Dangerous-Game Rifles [Hardcover]

Terry Wieland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 18, 2006 | Series: Dangerous-Game Rifles

Though few hunters actually make the trip to Africa in pursuit of The Big Five - elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and Cape buffalo - the popularity of rifles designed to take such dangerous game has burgeoned in recent years. Here, the author, a widely recognized firearms expert and a veteran of many safaris, explores in detail the rifles and calibers that are drawing attention from big-bore aficionados.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Down East Books (September 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892726911
• ISBN-13: 978-0892726912
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,002,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, and excellent book for firearm enthusiasts, December 10, 2006

By 

Joe D "RealGuns.Com" (Raymond, ME) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Dangerous-Game Rifles (Hardcover)

Like most firearm enthusiasts I enjoy reading about the big guns, but have found that most are written from an adventure novel perspective on double rifles rather than a more pragmatic view of an experienced dangerous game hunter. This clearly was not the case with this book. Dangerous Game Rifles is first about hunting dangerous game, and in this context addresses double and bolt action rifles and applicable cartridges. Single shot and lever action rifles are covered to a lesser degree as they were deemed not optimal for this type of hunting.

The book is very educational in terms of the mechanics of these firearms, the history of the same and insight into this type of hunting and the surrounding circumstances. The author is rarely vague, which made me feel confident with the information I was digesting. The author opens with the statement, "The era of the modern dangerous game rifle began in 1898 when John Rigby of London introduced the 450 Nitro Express (N.E.). Everything that came before was merely a prelude to this event- although it was a prelude that lasted almost 400 years". Very clean writing style, very concise; absolutes but not in the absence of understanding.

Approximately ten British double rifles are covered in historical and overview of design context. This is followed by extensive coverage of double guns from: Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy. The pieces are in historical context, company and firearm, but they are also about design and evolution of these firearms. The doubles section closes on "Buying new and used". The bolt action section began with the big Mauser and what amounts to a small club of competitors. This section is current through Ed Browns product line, A-Square, Dakota and of course Remington, Ruger, Winchester, and Weatherby. There is a section on European bolt actions for dangerous game, however, this wasn't fleshed out as well and I was disappointed a bit by not gaining more insight into some of the less known, but more distinctive and unique designs from companies like Heym, Sauer, Steyr, etc.

The cartridge section covers virtually every one that would conceivably be used for big and dangerous game; the big double rifle cartridges as well as the rimless bolt action cartridges. More than just showing pretty pictures of catalogued rounds and arts and charts of theoretical ballistics, the author covers bullet selection and performance in great detail, supported by anecdotal evidence of appropriateness of selections. The book offers much more with sections on custom rifles, handloading, developing hunting accuracy and skill...

This is not a picture book of expensive rifles. There is some color photography, mostly sharp black and white, no fuzzy reproductions of stock photos. The book uses pictures heavily where appropriate, but also can go on for a chapter assuming the reader can actually read and comprehend text. The paper is good stock and finish, easy to read for prolonged periods of time, and wrapped in a quality binding. Great book, excellent writing and organization. Finally, a book with contents to match its title.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Shelf, October 23, 2006

By 

Stephen W. Templar "rexGun" (Winchester, Virginia - United States of America) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Dangerous-Game Rifles (Hardcover)

Wieland has done an excellent job with this book. It is a work deserving of high praise. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in big-game or dangerous-game rifles. This book is, perhaps, the best history lesson regarding these wonderful rifles available to the average US reader.

Cheers,

Dr. Stephen W. Templar, Author: rexGun Rexgun

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest work on Dangerous-Game Rifles and Cartridges, November 12, 2006

By 

I Like Books (Boise, ID United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Dangerous-Game Rifles (Hardcover)

Terry Wieland has been my favorite gun writer ever since I read his fabulous Book "Spanish Best," so I eagerly snapped up this book as soon as I saw it. After reading it, I am very impressed. I have read other great books on the subject; such as Craig Boddingtons's fine book "Safari Rifles," but none that apply as much critical thought and intellect to the subject as Terry Wieland has put forth here.
Now I not only know who is making the best dangerous game rifles--both double and bolt action--but I know why. I also have a better understanding of the Mauser 98 bolt action, the regulation of doubles, the most important cartridges for dangerous game and an in-depth appreciation of what makes a good bullet for animals that run both ways. He even explains how to load down big cartridges for "practice rounds." If you like rifles, you will love this book.