African Rifles and
Cartridges - By Richard Nemec
November 10,2004. Several weeks prior
to the November 2004, meeting I had an interesting experience
that reflected on the theme of my display, titled “African
Rifles and Cartridges". By chance encounter I was introduced to
a gentleman who lives on the next street. We live in a
semi-rural, equestrian community and it is quite common not to
know your neighbors. The afternoon was sunny, autumn foliage was
at its peak. His property bordered the Metro Park so we strolled
about and chatted. The grounds were outstanding, however I
remained fixated on a large tented cage toward the rear. Our
conversation was casual and I was happy to learn that he was pro
gun. I took an immediate liking to him. He excused himself and
went into the house. Several minutes later he returned with a
package of pork chops and said, "let's feed the cat". As we
approached the cage, without warning a black leopard sprang onto
a ledge and peered eye level about four feet from me. Smallest
of the Big Five, this feline is the most lethal predator in
Africa. It is never domesticated. The cat devoured those chops
quicker than a kid could inhale a bag of M & M’s, then she
retreated. Later, I thanked my host for a very memorable day.
Remembering the stare of that big cat
influenced my decision to choose the correct firearms that a
person would need when hunting the Dark Continent. I wanted to
provide an entertaining and educational display that would
please our members. With diligence and simplicity, I selected
rifles and accessories that would stimulate interest and
generate a spirited dialogue. My theme “African Rifles and
Cartridges” is the title of a popular book written by
professional hunter John (Pondoro) Taylor in 1948. It is the
definitive text on the subject. I highly recommend you read it.
The meeting was well attended and I was happy to see an
enthusiastic response to my display. Your compliments are
appreciated. I purposely downsized the exhibit, restricting the
number of rifles for a reason. Less is better. I firmly believe
that only a bolt-action magazine rifle of Mauser design
incorporating a controlled-round feed and claw extractor or
double rifles should go on safari. Without exception, the
characteristics of a dangerous game rifle combine the qualities
of flawless reliability and accuracy 100% every time. By
presenting rifles that are proven undeniably dependable, I
easily defined my objective and avoided confusion. There are
three categories of African game. They are as follows:
Category (1) Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino
and Hippo - use no rifle less than .400 caliber.
Category (2) Leopard, Lion and Eland - use no rifle less than
.375 magnum.
Category (3) Zebra, Kudu, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, and Sable
Antelope class - use no rifle less than.300 caliber
Regardless of my bias, anyone hunting
Africa must comply with the country of origin’s Game Department
regulations regarding caliber. Mandatory guidelines are
instituted for the hunter’s safety and the senseless wounding of
animals. Current laws are based on years of accumulated facts by
such famous hunters as Elmer Keith and PH Harry Selby. An SCI
membership is very advisable. There is no substitute for a
reputable outfitter.
Inevitability, the most often asked
question was not related to technical or ballistic details, but
value. “How much does it cost?” I chuckled and replied, “the
price of a rifle is like speeding, how fast do you want to go?”
Most men understood my ambiguous answer. In closing, I wish to
thank the OGCA staff for another great weekend and members who
took time to stop and talk with me. My guest, Grove Taylor
enjoyed himself thoroughly. He said "this is the best show I’ve
ever attended". Unfortunately, time flies when you’re having fun
and Sunday afternoon pack-up came much to soon. I hope to see
you in Wilmington in January 2005.
Very truly yours,
Richard J. Nemec
Editor's note: Richard Nemec is one
of OGCA’s most outspoken supporters. At age 8 or 9 when other
kids were reading comic books, he was reading gun books. He
attended his first OGCA meeting at Veterans Memorial Hall in
Columbus at the age of 12, and purchased a Life membership so
long ago that it was all of $60.00. He is a past Featured
Displayer, and won First Prize at the 1999 Annual Display Show.
Mr. Nemec welcomes your questions and comments. He once said,
“At the beginning it was all about guns, but as I reflect back
in time, it’s really about people.” |