hopdoc -

Good questions. Sorry that I did not cover them earlier.

To put the HEYM frames in perspective, they offer 4-sizes of receivers for their double rifles.

The 80B frame is available for cartridges in the 6.5mm to 375 Flanged range and typically is a 7-pound gun.

The 88B frame is a bit larger and available in the same caliber range, up to and including the 375’s (Flanged and Belted). This typically makes an 8-pound gun.

The 88B “Safari” frame is available from 375 up through 500. This typically produces a 9.5-10 pound gun.

The 88B “Jumbo” (Sidelock) frame is available from 375 up through 600 NE. This typically produces an 11-13 pound gun (depending on caliber).

Throughout HEYM’s double rifle product range, you find cross-over between calibers and frames. This provides the shooter with options for obtaining different weight ranges with a specific caliber.

Take the .375 Flanged for example; you can have one that weighs 7, 8, 9+, or 10+ pounds… depending on which model you choose.

The answer to your question is that the 450/400 will be built on the “Safari” frame, which is the one most commonly seen on the boxlock 470. This frame is relatively trim, and as some have suggested, well suited to the 450/400 weight of gun in the 9.5-10 pound range.

Standard features include:
> Auto Ejectors
> Articulated (hinged) front trigger
> Intercepting Sears
> Cocking Indicators

Options available are:
> Sights (front and rear)
> Wood upgrades
> Stock dimensions
> Stock Ovals
> Trap grip cap
> Scope mounts
> Engraving (on the “Safari” model)
> Sideplates (on the “Safari” model)
> Pinless Sidelocks (on the “Safari” model)

Balance:
At this price point, HEYM does an excellent job of keeping the gun (1) balanced and (2) weight distributed “between the hands.”

You can’t feel it in the photos, but you can see it there…

look at the barrel profiles: you’ll notice a @ 4” cylindrical portion of the barrel profile at the chambers, then the “coke-bottle” taper into a slimmer profile towards the muzzles.

On the guns they’re most often compared to (based on price ranges) Chapuis, Merkel, etc… the other makes will have a straight taper that results in a muzzle-heavy gun. That can be overcome in obtaining hinge-pin balance with weight in the butt. The Merkel, for example, has a big steel rod in the buttstock, and the Chapuis in 470 needs one to balance it out. Those guns with weight in the buttstock will not have 50% of the weight “between the hands.” But hey, the HEYM costs more and should have the additional features that it does.

See the old thread on price-points, features, man-hours, and profit margins for new doubles HERE

If you haven’t handled a HEYM, you should. Those here that have will attest to the fact that FOR THE PRICE they can’t be beat in a new gun with its balance, weight distribution, and other desirable features that come standard.

Based on "chatter" I think the 450/400 will be a hit, personally... but only time will tell. A limited number of these guns in the market place will help flush out the real demand.

Also, the bore will be .411.