Reeder Custom Guns - The 25-20 in Africa

I've avoided this because it's not all positive. But, John W. asked about it's performance on the day I decided to print the pictures of this story. I had promised not to share them and I won't. But, they are added to my Africa Hunt Album.

I took massive harassment for taking the 25-20 to Africa. Our PH referred to it as my BB Gun the whole trip. He was young and thought every cartridge had to be a Magnum.

He finally gave in and allowed me to take a Springbok at 103 yards. The gun recoils so little, I could see the blood spray from the back of the animal.

The PH was so predisposed that the gun wouldn't kill the animal, he "saw" the animal run off. In a very bad mood, raising Hell the whole time, we walked 2+ miles listening to him rant.

He got so angry when I told him the animal was dead, he went back to the truck and got his 300 Magnum to save the day. Our very gentle, soft spoken driver had enough. He led us over to the animal laying just a few yards from where I shot it. Dead as a stump...

The PH couldn't believe (or accept) the damage the little rifle had done. So, he performed a field autopsy and showed us the exploded heart. He fussed as I took pictures and said they weren't ethical. I can see his point, so they will be kept private.

Daren's Ruger #1 in 303 British will always be the star of that hunt. But, sure glad Gary supported me taking the BB Gun.

Post reply

- No text -

Post reply

My favorite rifle in my safe is bar none my 1917 marlin model 94 in 25-20. I bought that little rifle for 200 dollars from someone who thought it was a pile of garbage, I had it restored (I know I know ruined the value but I don’t care, God willing my children and their children will grow up enjoying that rifle as much as I do) and besides being an absolute tack driver with the old 86 grain Remington jacketed bullets (RIP) it is truly a beautiful firearm. The 25-20 would be my favorite cartridge too if it weren’t such a pain to load cast bullets in. I hear praytell the Lyman M die fixes the vast majority of that problem but I have yet to remember to order one when placing my graffs or midway orders.

Post reply

Over time listening to Huey I decided a 25/20 revolver was necessary. Reeder put a 250 GNR on sale and I bought it. Had 25/20 and 256 cylinders added, scope mount etc. Probably one of the most useful, fun revolvers I own. Love the old long neck blackpowder cartridges, to not have setback in a revolver is amazing. Reeder did an excellent job, gun is exceptionally accurate. From a rest kill chipmunks out to 50 yards easy. Past that a miss is more me than gun. I totally understand Hurts love for the 25/20.

Post reply

The 25-20 in Africa - The untold story...

it is all in where you put the bullet

My absolute favorite rifle

25/20