Next weekend I am fortunate enough to be heading to Tanzania for 3 weeks of hunting and photography in the Rungwa bush, from my side, this is long overdue! It has been a good few years now since I last took the time to go to Africa, so I am looking forward to it very much.
I don't actually 'own' a double rifle, I have plenty at my hands but not one with SC on the oval, I find it more interesting to try whatever happens to be lying around at the time. Hence the photographs of Sutherland's .577. I went to the vault this morning to see what we had and put my hands on this, thinking that I should give it a trip back to the bush. Alas, there is no Elephant where I am going and anyway I think this rifle ( is too heavy for an old fart ) and only deserves that sort of hunt, if it is to return to Africa it should be to do what it is used to doing.
I am taking instead the 'baby brother' a .500 WR and the back up a Leica M.
If there is any rifle I have held which has stories to tell, this is the one. It has hardly any checkering left, oil oozes from the stock, is bruised and dented but is tight and fast to the shoulder. A quite wonderful rifle.
M Ward on September 2, 2014 at 7:28 am
Simon:
Live your own story with it, then write about it. I'd love to hear it.
Simon Clode on September 2, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Thank you, it will certainly go one day and when it dose I will write about it.
Simon
neil mcveigh on September 3, 2014 at 7:42 am
SIMON,
I am of to Tanzania (the Selous) in mid-September for buffalo.I think it might be a good idea for me to take Sutherland's .577.Trigger ever so kindly let me examine it in Las Vegas and you know what-it fitted me like a glove!I am sure you agree that it would be a splendid idea for me to take it to Africa and let it speak again!Expectantly yours.
Neil
Simon Clode on September 3, 2014 at 8:28 am
I am sorry I have left the factory and I have the key to the vault!! The special stash vault that is!
Enjoy the Selous!
neil mcveigh on September 3, 2014 at 8:33 am
SPOIL SPORT!
michael brough on September 21, 2014 at 2:55 pm
hi simon was well pleased to see u have ownership of my great uncles gun I have many trophies of his he actually shot with it and many pictures of him with it in his hands he would be so proud to think it was going back to Africa to do the job it was used for shame it will never again see the African bush
Simon Clode on September 25, 2014 at 8:02 am
Thank you for your comments, it would be great to be able to show some original photographs of your uncle if you would let us! I can assure you the rifle WILL go back to Africa but I think it was essential for it to return on a trip for Elephant which is what it was made and used for and not on a general hunt in Tanzania! When it does go back I will be sure too photograph it!
Suimon
michael brough on September 21, 2014 at 2:58 pm
my great uncle would im sure be happy to know it had rtnd to Africa once more
michael brough on October 1, 2014 at 8:18 am
unfortunately am afraid shall have to hang on for a while as we are currently in the middle of writing a new book about him which will include all new unseen footage but if its ok with you would like to add to book about the gun being with yourselves and am I right in thinking the Sutherland bag I notice you make is named after him would we be able to put a picture and mention that also ?