As many of you know, I have lusted for a double rifle from a very young age. And I finally reached the point in my life where I could finally acquire my first double.

I joined this board a short time ago after I decided to jump in feet first.

This board has tremendous information on doubles.

I was ready to buy a used double, until I read the thread about used "double trouble". For someone new to doubles, it made tremendous sense to find a new double.

The British Doubles are out of my league on price. If they were all the same price, I would buy a British Double.

After being talked off of the ledge on my desire to buy a 577 NE, I did a lot of homework on new doubles.

The Searcy was on the top of my list. But when I looked at the base price on a PH of $9500, and added about $4000 for chopper lump barrels, over $1200 for intercepting sears, and over $1000 for a piece of wood that did not look like IKEA furniture, I realized that I needed to shop.

The caliber I decided on was the 470 NE. Lots of components and factory ammo. Great resale and a round proven for any game in the world.

I then looked at what I liked in rifles. A great piece of wood is a must. As well as a well designed stock that distributes recoil. Engraving was not important to me, but reliability and great shooting wzas on the top of my list.

Stainless is great, but it still rusts. And it adds weight. If you can get a well designed rifle from a company that has a lot of experience in maing DR's, a modern new DR will take care of you as long as you take care of it.

There were other less tangible factors as well.

My decision was a HEYM 88B Safari in 470 NE. Solid and dependable made by a company in business since 1865. Beautiful yetplain, like a beautiful woman that does not have to wear makeup. Lines more classic than Searcy.

With that said, Butch Searcy is evolving at a fast pace. In 3 years or so, I will be first in line to buy one of his rising ribgy third bite underlevers in a classic degign.

My first will be Heym.