New here so thought I'd post an introduction. The astute amongst you may have realised from my username that my names is Jim and I'm British (Yorkshire, England to be specific). I'm currently serving in Her Majesties Royal Navy as an aircraft engineer and am using that training to do a little gunsmithing.

I've been hunting a long time now and have always relished the challenge so handgun hunting has been on my mind for a little while. I hunt with an open sighted 45-120 falling block because it increases the challenge and I love big bores. We can't hunt with handguns here, although we are allowed them of a fashion.

So I joined this forum for a little inspiration for my overseas hunting handgun project.
Basically I am limited to a minimum 12" barrel and 24" overall so that usually entails a 12" barrel handgun and a coat hanger out the back!

Anyway that's a little about me. Any cool ideas or owt post away.

Cheers,
Jim

Welcome aboard !
I am a big bore revolver fan with a 7.5" barrel as my maximum and preferring a 5.5 - 6" barrel to hunt with. But there are many other on this site that have single shots that sport 12"++ barrels that can give you good advise.
Good luck and again welcome.

There are quite a few here with bolt action pistols that would meet those requirements. Welcome to the madness, Jim.

Cheers lads. I am very much tempted by a single shot but since I can't get Encores or Contenders here (occasionally pop up but at $1200+) I'd be limited to Bergara (CVA) Apex or a modified Baikal.

Bolt actions appeal but they are long in regular form, xp100 style mid-grips change that nicely mind but make magazines trickier.

Ideally I want something that'll work for most all non-dangerous African species.

Don't worry about a magazine with center-grip XP-100.
Just have cartridge holder on your wrist.
Hunted this way for years and can reload fairly quick

Welcome to HH!

I agree. My 1885 is quick to reload. However, if I'm having a bolt gun it seems a waste to have no mag. Or does the balance of the XP100 make up for it?

The Savage Striker gives you 2 in the box.

Welcome Jim!



The accuracy of the XP's make up for it! Impressive platform, especially for custom builds.

To hard to make a mag work for a center-grip XP with the trigger linkage.

As s4s4u said look into the Savage Strikers ,they give you a 3 round capacity ,with a center grip stock. Mine is very accurate and barrels are simple to change with a minimum of tools. Welcome to the addiction.

Welcome to the site. Its great to have you. I would say jump into a center grip gun in any flavor. Since you are already a big bore, single shot hunter the lack of a mag is no big deal. I too like large calibers too. I would suggest a 35 caliber or larger. (338 is prob OK). Just get one and join the fun!