“Stopping rifle” is a term widely used to describe a rifle/cartridge/bullet combination supposedly big, strong, and deadly enough to protect humans from death and destruction at the claws, fangs, horns, and physical pummeling from myriad large beasts, most especially those of African lineage. Ron SpomerSHARE
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An advantage with bolt-action stopping rifles is the ability to easily adjust them to put all bullets to the same point of aim. Ron SpomerRifles built on the Mauser Controlled Round Feed action gradually won over traditionalists used to the side-by-side double rifle. Ron SpomerThe .30-06 on far left gives perspective to the big bores chambered in stopping rifles. Ron SpomerThe .458 Lott was created by stretching the .458 Win. Mag. back to the original case length of the .375 H&H and sticking to the 45-caliber bullet size. It adds a bit more speed and power to the .458, endearing it to many dangerous game hunters interested in maximum “stopping power.” Ron SpomerA controlled round feed action like this Kimber in .458 Win. Mag. has become quite popular with African PHs. While not the ultimate stopping rifle, it is realtively light, affordable, and quick for 4 or 5 shots. Ron SpomerA belt load of .470 Nitro Express rounds is only as useful as the speed with which a shooter can load them in a double rifle. Ron SpomerThe .470 Nitro Express was created for double rifles, its rim ensuring plenty of surface area for the extractor to grab. Ron SpomerBig stoping rounds like the 470 NE in the breech of a double rifle look more like shotshells than rifle cartridges. Ron SpomerThe .577 Nitro Express is one of the largest stopping rifles, bested only by the rare 600 NE and rarer 700 NE, neither of which is commonly used. Ron SpomerA look down the muzzles of a double rifle explains the meaning of “big bore.” Ron SpomerThis Mauser bolt removed from the rifle action shows how its claw extractor holds cartridges like this .416 Rigby against the bolt face for straight-line push into chamber. Ron SpomerThe only difference between a big bore dangerous game rifle and stopping rifle is the moment at which it is fired. Many sporting rifles work well as stopping rifles, but hard core guides can’t often afford higher grade guns like this Heym double. Ron SpomerHiking through elephant country often reveals tracks that suggest your stopping rifle might be undersized. Ron SpomerAny stopping rifle’s power is enhanced by the addition of several more, usually carried by clients and assistant guides. Ron SpomerPractice and more practice can make the CRF bolt-action nearly as fast as any side-by-side for two shots and much faster for 4 or 5. Ron SpomerEven a starter double with intercepting sears and articulated triggers like these Heym M88s costs many times what a base model CRF bolt action costs. Ron SpomerThe CRF Mauser perfected in 1898 slowly began showing up in the hands of professional dangerous game hunters in Africa because it was durable, reliable, and provided 4 or 5 shots instead of just 2. Ron SpomerPlain or fancy, the double trigger double barrel remains a popular option as a stopping rifle. Ron SpomerEngraved dangerous game heads do not a stopping rifle make, but they suggest the possibilities. Ron SpomerThe Mauser CRF action in a properly fitted stock can prove more effective for multiple shots than the best double rifle. Ron Spomer
