatic Digital Bird ID with Swarovski dG (Digital Guide) – an optical device that combines bird viewing with the automatic digital identification of the bird. It also documents it, or you can live-share it with five other people on their smartphones or tablets. At the push of a button, the bird’s image is transferred from the device using the dG’s app working in conjunction with the Merlin Bird ID app for

Swarovski Optik dG Mammals app that can identify most common European mammals.

automatic identification. Your smartphone will almost instantly

The dG is a monocular of 8x magnification with an objective

reveal what bird you have seen. Part of the package is the

lens diameter of 25mm. The field of view is about 119m at 1000m, and the minimum focusing distance is 2.5m, with eye relief of 17mm. It is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery; regular operating time is six hours and it has an automatic switch-off timer. Battery life during maximum operation is 3.5 hours. The power and LED status indicators are visible on top of the housing (3 & 4 above). The dG weighs 550g.

The camera channel is independent of the optical channel, meaning no data or numbers appear in the field of view. The camera’s digital system focal length is approximately 500mm, which is around 10x magnification. The camera resolution is 13MP (4192x3104) and video resolution is HD (1280x720). All the key functions of the dG can be operated using a single button on top of the housing (1/2 above). The housing protection rating is IP67 meaning heavy rainfall will not damage the dG. The Swarovski Optik dG app connects the monocular with other apps and mobile devices. It is available for iOS and Android. The app is essential for activating the dG and includes several functions. It manages the camera settings, works the live stream facility, transfers photos taken with the dG to all connected devices, and enables connection to other apps such as the Merlin Bird ID. The dG can store up to ten images provided there is an active Wi-Fi connection between the dG and a mobile device. If the link to the dG app or another dG-compatible app is interrupted, up to ten images will be stored temporarily. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot allows several people, within a range of five metres, to follow the live stream of the dG. You can also share all the photos and videos on social media using your phone.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK says precise information about the range at which animals can be identified is difficult, because it depends

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70 | ManMAGNUM | April 2020

on animal size and specific light conditions. However, at about 20m smaller animals can be reliably identified, while the dG can identify larger animals at 100m and further.

The Merlin Bird ID app allows you to identify about 5 000 bird species worldwide. The dG will be available in South Africa by the end of April and the bird package for Southern African birds can be expected on the Merlin app at much the same time. For more information contact Whylo Distributors on 031-584-8088. – André Grobler

Aging Eyes Phillip Hayes’s Trail Talk (March 2020) discussed the age-related problem of the eyes’ inability to achieve a usable compromise of focus on the rear sight, front sight and target when using Patridge sights on a handgun. I have the same problem. It is optically impossible for the eye to focus on three spatially separated objects simultaneously, but younger eyes can achieve a close enough compromise to facilitate accurate shooting. Not so older eyes. Phillip’s solution of a reflex sight which enables the shooter to place the easily visible red dot on the target is one answer, especially for low-light shooting in a defensive situation.

This reminded me of another solution which my late friend, Fifi Hundt, a Windhoek gunsmith, came up with (readers may recall the article series on ballistics by WA Hundt in SA MAN during the 1980s). Fifi preferred revolvers to auto pistols for defensive use.

He didn’t regard ‘combat pistol’ shooting (as Practical Pistol was then called) to be altogether practical, so he formed a club for practical revolver shooters. He found that he and his fellow shooters – whether young or over 40 – achieved better scores (faster times and improved practical accuracy) if they used ghost-ring rear sights on their revolvers. This obviates the need for sharp focus on both sights – you simply ignore the rear sight (your pupil instinctively centres in the ghost-ring) and focus on the front sight. If you need prescription glasses, have a pair made that focus at handgun front-sight distance. I have a pair that focusses at PC screen distance (as distinct from reading glasses) and these work perfectly for handgun use. A slightly out-of-focus target is not a problem, especially at defensive handgun range.

Fifi made the ghost-rings himself and mounted them on any steel-framed revolver, whether stainless or carbon steel, though his preference was for the Ruger Security Six or Ruger Speed Six, both in .357 Mag. Fifi welded (or soldered – I can’t recall) the ghost-rings on so as to become integral to the frame (perfectly sighted in) and the junction was invisible, even on stainless steel. Because a handgun’s rear sight is held slightly further from your eye than a rifle’s receiver sight, the ghost-ring aperture needs to be slightly larger than a rifle’s. I can’t recall if Fifi put ghost-rings on pistol slides (you could dovetail one in, just like a Patridge sight). I found his ghost-ring sights excellent, but never owned one as I was young enough to use Patridge sights on my .45ACP, and my wife’s .38 special had an aluminium alloy frame. But for older eyes, I think ghost-ring sights on handguns well worth considering. – Gregor Woods

PEOPLE

Gunsmith of the Month: Andy Fuller Andy lives and works in the Western Cape. He qualified as a gunsmith in 1974 at the Olifantsfontein testing centre while he worked at the SA Defence Force. Andy specialises in doing verifications for the Gunsmith Trade Test and repairing all types of firearms. He does not build rifles.

He is working with the PFTC on a program whereby new gunsmiths can qualify, now that Olifantsfontein has closed down, and he has been involved in the introduction of a Trade Test to afford qualification to those who have been working in the industry without any formal qualification – this is currently on the basis of RPL (recognition of prior learning). Andy is also deeply involved in developing a semi-automatic rifle for sport shooting.

Andy considers Vektor rifle barrels (hammer forged) to be extremely accurate and reliable and SAKO actions would be his choice for hunting and precision rifles, specifically the SAKO TRG action. His favourite wood for hunting rifle stocks is walnut.

A regular hunter, mainly in the Eastern Cape, Andy shoots only for the pot. He has been a SAPSA member for about 40 years and still participates. He is a member of the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association and does Dedicated Hunter’s training for SAHGCA in the Garden Route area.

Subscriber of the Month: Wayne van Heerden Wayne lives in Gauteng and his favourite hunting ground is the Cumberland region in Limpopo Province. He uses his .44 Magnum for handgun hunting and also enjoys hunting with his old 6.5x58mm Portuguese Mauser. For longer shots, he prefers his .300 Win Mag. He is also an avid 12-bore wingshooter and hunts on the lucerne fields on the farm. During his last hunt in the Cumberland region he bagged a warthog.

Wayne also likes sport shooting and participates in matches using his .22LR and .300 Win Mag, shotgun and handguns in 9mmP and .357 Mag. He is a member of the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association and the National Hunting and Shooting Association.

Wayne has been buying his Magnum magazines at the shops since 2013 and became a subscriber only two years ago.

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