Mr. Cartwright (aka Bonanza)

The cost is always too much. But for this deal I compared, compared and compared.

I'll use the Searcy comparison as the base. You can pick up a plain Jane Searcy in 470 for $9500. No knock on Searcy, but it is in my opinion, a crap piece of wood (which most DR makers put out) and not much in terms of what you want in a double.

The Searcy base 470 goes for $9500 in 2005. Chopper lump barrels are an additional $4000. Interlocking sears are at least another $1250. And I could not find anti doubling on Searcy as an option (interlocking sears don't do it all).

A real nice piece of wood adds $1000.

No cocking indicators on a Searcy (and not sure if that this available as an additinal cost).

Oh, and the Heym is 3 bite with a greener cross.

What did I agree to pay?

That is between me and Charles. I will tell you that both of us are happy with the deal. Meaning I probably paid too much and Charles accepted too little. But we are both happy, and I will shout the praises of a Heym if it shoots where I point it.

Among all of the rifles I have, only three meet that standard. A Mauser 98 Magnum in 416 Rigby; A Dakota African in 416 Rigby and 338 Lapua (both are spot on) and a light Weatherby 300 Win Mag, which compares to my non hunting rifles.

On the non hunting side, I have an Accuracy International 338 Lapua that shoots .1 MOA at 200 yards; a 400 BAS that set an informal record of 4 inches at 1000 yards off a bipod (informal because it was not a match event); a 50 BMG AI bolt gun that puts a bullet in the reticles every time at 1500 meters, and a Barrett BMG 50 Semi that can hit a pie plate every time at 1000 yards. Every time.

With these rifles, it is not my marksmanship. It is the rifle. It is a joy to find a rifle that shoots better than the shooter can.

For inquiring minds, the 400 BAS is a prototype rifle. It eliminates the 408 Chevy Tac from serious competition. With the proper scope and mounts, it is a one mile sooter.

But, I seriously digress. I am picking my new 9 pound baby up at the DSC in January.

And anyone reading this, please understand that I have shared all because of the good people here.

And the people here do not claim jump nor do they attempt to interfere with pending deals. That is just one of the reasons this is such a great site.