Customer Reviews

Dangerous-Game Rifles

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

Terri Wieland has outdone himself with this update to Dangerous Game Rifles. This is one of the best books ever written on the subject.

This new updated version of Dangerous Game Rifles has improved the book considerably. The modern updated information is a welcome addition and is very helpful.

I recommend this book to all big bore fans, dangerous game rifle aficionados, and to safari hunters. For further reading on dangerous game rifles and safari rifles I also recommend Safari Rifles 2 by Craig Boddington Safari Rifles 2 - Trade Edtion as well as (if you can forgive my slight bias) my own book, rexGun by Stephen Templar Rexgun.

Good reading, good shooting and good hunting.

I admit it, I'll never take up a rifle and go up against the big African, or Alaskan game. I'm just an armchair affectionado. Still, I spent many an hour in the easy chair reading this book. I don't even have one of the really big guns that he talks about. The biggest gun that I have is a .375 H&H. (Mine is not nearly as pretty as some of the guns he shows. And I've got to say that I agree with him that shooting reduced loads in it is a lot more fun than full power loads. It's also much more accurate than I expected. With a solid lead bullet and some Unique behind it I can get 3/4" groups at 100 yards.)

What I especially liked about this book is the intense detail that he has about the subject. He discusses the history of Remington 700, the new Jeffery double rifle or the Dakota 76 with equal authority and detail. He brings personal experience to the table to explain why professional hunters don't use the Weatherby Mark V.

All in all, a delightful book, mandatory reading if you're headed out where the critters are big, an enormous amount of fun in front of the fireplace.

Terry Wieland is shooting editor of Gray's Sporting Journal and has contributed numerous articles to other shooting magazines, but his DANGEROUS-GAME RIFLES is an even more important survey and a top pick for any library including books on big game hunting. Packed with specifics about big-bore rifles, DANGEROUS-GAME RIFLES discusses legendary gunmakers, gun-making history, specs, and more, exploring their action, performance, and field applications. Descriptions include insights on developers of these notable rifles and offer a satisfying blend of practical field insights and historical notes, making this a 'must' acquisition for any serious hunting library.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

In places this can be an interesting book, such as Weiland talking about how ex-Ford executives ruined Winchester or how Jack Carters design trophy bonded bullets from Hornady were at first not made to Carters specifications. It is written in a oddly different manner. This is probably because of two reasons Mr. Wieland belongs to the rather unrealistic "Big Bore Boys Club". He does not seem to believe any rifle less than a .375 has a place in Africa. Thus the entire book is written from that view point. The other point of view is that of a eliteist. He is busy riding the hobby horse of $50 to $100,000 double rifles and expensive custom bolt actions. He is trying to play cowboys and indians! You know trying to run around playing the great white hunter of the turn of the last century, complete with pith helmet and tan uniforms. I hate to inform the author but double rifles have been obsolete since WWII.
He is also a bit of a humorist, "Let me tell you how I stopped a bufallo charge at FOUR FEET with a .458 fired from the hip hitting him in the head". Although not a ballistician he gravely warns the reader about.375 Weatherby cases sticking in their rifles and the .416 Remington may be loaded too hot for Afica. He also solemly assures us that Remington bolt action rifles have had no impact with professional guides or their hunters. This is rather strange since he talks about Craig Bodington all the time who uses left hand Remingtons probably half or more of his time in Africa! But he prefers $5,000.00 custom made bolt actions. He is profoundly disturbed that tough A-square solid bullets might press the rifling out of antique soft steel barrelled double rifles, as H&H confirmed for him. Facts do not seem to bother the author.
If you can read between the lines and around the corners, it actually is a somewhat entertaining book, but nowhere as good or as competent as the above reviews would lead you to believe.

Very good book, blk and wht pics but does have all the cartridges shown.
all of the big game cartridges are here from the old black power days thru most of the last centry. The author is knowledgeable and experianced at shooting most anything that would make a big bang. However all of the newest short fat mags from Rem. and Win. are missing due to the fact the author is very much married to the older and terribly British developments and their rifles. That really doesnt diminish this well writen book, could easily be supplemented with ballistic tables from many sources for the newer cartridges.

Weatherby, Winchester, A square, Nitro Express they are all here, plus many many more. A must have for big bore lovers!! Rifle makers as well as calibers of all and many types are all listed here with up to date info.

He's not right about everything, but he' close. This is not only informative, but a great review of dangerous game rifles, with pros and cons. This guy has been around the block with enough of the rifles out there to inform a novice and REALLY inform those of us who think we know something. If you have any interest in dangerous game rifles, then this is your book! Writen so you won't want to put it down.