Hello folks,DaveO here. I am new to the 24 'fire and this is my 1st post on the Combo/Drillings forum page. Gotta question that I'm sure you guys can answer 27 ways from Sunday! I have always thought about getting a combo gun for Africa. I've been over there more than just a few times. I love all aspects of a safari,especially the hunting. Here's the problem. Lugging extra guns over there. I always take a 375 H&H because of ammo availability if needed and all around versatility. Next is either a double NE,lighter PG rifle such as a 257 Wby or a shotgun. But never more than 2. So I've always thought about taking a combo rifle/shotgun. Great for an afternoon of bird shooting and also for the jackals,impala or go with buckshot. Seems sensible? So what kind of a rig should I be looking into? Only wanna spend $2000 or so if possible. What caliber caliber/gauge choices for a combo. I'm sure 12ga. But what about the small rifle? 22lr? Is it legal? I'm liking a 22 Hornet. Or maybe a 223. I've seen 222 and euro calibers but I'm apprehensive on getting proper ammo here stateside as well as over there. And maybe if I found another one I could give it as a gift to a PH as a utilitarian all-round gun. What are the options? Am I sane for thinking this way? Can it be done? Thank you Gents.

I see in GI they have a few with 12ga and 308,30-06 and 20ga 30-30 combos. What brands are good and reputable? Which models can stand up to the everyday rigors of a truck rifle?

I've taken several combination guns to Africa and killed a cape buffalo with a Tikka 512 (same as Valmet 412) in 12/9,3X74R with a second set of 9.3/9.3 barrels. I also used a Simson drilling in 12/12/9.3X74R, a Sauer cape gun in 12/8X57JR, and a Sauer drilling in 12/12/30-06.

All were scoped, the drillings in claw mounts, and the Tikka with a Valmet QD mounts for the two scopes I took for that set.

I don't see much if any use for a light round like the 22 center fires, since small game can be taken with the shotgun. We ate a lot of francolin and Guinea fowl.

A good choice for you for what you're wanting would be a Valmet O/U in 12/22 Svg HP (5.6X52 European name). The 22 Savage Highpower shoots a 70gr bullet, which I think is about right. These can be found in the Lion and 300series guns for $700.00 to $900.00 and take the Sako scope mounts. Genuine Sako 2 piece rings work well as QD mounts. The fine Savage 2400 in 12/222 is the same gun with better wood and a higher price.

These are my Valmets: a Savage 2400 on left 12/308, and a Valmet 330 12/5.6X52R right with second set of 12ga O/U barrels. All barrels fit both receivers.





I recently gave a Valmet 300 series in 12/222 to a good friend, who puts it to good use. He shot this pig with it last season.





Simpson Ltd has a couple that would work well.

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...;osCsid=320a9ee6a8153ae0bc7e1a704bb32e09

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...;osCsid=320a9ee6a8153ae0bc7e1a704bb32e09

YOU MIGHT get this gun with one of their 22 CF guns, just to have a 12/308 barrel set.
http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...;osCsid=320a9ee6a8153ae0bc7e1a704bb32e09