Bladeshop,

Check the barrels as was described above. If they don't seem to be separated or separating in some way ... depending on what you're doing ... the rifle may yet be fine. Some questions:

1) Have you talked with Butch Searcy about the load or ammo for which the rifle was originally regulated?

2) Are you using ammunition for which the rifle was supposedly regulated, or are you working up your own loads?

I have a .470 NE Field Grade of about the age you believe yours is. My first experiments with it worried me some. After corresponding with Mr. Searcy and getting a lot of data from others, the rifle is now shooting like gang busters with both low velocity cast bullets and with 500 gr jacketed bullets at speed.

Loading for a double and learning to shoot it takes a little longer than for a bolt gun.

Some experience from a beginner ... It's much easier on you if your rest can be at a height that allows you to stand while working with the rifle ... big guns push vigorously and can be pretty uncomfortable at the bench.

When resting the rifle, your off hand must be under the forearm with the fingers wrapped around the barrels. The rest should not touch the rifle!

Let us know how things work out. For me the Searcy was the investment of a lifetime, and I was GREATLY relieved when it (I) started to work well.

Best,

mike