The Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle -- Interview with Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA

Published on May 3, 2013
Duration: 24:12

Larry Potterfield details the creation of his 'Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle,' emphasizing the .375 H&H caliber for its balance of power and versatility. He discusses meticulous gunsmithing, including blueprinting the Remington 700 action, using a Shilen barrel, and reinforcing the English walnut stock for extreme durability. The rifle features custom aesthetics like express sights and an ebony forend tip, alongside practical upgrades for reliability in dangerous game hunting.

Quick Summary

Larry Potterfield's 'Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle' is chambered in .375 H&H Magnum for versatility. Key gunsmithing includes blueprinting the Remington 700 action and using a Shilen barrel. The English walnut stock is heavily reinforced with steel rods and bedding for extreme durability.

Chapters

  1. 00:12Origin of the Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle Concept
  2. 03:47Choosing the .375 H&H Caliber for Versatility
  3. 06:04Prototype vs. Final Barrel Finish (Blued vs. Stainless)
  4. 07:37Aesthetics: English Walnut, Express Sights, Ebony Forend
  5. 11:29Action Choice: Remington 700 ADL vs. Controlled Round Feed
  6. 13:11Precision Upgrades: Blueprinting, Trigger, Safety
  7. 14:47Stock Construction: Steel Rods, Pillar & Glass Bedding
  8. 16:47Barrel Selection and Zeroing Iron Sights vs. Scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is considered ideal for a nearly perfect safari rifle, according to Larry Potterfield?

Larry Potterfield identifies the .375 H&H Magnum as the ideal caliber for his 'Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle.' He explains it offers sufficient power for dangerous game like elephants and buffalo while remaining versatile enough for plains game, balancing recoil management with portability.

What gunsmithing techniques were used to enhance the Remington 700 action on this safari rifle?

The Remington 700 ADL action was meticulously blueprinted. This process involves squaring critical surfaces like the action threads and bolt face, and lapping the lugs to ensure perfect alignment and maximum mechanical reliability for precision shooting.

How was the English walnut stock reinforced for extreme durability on the safari rifle?

The stock features significant reinforcement, including an internal steel all-thread rod within the grip to prevent breakage, pillar bedding, glass bedding, and a steel bar in the forend to prevent warping. This engineering ensures longevity in harsh conditions.

What aesthetic choices were made for the 'Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle'?

The rifle boasts classic aesthetics with an English walnut stock, slow rust bluing on the metal, express sights for quick acquisition, an ebony forend tip, and magnum crossbolts to prevent stock splitting. These elements contribute to its refined appearance.

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