Is the Brush Gun a Myth?

[PT7]

Interesting, Gunny. "Out of your misery."
I have no doubt that lightning "strike" was most effective!

[GunnyGene]

Interesting, Gunny. "Out of your misery."
I have no doubt that lightning "strike" was most effective!

I try to avoid attributing human feelings and actions to inanimate objects.

[Old Syko]

35 Rem, or if you really need it, take one the 444's.

RP

Agreed. I love the 357 Herrett in my Contender which is nearly a twin brother to the 35 Rem. I run 300 grain gas checked hard cast through my 444P at just over 2100 fps that I'm sure will run with anything available.

Besides, I was always told you don't fire unless you're sure you have a clear shot and a certain backstop.

[tarbe]

Lots of factors to consider, when trying to shoot through any sort of interference.

I agree that shooting through brush is generally a no-no.

Last week in Zimbabwe I was faced with a situation where quite possibly an entire two week hunt was hanging on getting a shot off on a bull, before his buddy crossed into my scent trail...but the bull I wanted to shoot wasn't going to clear the bush in time.

Fortunately the bull was immediately behind the bush, and I was shooting a 550gr .458" bullet.

The bullet was deflected about 4" from my point of aim, and the entrance hole was not quite circular (little bit of yaw going on there) but the bull died within about 10 seconds.

These decisions are often made in seconds, factoring a bunch of data, and in this case it was done after 9 hours of tracking this herd and various cat and mouse games (from 0700 to 1600).

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[PT7]

Last week in Zimbabwe I was faced with a situation where quite possibly an entire two week hunt was hanging on getting a shot off on a bull...

I'm not certain which is the best shot, uh, the best photo? This bull or the zebra from your earlier hunt?

Wow, through the bush, and the shot only being 4" off your POA.....very nice job! Just how close were you when you decided? Bottom line, a 10-second end to a humane kill.

Final Q. Do you have plans for those antlers?

Thanks for your post.
PT7

[tarbe]

I was 40 yards from the bull, at the shot.

The bull was a couple of feet behind the bush. If he had been 10 feet or more behind the bush I most certainly would not have shot. Too great a chance of a wounding shot...and you don't want to wound a Cape Buffalo! They are notorious for their adrenaline dump and they like to get even.

If anything is a "brush buster" it is a 550gr 45 cal slug...but this slug was deflected 4" on target with the target just a couple feet from the source of interference. Sobering!

[tarbe]

The rounds on the right are what I was using:

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[tarbe]

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[JEBar]

heck of a round .... well executed indeed

[Ojaileveraction]

That is Hunting that few ever experience.
Real 'Out of Africa' stuff.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

[BigAl52]

So what happens to the meat from this guy was it given to the locals? Did you bring any of it back or have you eaten any of this animal.

[tarbe]

That is Hunting that few ever experience.
Real 'Out of Africa' stuff.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

I am truly blessed to have been able to make this trip a reality. Once in a lifetime, for sure.

It was a 50 year dream to hunt Cape Buffalo on foot, in a large, wild place (this was an 850,000 acre block in Zimbabwe).

Where you go and who you go with is very critical. I can highly recommend John Sharp Safaris. John is a pro and the real deal. A pleasure to share camp with. You will learn how to hunt Africa!

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[PT7]

I am truly blessed to have been able to make this trip a reality. Once in a lifetime, for sure.
It was a 50 year dream to hunt Cape Buffalo on foot, in a large, wild place...

Yes, having a life-long dream fulfilled is huge....glad it all turned out so great!

Another cool photo of the bull. Seeing this second pic, I'm still curious about what you'll do with the antlers?
PT7

[tarbe]

I am truly blessed to have been able to make this trip a reality. Once in a lifetime, for sure.
It was a 50 year dream to hunt Cape Buffalo on foot, in a large, wild place...

Yes, having a life-long dream fulfilled is huge....glad it all turned out so great!

Another cool photo of the bull. Seeing this second pic, I'm still curious about what you'll do with the antlers?
PT7

Undecided on any taxidermy. The beast was caped out and the hide will be tanned. Then I can decide what to do.

I am leaning towards doing what is called a pedestal mount.

[PT7]

That sounds very , Tarbe. The antlers must be quite heavy, and I'd think it would be hard to wall-mount them. If and when you decide, it sure would be fun to see what the final mounting looks like. Thanks!
PT7

[tarbe]

I did pick up the skull/horns and all flushed out they were probably about 45-50 pounds. Add the skin back on and yes, it will be a pretty heavy mount!

[JEBar]

I'd really like to hear all of the details related to your travel, shipping your rifle, preparations for the hunt, method used to hunt your bull, any other animals you considered taking and most anything you'd care to share .... for me such a hunt will always remain an unrealized dream .... thanks for sharing yours