Howdy from Ol' Virginy

[Trakehner]

Howdy All. I'm originally from Norther Michigan in the UP (Upper Peninsula). My poor grandfather...he was born in 1888 and loved to hunt. Of course, that meant his two sons and one daughter had no interest in guns or hunting (I think that's illegal in the UP). Anyway, when I was born, being the 1st grandchild, he ordered a rifle for me. A lovely Enfield action beautiful 416 Rigby (and yes, I still have it). He took me on walks in the woods, while he hunted...me on my pony, him on foot. Once I hit 5 I had a Winchester .22 to take hunting...I got squirrels, he got deer and bears...plus lots of wing shooting....he was a great shotgunner, while I like them and have some lovely old doubles, I stink up the room with a scattergun and probably could get handicapped tags at the skeet range.

At 7, he finally brought me with him to Africa...Rhodesia mostly, and some to the northern parts of South Africa. The deal was, I had to carry my rifle...but I couldn't shoot it...gawdamighty, that rifle was heavy. But he said I'd remember the safaris better with my own rifle...he was right. When I got to shoot, I used his 1905 model Mannlicher in 9x56 Mannlicher (yes, I still have it...what a jewel they are). Got a lot of soft skinned game with it. Never a zebra...too much like my pony at home. Got to go all over Eastern Africa with him, and even met Haille Selassie and got to pet his lion. Made it to Africa 6 times, twice a year (I think he knew his time was getting short), Alaska and Canada. Sadly, he never got to see me shoot the rifle he presented to me as a child. the guides got a kick out of me hauling that big gun around but seemed to think the little bull-headed blond kid who wouldn't let anyone carry his load was novel.

My Grandfather had a double rifle in 505 Gibbs he bought when in England during "The Great War"...he loved that rifle and when he died, the family sold it...luckily, I had the Rigby and the Mannicher...all his other guns "disappeared". Talk about pearls to swine. I finally decided to get my own 505 in remembrance of my grandfather...seems only fitting. Not a double though, a bolt gun...but it'll be fun remembering him shooting the big gun at amazingly large animals when I was a kid.

Went to Africa in the early 70's while in the Army on R&R...Rhodesia was still there and Africa was a better place than with the current thugs...well, it was. Looking forward to seeing the various postings by people.

 

[Royal27]

Welcome and howdy!

Would love to hear more of the stories you and and pics of those rifles sure would be nice too.

 

[BRICKBURN]

That is one hell of an intro. What a great set of memories.
Hope you enjoy taking that 505 out for a spin.
Please do share more of those hunting tales with us.

Welcome to AH.

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard! What a treat to go with your grandpa to Rhodesia at such a early age!

 

[Velo Dog]

Howdy All. I'm originally from Norther Michigan in the UP (Upper Peninsula). My poor grandfather...he was born in 1888 and loved to hunt. Of course, that meant his two sons and one daughter had no interest in guns or hunting (I think that's illegal in the UP). Anyway, when I was born, being the 1st grandchild, he ordered a rifle for me. A lovely Enfield action beautiful 416 Rigby (and yes, I still have it). He took me on walks in the woods, while he hunted...me on my pony, him on foot. Once I hit 5 I had a Winchester .22 to take hunting...I got squirrels, he got deer and bears...plus lots of wing shooting....he was a great shotgunner, while I like them and have some lovely old doubles, I stink up the room with a scattergun and probably could get handicapped tags at the skeet range.

At 7, he finally brought me with him to Africa...Rhodesia mostly, and some to the northern parts of South Africa. The deal was, I had to carry my rifle...but I couldn't shoot it...gawdamighty, that rifle was heavy. But he said I'd remember the safaris better with my own rifle...he was right. When I got to shoot, I used his 1905 model Mannlicher in 9x56 Mannlicher (yes, I still have it...what a jewel they are). Got a lot of soft skinned game with it. Never a zebra...too much like my pony at home. Got to go all over Eastern Africa with him, and even met Haille Selassie and got to pet his lion. Made it to Africa 6 times, twice a year (I think he knew his time was getting short), Alaska and Canada. Sadly, he never got to see me shoot the rifle he presented to me as a child. the guides got a kick out of me hauling that big gun around but seemed to think the little bull-headed blond kid who wouldn't let anyone carry his load was novel.

My Grandfather had a double rifle in 505 Gibbs he bought when in England during "The Great War"...he loved that rifle and when he died, the family sold it...luckily, I had the Rigby and the Mannicher...all his other guns "disappeared". Talk about pearls to swine. I finally decided to get my own 505 in remembrance of my grandfather...seems only fitting. Not a double though, a bolt gun...but it'll be fun remembering him shooting the big gun at amazingly large animals when I was a kid.

Went to Africa in the early 70's while in the Army on R&R...Rhodesia was still there and Africa was a better place than with the current thugs...well, it was. Looking forward to seeing the various postings by people.

Apologies beforehand if I'm on the wrong track here but lately, we've had quite a few vegenazi hackers lately.
So:
Was your "poor old grandfather" (who "ordered a .416 Rigby" for you, when you were quite small, then had you carry it in Africa but never got to see you fire it) really poor or, is that just a figure of speech in his case?
Since I've not heard of a .505 caliber double, can you remember who made poor old grandpa's double barreled .505 ?
Not saying none has been made, just saying it smells fishy.

 

[enysse]

Welcome to AH!

 

[Trakehner]

Apologies beforehand if I'm on the wrong track here but lately, we've had quite a few vegenazi hackers lately.
So:
Was your "poor old grandfather" (who "ordered a .416 Rigby" for you, when you were quite small, then had you carry it in Africa but never got to see you fire it) really poor or, is that just a figure of speech in his case?
Since I've not heard of a .505 caliber double, can you remember who made poor old grandpa's double barreled .505 ?
Not saying none has been made, just saying it smells fishy.

Vengazi hacker? Don't know what that is...but I do not like being called a liar even when coached as "apologies beforehand". Poor as a figure of speech. Yes, I come from a wealthy family...my "poor" grandfather had the ill luck to have kids who liked team sports vs. hunting/fishing/shooting and the outdoors. He didn't have any family to pass on his love of the outdoors and experiences to. In fact, my grandmother also loved the outdoors used to hike the woods with me and bought me my first shotgun after he died. I was the first grandchild and the first male grandchild...he was going to start me right. I don't know who made my grandfather's rifle, he got it in England around 1919, and at the time he died I was all of 10, not exactly a gun expert etc. I had fun with the stuff I could actually shoot (my 22.s and the Mannlicher 9mm). I was trying to figure out how to post photos of my 416 (beautiful wood) and the Mannlicher (that one has a removeable cheekrest for when you're using a scope...but not being a real knowledgeable poster/forum person, haven't a clue how to post photos.) If your snarky comments (e.g. ...who made poor old grandpa's") are indicative of the forums, this may not be a place to enjoy reading. Pssst...Gibbs made a 505 double rifle (custom, but with enough money you can get anything built...just ask the 4 bore people)

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

@Trakehner, welcome to AH! Stick around, @Velo Dog means no harm. We get from time to time folks joining AH who turn out to be not what they would seem....in other words anti-hunters. Hopefully you call the southwestern part of Virginia home, Hokie country that would be. I second the request for more of your stories of Africa.

 

[K-man]

Welcome to the forum! Don't let some of us curmeudgeons (sp?) discourage you, your experiences will enrich us all.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I liked the intro. All my friends (mean bastards) say I am going to end up like your grandfather, with kids that have no desire to go into the woods. But looks like the grandkid turned out alright! Welcome to the forum, from one Virginia boy to another!

 

[Velo Dog]

Vengazi hacker? Don't know what that is...but I do not like being called a liar even when coached as "apologies beforehand". Poor as a figure of speech. Yes, I come from a wealthy family...my "poor" grandfather had the ill luck to have kids who liked team sports vs. hunting/fishing/shooting and the outdoors. He didn't have any family to pass on his love of the outdoors and experiences to. In fact, my grandmother also loved the outdoors used to hike the woods with me and bought me my first shotgun after he died. I was the first grandchild and the first male grandchild...he was going to start me right. I don't know who made my grandfather's rifle, he got it in England around 1919, and at the time he died I was all of 10, not exactly a gun expert etc. I had fun with the stuff I could actually shoot (my 22.s and the Mannlicher 9mm). I was trying to figure out how to post photos of my 416 (beautiful wood) and the Mannlicher (that one has a removeable cheekrest for when you're using a scope...but not being a real knowledgeable poster/forum person, haven't a clue how to post photos.) If your snarky comments (e.g. ...who made poor old grandpa's") are indicative of the forums, this may not be a place to enjoy reading. Pssst...Gibbs made a 505 double rifle (custom, but with enough money you can get anything built...just ask the 4 bore people)

It's vegenazi, not "vengazi".
But any way - OK, don't have a cow brother.
If you are for real, again I apologize.
And, I really mean that.
At this stage, I shall retreat, with my tail between my legs and quietly look forward to your family archive photos, especially of the .416 you lugged about the African bush from age 7, without firing same.

 

[Velo Dog]

Trakehner,

I'm not necessarily calling you a liar, just asking you to clarify.

If I am hallucinating on this, please do laugh at me, as I will have deserved it.

But surely, even you yourself simply has to admit, a grandfather issuing a .416 to his 7 year old grand son does seem "fishy".

Especially when you consider that, a 6.5 MS would have been about perfect for you at that age, as well as quite readily available.

It's like buying a 7 year old a supercharged rail dragster, instead of a decent bicycle.
And, who would have a double built in .505, instead of .475 No2, or .500, or .577 NE?
That is like having a double made in .404 Jeffery, instead of 450/400 Jeffery.
Just doesn't click.

Sorry for my suspicious nature, it is one of my many character flaws.
And here within AH, we are constantly assailed by the screeching eunuchs.
The internet stalking never ends from such nuts.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

 

[petrusg]

Welcome to AH! Great intro story, makes me think back when i was that young man carrying the rifle around.

 

[ndumo HUNTING SAFARIS]

Welcome @Trakehner! Enjoy the site!

 

[Pheroze]

Vengazi hacker? Don't know what that is...but I do not like being called a liar even when coached as "apologies beforehand". Poor as a figure of speech. Yes, I come from a wealthy family...my "poor" grandfather had the ill luck to have kids who liked team sports vs. hunting/fishing/shooting and the outdoors. He didn't have any family to pass on his love of the outdoors and experiences to. In fact, my grandmother also loved the outdoors used to hike the woods with me and bought me my first shotgun after he died. I was the first grandchild and the first male grandchild...he was going to start me right. I don't know who made my grandfather's rifle, he got it in England around 1919, and at the time he died I was all of 10, not exactly a gun expert etc. I had fun with the stuff I could actually shoot (my 22.s and the Mannlicher 9mm). I was trying to figure out how to post photos of my 416 (beautiful wood) and the Mannlicher (that one has a removeable cheekrest for when you're using a scope...but not being a real knowledgeable poster/forum person, haven't a clue how to post photos.) If your snarky comments (e.g. ...who made poor old grandpa's") are indicative of the forums, this may not be a place to enjoy reading. Pssst...Gibbs made a 505 double rifle (custom, but with enough money you can get anything built...just ask the 4 bore people)

Great intro! A great story too. Please post some of your trophies, or old photos are always great to see.

@Velo Dog is one of the great folks you will meet here. A genuine fellow and quick to share his experiences. I guarantee that if you stick around you will be thinking of a trip to his neck of the woods for a beer soon enough.

But, we do have a Rule (with a capital 'R'). If there are no photos then it didn't happen! . Old photos get bonus marks

 

[Royal27]

but not being a real knowledgeable poster/forum person, haven't a clue how to post photos

That is easy here. Just drag and drop your photo into the area where you type the message and it will appear.

Or, click "upload a file" right next to "post reply" and go to where you have your photos stored.

 

[CAustin]

Welcome to AH sir. Hope you will stick around.

 

[johnnyv]

Welcome to AH Trakehner! Nice to have you on the site.

 

[Lrntolive]

Welcome from a former Virginian. Now a Coloradan. Thanks for the great intro. What a grandfather should be.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Trakehner! Looking forward to hearing more stories and seeing some pictures.