African Rifles and Cartridges by John “Pondoro” Taylor

Description

This is a facsimile of the 1948 book about dangerous game rifles entitled African Rifles and Cartridges by John “Pondoro” Taylor.

In this book, the renowned professional hunter John “Pondoro” Taylor explains in great detail the weapons suitable for use in Africa for hunting dangerous game. Based on his decades of experience, Taylor covers all manner of cartridges from the large bores to the small bores and details their recommended uses and effectiveness on the animals of Africa.

This book was written with the express intent to inform American hunters making their way to Africa, who may have heard contradicting advice from numerous sources. Taylor compares the cartridges used in Africa at the time and gives the reader an abundance of data, then provides his own opinion on what cartridge a hunter should choose based on a number of criteria.

In addition to the treatment of cartridges, Taylor also covers topics such as sight choices, trajectories, practical marksmanship in the bush, and even sidearms.

Given that most of the cartridges covered in this book are still available and in use today, Taylor’s advice is still relevant for the hunter planning a trip to Africa or looking for a dangerous game or plains game rifle for use in America (much of the advice for rifles to use on plains game in Africa will be applicable to American big game as well).

Additionally, Taylor’s wealth of knowledge and experience makes this an excellent book to read purely for enjoyment for those who may never make it to the game fields of Africa.

What people have to say about African Rifles and Cartridges by John “Pondoro” Taylor:

“If you own one book on African hunting, this is the one.” —Mark V.

“The specter of John Pondoro Taylor looms large over anyone attempting a book on big game hunting and big game rifles. With his African Rifles and Cartridges, Taylor set a standard that has never been equaled. Every gun writer after him must work in Taylor’s shadow– either copy him or go against him. He simply cannot be ignored.” —Navaratna R.

“Your education is incomplete without this grand classic on your shelf. It has been the single most informative book on the topic since 1947.” —Pierre

“Best book ever written on African Cartridges” —Larry D.

Chapters:

1. Definitions and Details of Rifles
2. Double vs. Magazine
3. The Large Bores
4. The Large Medium Bores
5. The Medium Bores
6. The Small Bores
7. An All-Around Rifle
8. Sights, Sighting and Trajectories
9. Marksmanship in the Bush
10. Bullet Design and Construction
11. The Revolver or Pistol as Auxiliary
12. A Summing-Up
13. Miscellaneous Odds and Ends
14. Afterthoughts