45 Years On
THIS month we celebrate our 45th anniversary. Yes, the first edition of SA MAN was published way back in May 1976, and since then the hunting and shooting world has changed beyond recognition.
Shooting animals at extreme distances and plinking gongs at more than 1km is now old news. Mass-produced budget factory rifles used with factory hunting ammo can shoot sub-moa groups and almost any pistol you buy is ultra-reliable. Given the new technology, even the 9mmp cartridge, considered borderline some years ago, is now the go-to round for defence purposes. With the advances made in science and manufacturing procedures, we’ve never had it so good and the multitude of choices is staggering.
In hunting, ethics remains (as ever) the hot topic, but, notwithstanding the practice of sniping at game animals at extended ranges, this age-old sporting pursuit has tremendous rewards, none of which can be experienced without some hard work.
When SA MAN first appeared fortyfive years ago, we had no internet or social media. To ‘google’ something, you had to visit a library and find a book (or two) on the subject you wished to research. The satisfaction of ‘working’ to get the information made the experience all the more pleasurable. At that time, I was too young to be interested in hunting and firearms, spending most of my time reading adventure novels. Books on hunting and shooting were not available at the local town library, and when the first edition of SA MAN appeared in 1976 I was simply too young to take note.
Until his death (when I was 13), my father allowed me a book and magazines of my choice every month. Living about 65km from the nearest town, and making the trip only once a month, he later deemed it best that I become a member of a book club, and henceforth I received a book and a magazine in the post once a month. I finished both in short order and then the long wait began for the next delivery. Noting my hunger to read, he bought an encyclopaedia, and for a while my life was perfect.
However, being out in the veld on most days I soon desired to read more on hunting and firearms, but it was only after my father died and we had moved to town that I spotted a Magnum on the magazine shelf of the local café. As I was unable to afford the magazine, the shopowner, Gregory, kindly allowed me to read a copy on the premises. This specific copy was reserved for a farmer and I got first dibs before the farmer came to town (mostly on the first Saturday after delivery) to collect his magazine. The fact that I was reading Magnum while my friends were playing arcade games (Pacman and Donkey Kong) meant I was at times mocked for my choice but I simply did not care, I was happy.
After finishing my education, I spent most of my life on the road, so subscribing to Magnum was not an option. I frequently stopped in small towns where I worked to find the latest edition, often without success. I can recall several occasions when I drove to towns at night, after feeding and putting hunting clients to bed, to try and find a Magnum
at a petrol station or any shop that was still open.
Each time I read a copy of Magnum
– then the only hunting and shooting magazine available in the areas I frequented – I felt satisfied and my hunger to be informed and entertained was stilled for a while. Of course, I also read many other books and magazines, but Magnum fed my soul as no other publication could, probably because it was produced locally and I could relate to all its contents. I also learned a lot from the magazine. The key, I think, was the editor’s formula of using a variety of authors, providing a wide knowledge base from reputable ‘old timers’ with ample experience. My thanks go to these contributors who provided us with quality articles through the years.
The first few editions evolved from general male interest (vehicles, motorbikes, knives, handguns, fishing and hunting) to a more mature and hardcore magazine focussed on hunting and shooting. I am thankful for the work done by those early pioneers, Theo Martins, Tudor Howard-davies and Ron Anger and their respective teams whose hard work provided us with hours of reading pleasure through these many years. For me the privilege is great to have met Ron and to have worked with him for a few months before his death. It is also a privilege to be able to work with Gregor Woods, whose articles I religiously read for decades before I met him.
Today, 45 years later, we are spoiled for choice with several local hunting magazines, and of course the internet is awash with good (but mostly not so good) information on every conceivable hunting and shooting topic. Yes, I read a lot on the internet, but I still prefer to hold a book or magazine in my hands. Just the smell of paper beats holding my cold soulless ipad when reading.
The previous editors did a great job of establishing Magnum as a viable business and the brand as a household name, making my job so much easier. Under my tenure the magazine has also changed (hopefully for the better) to adapt to a fast-paced and rapidly changing world where social media is the buzz-word and increasing numbers of the younger generation prefer not to read.
The hard lockdown in 2020 made life extremely difficult for an already struggling print industry, but thanks to our readers, Magnum not only survived, but re-affirmed its place in the market. This is all thanks to you, readers and advertisers. You have supported us for 45 years and we are endeavouring to return the favour with each future edition.