The African Hunter Magazine Volume 19 # 3 | Page 7

On Target Dear Editor In your latest edition, Volume 19, Number 1 , there is a note from Tom and a reply from Cal, regarding a .22 LR double rifle. Some years ago when marketing safaris in the UK, I always called on Paul Roberts who was CEO of Rigby. We talked about small calibre doubles and in particular a .22 LR. Paul said he had made one, but due to its calibre and the lead bullet and lack of control of the powder charges it was very difficult to regulate. We discussed this further and I asked about a double in .22 Hornet. Paul said that this was a better option as it had a decent case, copper jacketed bullets and the loads were controllable and it was easier to regulate. He said that he had made a few for goose hunters on the estuaries, which were used if a goose was wounded and likely to get away. The rifle would be used like a shotgun, point and shoot on the swing through. The .22 Hornet double rifle would bring the goose down very effectively. If I were Tom, I would build a double rifle in .22 Hornet for the above reasons. I cannot think of a sexier double than a .22 hornet - what a pleasure. And I would go to Paul Roberts at W J Jeffery in London / Roberts and Son. Regards to Cal Paul Phelan Paul Phelan Safaris Paul, that’s indeed a brilliant suggestion. Oddly enough we had quite a lengthy discussion recently at my gun club about the merits of the .22 Hornet - it is a sadly under-rated calibre (apart from among the cognoscenti) with a lot of potential, and is very easy to reload for. And all that plus a double - what more could you ask for? - Editor Dear Editor I have just received Volume 19 Number 2 of African Hunter. I read it very slowly, just one or two pages per day so it lasts much more while expecting the next issue. I am horrified at Maxwell Bow