QUOTE>> MICKEY<< "I'll agree with the 470 and 9.3x74R also. There are a couple of shps around here where you can buy both off the shelf but I agree with 400 nitro that the vast majority of doubles shoot handloads.

I also agree that, to me, caliber is not an issue when buying something and I tend to stay away from 470s becaused of the additional cost that caliber brings. I would guess that you would pay a 2-5 thousand dollar premium for a 470 over say a 450#2 of equal condition."<<UNQUOTE

I agree with the above 100%! Though the 470NE will bring a premium on the re-sale, I find most who own large chamberings in double rifles, seldom re-sell them anyway!

I would say world wide, in New doubles, both O/U, and S/S 9.3X74R would be the most made. In the USA, I think most new doubles bought would be 470NE, simply because of Federal's factory ammo. As Nitro 400 says, this doesn't make sense, because most will load for their rifles anyway!

Like Mickey, I try to stay away from the 470NE rifles, and for the same reason. I was buying 450/400 3", and 3.25" while everyone else was clammering for the 470NEs, and paying 2/3rds as much, and killing Buffalo just as dead as any 470NE ever made! Trouble is, I talk too much, and made too many people aware of the 450/400's value, and priceing. Now they are getting hard to find, and the prices have gone through the roof. The 450/400 3" is a good choice in the used double, it is simply that, this cartridge was never offered in a black powder version, so any rifle you buy in that chambering, will be NITRO PROOFED! Not so with the 450/400 3.25", and the 3.25" chamber cannot be re-chambered to the 3" chamber, without sleeving!

The three chamberings that are sold most in New rifles here, are 470NE, 500NE, 9.3X74R, and recently the 500/416K! The 9.3X74R are sold a lot because of price, and their usefulness in North America. I personally like the 450/400 3", or 450#2 Nitro Express, as I do any of the old rimmed .458 chamberings. I, however, have a little 9.3X74R, and it becomes dearer every day!