DRarchive
(.224 member)
07/11/09 12:00 AM
Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike Bailey posted on the General Discussion Forum

Quote:

Well, got to Hollands yesterday then on to their shooting school where she was waiting. A childhood dream fulfilled, ever since I was 12 years old I wanted one, here are 5 pics we took in a hurry yesterday, I will post some more when I get back to Spain on tuesday especially of the skeleton butt plate and the inside of the locks, best, Mike














CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
07/11/09 12:02 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,

That is an absolute masterpiece. Thank you very much for sharing. Please post many more photos and a good story about ordering and having this rifle built. You are a very fortunate person indeed.

Curl


500Nitro
(.450 member)
07/11/09 12:30 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey


Awesome, thanks for posting.

That to me is the epitome of a DR.


450_366
(.400 member)
07/11/09 12:40 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Splendid rifle, you are truly a lucky guy.

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
07/11/09 02:06 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Thanks chaps. Probably most of you won't remember when I put one of my first posts up here asking for advice on what I was about to order. You all came in with helpful suggestions, the final specs are .375 H&H flanged, ejector, pinless hand detachable locks, 24" barrels, QD swivels, H&H QD scope mounts with Schmidt and Bender 1.5-4 24, iron sights, 50 yds and fold up 100yds, skeleton butt plate, slight palm swell, I think thats it, best, Mike p.s below is final regulating target




p.s. sorry, just saw I was meant to post it here !


DandyofPunjab
(.300 member)
07/11/09 02:56 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

WOW! now that is a Double Rifle! Congratulations

Have you been waking up in the middle of the night, Mike, to look at this rifle and hold it??? Because if I was you I would have.


9.3x57
(.450 member)
07/11/09 03:30 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Really amazing, Mike. Especially in this day and age.

Beautiful, and yes, I second Curl's request and add, please post the shooting career of this great rifle from here on out!!

This thread is not enough!

THANKS for a including us!


A10ACN
(.300 member)
07/11/09 04:26 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Great looking rifle! Congrats and best of luck not wearing it out from the outside-in by just looking at it and caressing it!
I've followed your posts as you went through the process and have a few questions:
-Why did you ultimately choose H&H over others?
-What was the delivered time vs the time promised?
-Any hidden costs or surprises?

Enjoy it and happy shooting knowing you've got one of the best looking rifles on the range or in the field!!
Best,
A10ACN


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
07/11/09 05:47 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

A10ACN, why did I choose the Holland, I spoke to about 10 chaps in the trade OUTSIDE of Holland, Purdey and Westley (my only candidates) who between them have about 150 years in the business. Seven said Holland for a rifle, Purdey and westley equal second (it wasn't the same for a shotgun) The Holland has a simpler action than the Purdey so less to go wrong (not that I suppose a Purdey would). Also I twice went to Purdey and they never had a double rifle in the shop for me to look at which put me off a bit.
Delivery time was quoted at 2 years 6 months from memory so it was 5 months late. No hidden costs as I specced it exactly as I wanted it when I ordered it, side clips, skeleton butt plate, exhibition wood and Holland QD mounts were all extra costs but as I told them I wanted them at the beginning I knew the damage. The process has gone very well and I am over the moon ! best, Mike


rigbymauser
(.400 member)
07/11/09 05:48 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Congratulation!!!!.



armbar
(.300 member)
07/11/09 06:05 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,

Well beyond gorgeous. I'm happy for you. Thanks for sharing it with us all.

Armbar.


JabaliHunter
(.400 member)
07/11/09 12:10 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Congratulations Mike! Really pleased for you!
Stunning and accurate too!
Surely the ultimate rifle for monteria and much more!


4seventy
(Sponsor)
07/11/09 07:29 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,
That sure is one beautiful rifle!


Anonymous
(Unregistered)
08/11/09 02:39 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Congratz Mike that's a real beauty! Welcome to the darkside.

mehulkamdar
(.416 member)
08/11/09 05:56 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Congratulations, Mike!

There's going to be a lot of people waiting for some equally spectacular hunting pics now.

Very good hunting!


eljefedouble
(.300 member)
08/11/09 04:57 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Congrats mike, truly bespoke...

Paul
(.400 member)
09/11/09 12:56 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Beautiful rifle, of course, Mike. Nice deep etch on the pics, too.

- Paul


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
10/11/09 11:01 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

OK, need a bit of advice !! The rifle should arrive here in 7 days and I have a monteria on the 20th and 21st BUT, guess what, the import licence for the 300 grain woodleigh bullet ammo for which it is regulated means the ammo won't get here till December The biggest gunshop in Madrid has Norma .375 flanged with Woodleighs BUT they are 350 grain. With luck I'll be able to get the whole ensemble here 3 days befoe the shoot, that gives me a day or two to sort out zeroing. Any rough guestimates as to how far out the ammo will be ? The red deer and fallow I have no worries about but a BIG Jabali could make things interesting The only man to use a rifle once ? and get killed by a pig Do any of you have any experience of this ammo in a double ? best, Mike

9.3x57
(.450 member)
11/11/09 03:42 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike, maybe the 350's will be OK, but here's what I'd do if they do not print well.

Other than leaning on good ole' Kentucky Windage, I would be honored to extend the Hillbillie Hand of friendship in the sincere hope that the skeletons of my past; sordid, tasteless, traditionless cobble-jobbing to make preposterous projectiles might be of service in this endeavour! Truly I hope these can be of help in your emergency situation and at least help you make it till the real stuff arrives!

Try these:

Option 1:

Check zero with one or the other barrels and use the closest falling barrel as a single shot till your 300 grain stuff gets there.

Option 2:

Pull a bullet. Grind it till it weighs 300 grains. Scribe a line where you need to remove material on 6 or 8 LOADED bullets and grind to that line. Take to the range and see how close they print. You may find them spot on or at least gud'nuff'fer'gubmn't'werk! If they work well, gnd some more so you have enough to hunt with.

I've done Option 1 with a buckshot shotgun and Option 2 for various bullet tests {not with doubles but I don't see why it might not work well for regulating}. Anyway, it takes no time at all to do.

Give it a whirl and get that gun on the line!!!!!

WISHING YOU all the BEST!!!

And please report. You have a spectacular gun, a really fascinating wonder that almost none of us will ever get to experience. THANK YOU for including all of us in this saga.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
11/11/09 09:15 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Thx 9.3, I'll go with option 1, sight it in of one barrel for a 3 shot group but will also let you know how far the other barrel is away from the first group. Should be interesting, I'll use some sand bag rests and try as be as accurate as my mediocre shooting allows. I am still going to contact Wolfgang Romey tommorow (his wife says he is back tommorow) to see if he can help. Ammo can be posted to my door within EU but not from UK ??, best and thx, Mike

Rockdoc
(.400 member)
11/11/09 12:55 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Congratulations Mike, Gorgeous rifle, love the stock, and the strap over comb.
What does it weigh (sans scope)?
Is it cased? If so, can you show photo of case?
Best wishes, Chris


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
11/11/09 07:43 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Rockdoc, I'll weigh it when it gets here but I guess it is about 9lbs 4oz sans scope. The recoil felt like I was shooting a bolt .30-06, very soft indeed ! best, Mike

CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
12/11/09 01:02 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,

Do you have loading equipment for .375 Flanged Magnum?

There are many possibilities if you do.

Curl


NitroXAdministrator
(.700 member)
12/11/09 02:02 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Quote:

Also I twice went to Purdey and they never had a double rifle in the shop for me to look at which put me off a bit.




I believe they do not carry stock at the shop, ie DRs only by special order .... unlike H&H

Congratulations on your new H&H rifle. Lovely.


CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
12/11/09 05:37 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

When I went to Purdey's in June 2007 they had a nice .470NE on the shelf. I took photos and posted them here:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=92153&an=0&page=1#Post92153

Curl


Anonymous
(Unregistered)
12/11/09 06:15 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Quote:

When I went to Purdey's in June 2007 they had a nice .470NE on the shelf. I took photos and posted them here:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=92153&an=0&page=1#Post92153

Curl




That was a nice one.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
12/11/09 09:44 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

CptCurl, I have a new set of .375 flanged dies and a new RCBS press and am about to get "into" reloading...a whole new hobby for me, lets see how I get on !! best,Mike

NitroXAdministrator
(.700 member)
12/11/09 03:38 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Curl,

Not anymore, I was told DRs are rarely on their shelves, and customers need to make a special order. Not likely if you can't handle one as Mike above himself says was a factor in his decision.

A small number of shotguns and a couple of bolt actions on the shelves from memory.


CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
12/11/09 09:49 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

John and Mike,

I wonder how often Purdey gets orders for double rifles? Did you ask whether they had any in production?

Curl


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
12/11/09 10:27 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

When I went in 3 years ago Cpt Curl there was only one young chap in the gunroom, he said they had a couple of double rifles away at an exhibition but he did do one thing, he went downstairs and brought up "Queen Elizabeths Double". Apparently it was made for her coronation (don't know many other details). From memory it was in Purdey .400 and was a lovely rifle with a great fold down aperture sight on the tang. From appearance it was unused, it had ER on the oval, as you would !!! BUT what a bugger to close, really was tough, I guess this would ease with use. I'm guessing it is not going into the Holts sale any time soon best, Mike

CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
13/11/09 09:14 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Quote:

From appearance it was unused




Yeah, I guess the Queen hasn't done a lot of crawling through the briars.

The Purdey action can be a bit stiff to close and takes some getting used to. But oh boy, does it open!


Quote:

CptCurl, I have a new set of .375 flanged dies and a new RCBS press and am about to get "into" reloading...a whole new hobby for me, lets see how I get on !! best,Mike




Mike, I don't want to sound petulant or haughty, but it makes me a little uneasy to think of somebody learning the basics of reloading using a brand new bespoke H&H double rifle. There's no margin for error at all. Good luck; but more important, get good instruction from somebody well experienced in loading for double rifles.

Best,
Curl


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
13/11/09 08:02 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Cpt Curl, I'm going to learn using a .44 Mag Marlin and a single shot .30-06 before I think about the .375 ! best, Mike

peter
(removed)
13/11/09 08:20 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

mike is there a norma dealer near you, as far as i remember they have the 375 flanged in their lineup.

best

peter


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
13/11/09 10:27 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

They have Peter, I ordered 40 rounds the day before yesterday and it will arrive today BUT it is 350 grain not the 300 grain the rifle is regulated for. I'll have to chance my arm, it's very unlikely there will be any shots past 140 yds and if there are I wont take them (I hope). Ammo not cheap is it !!! best, Mike

peter
(removed)
13/11/09 10:49 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

actually mike
you have a very good chance that the 350 will shoot quite well in your rifle, just test it first off course, but i think you will be plesantly suppriced.
regarding price, you get what you pay for

best

peter


baileybradshaw
(.333 member)
14/11/09 02:38 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Wow Mike. Can I live vicariously through you or what ? What a rifle, and in the caliber I would choose as well. Can't wait to see your first string of pictures holding that rifle over your trophies........with that big ass grin of course :-)

I had to reload for my Wyoming hunt, and it was MUCH easier than I thought. Only took about 1 hr to load 50rds.


Anonymous
(Unregistered)
14/11/09 03:11 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Quote:

Curl,

Not anymore, I was told DRs are rarely on their shelves, and customers need to make a special order. Not likely if you can't handle one as Mike above himself says was a factor in his decision.

A small number of shotguns and a couple of bolt actions on the shelves from memory.




Even to this day Purdey has made only a few hundred double rifles, I just took delivery of a new 470 nitro that is exceptional.


500Nitro
(.450 member)
14/11/09 03:34 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike

I managed to get my 375 Fl shooting 3 bullet weights to the same POA, however the 350 Woodleigh's were not available
at that time so haven't tried to shoot them in it but I reckon
based on previous experience I could get the gun to regulate with them.

However it is a Sidelock Rigby and quite light so would boot
hard so not sure if I really want or need them.

300gn Woodleigh's have killed everything I've shot with them.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
14/11/09 05:35 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

500N, I will be using the 300 grain ammo I bought with the gun when it clears customs here in mid Dec, until then I'm stuck with 350 grain Norma. As an aside, does anyone out there have some reduced load practice rounds with a .375 flanged they use ? I know regulation will go to hell in a hand cart but it would be nice to put some extra ammo through it, best, Mike

500Nitro
(.450 member)
14/11/09 05:41 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey


Mike,

What do you mean by "reduced load" ?

What bullet weight ?


BTW - Good practice load to get used to the DR and
not over stress you and the rifle is with a 235 gn bullet
- or similar light weight.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
14/11/09 05:44 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

500N, thats what I was thinking, 235 grainers at 2000 fps or thereabouts will still be a handy round ? or not ? best, Mike

500Nitro
(.450 member)
14/11/09 05:56 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey



Yes, for most game except any DG.

A 235gn bullet at 2000 fps is a bit like a 318WR (250gn bullet) once it gets out a bit, just with a bigger diamter.

Hell, it would make a great light pig round without all the heavy recoil.

FYI, 235gn even at normal or average velocities is very easy on the shoulder.

Just watch out when downloading and make sure you use a powder that doesn't leave too much air space - ie I am referring to SEE.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
14/11/09 07:20 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

I put something on here a while back, imr4350 AND h4350 ARE NEXT TO EACH OTHER IN BURNING RATES, are they nearly interchangeable ? Graeme Write lists a few rounds in .375 Fl with H4350 (which I can get easily)

500Nitro
(.450 member)
14/11/09 07:26 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey


Mike

I am useless with powders and comparisons - especially when some of the numbers are so close together.

I'll leave it to someone else who is more knowledgeable
if you don't mind. Don't want to be responsible for any mistakes with your gun.

I also generally don't quote loads on public forums
but if you need what loads I have, as long as you double check with someone my powder versus yours, you should be OK.

I think ADI over here makes Hogdon powders anyway.


Can anyone answer Mike's question with Authority ?


CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
14/11/09 10:33 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Quote:

Quote:

Curl,

Not anymore, I was told DRs are rarely on their shelves, and customers need to make a special order. Not likely if you can't handle one as Mike above himself says was a factor in his decision.

A small number of shotguns and a couple of bolt actions on the shelves from memory.




Even to this day Purdey has made only a few hundred double rifles, I just took delivery of a new 470 nitro that is exceptional.




GeneralWar,

The DR Photo & Archive Forum awaits your photos. . .

Best,
Curl


9.3x57
(.450 member)
14/11/09 02:33 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

A few things.

First, no, IMR and H 4350 are not totally interchangeable. You need to work up your loads with either powder using normal SOP and you should NOT merely yank a load out of a book, stoke some cases and shoot. Especially in that rifle.

As for the statement about not using loads with air space, that depends entirely on the powder. It is true that slow burners should not be reduced below manufacturer's recommended loads, but other powders of faster rates leave significant air space and are totally safe. For example, IMR 3031, AA5744 and H4895 all leave substantial airspace in normal .375 H&H loads that are safe to shoot.

Mike:

Get a few load books and read the introductory sections on loading. Get the basic equipment and start with your .30-06. Do NOT rely on forums for a basic education on reloading. You can get some wonderful advice and information on this forum, but now and then somebody may post something that is simply not correct, or even dangerous. In my opinion a fellow needs to be quite advanced in his loading knowledge before he reads too much on a forum where anybody can say anything, and at times they do! What sounds "right" coming from somebody who sounds like they may know what they are doing because they possess an air of authority may be complete hogwash...and dangerous to-boot. This is common on many forums. Take what is posted and research it. There are those nutcases who prime with C4, fill the case with dynamite and seat a slug of enriched uranium that they shoot out of a milkshake straw. But most bad advice doesn't come this clearly; sometimes the Devil isn't wearing a red suit with head full of horns and carrying a pitchfork. Sometimes he is wearing 4-inch heels, fishnet hose, a jet black pencil skirt and smells like wonder. Yeah, the devil is in the details. Be careful!!

In .375 H&H Mag {belted}, I have worked up several loads using 225 and 220 Hornady bullets and AA5744 powder that duplicate 9.3x57 performance {2400-2500 fps} and if you could get similar loads worked up to zero in your flanged version would do nicely for a lot of general hunting of pig and deer. For 5744 powder loads, call Western Powders/Accurate for suggestions. Ask for Johan Loubser.

Finally, "reduced" {lower than standard} velocity loads do not necessarily produce lower pressures. Fast powders driving bullets at moderate velocities may develop higher pressures than full power loads using slow burning powders and driving bullets at higher velocities. Also, before you have extensive experience handloading or are willing to accept some undesired consequences, do NOT merely substitute one powder for another even though it may be listed as the same or similar on a burn chart.



404bearslayer
(.300 member)
18/11/09 12:44 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,

congratulations on your new gun. I received my new H&H .470 just a little while ago and know about the anticipation you feel until you will finally receive it.

As mine has scope mounts as well I have a little recommendation: H&H typically regulate for the iron sight, as (according to them) they have trouble regulating for both iron sights and scope. That means essentially that the scope is used for single barrel use. Now, my gun came with a Zeiss similar to your S&B, which means that it was sitting very much backwards (because of eye relief), throwing off the balance of the gun and looking quite ugly - I never liked scopes sitting that much backwards. Furthermore, even though the scope was as far backwards as it would go, the eye relief still hardly worked for me.

Changed the Zeiss scope for a Swarovski 1-6 x 24 Z6i EE (EE means extended eye relief, there is a standard version also.). Guess what, I could mount the scope so much forward that the turret was right in the middle of the rings, which is of course a lot safer and restored the balance of the gun. As a result, with that setup, the gun regulated with the scope as good as with the iron sights. It looks a lot sleeker too. The best about it is however that you will never be kissed by the scope, even when doubling, that's how far forward you can put it.

Oh, and it sounds that you will use your gun on a driven shoot. I can tell you from experience that your H&H double will swing into moving game like nothing else. I just shoot where I look, similar to shooting a shotgun, works amazingly well.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
18/11/09 06:57 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

.404Bearslayer, I put 20 rounds through it with the scope, the S&B is fine, turrets are in the middle of the rings, no problem with eye relief, best, Mike

9.3x57
(.450 member)
19/11/09 12:09 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike:

From the gist of what I read here it appears you plan to hunt this rifle. BRAVO!!!

I can imagine there would be those who would commission such a gun and then keep it as a piece of art, to be examined, maybe held, but never used for its intended purpose. To each his own of course, but what I read here is that this gun will be used in the dust of Spain and Africa, will pick up a ding and a dent here and there over time, and will acquire that patina of honest use that speaks a lesson that the wallhangers can never utter.

I wish you all the best with this gun, and hope we read many tool-tales, and are able to peak a bit into the window of your life and though we may never meet, find a friendship of sorts that comes from reading of your adventures along the trail.

Congratulations and really, thank you very much for including us all in your endeavour.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
19/11/09 12:43 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

9.3, many thanks for your kind words. As I type, the gun is on its way from Bilbao to my home town where it should arrive tommorow a.m. My gun dealer then has to get a "guia" to assign to it which normaly takes 24 hours. WITH LUCK I can pick up the gun on Friday morning. I will phone the guy who runs my local trap range and I can put 20 rounds through it to check scope etc....all hurried as I have my first formal monteria (driven wild boar, red deer and fallow)on Sat and Sunday, should I get lucky I will post some pics, best, Mike

404bearslayer
(.300 member)
19/11/09 09:26 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,

if the scope sits the way you describe and eye relief is alright, then there is in deed no need to change. S&B are good scopes and used to have biggest eye relief until the Z6 models came along.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
21/11/09 04:15 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

OK, very quick report, rifle arrived this morning !! It was supposed to be here Weds but some idiot sent it to an armeria in Grenada, 400kms away with a similar name !!! Got to the range this p.m. Did't know what it would do with the 350 grain Norma stuff (regulated for 300 grain). Anyway the rangemaster has a shot, bit high, bit right, adjusts the scope, has another one, bullseye at 100 mts, then I have a shot, bugger me, 1cm from his, excellent the way I shoot, another couple each, both in the same place. OK, now try left barrel, about 7cms to the right...he tries, same place, I'm thinking this isn't too bad for the wrong bullet weight, he says.."It's no good, you could buy a Spanish rifle for quarter the price and it would be closer". I let it rest as trying to explain bullet weights and velocity differences would have been a bit tricky. Anyway, I think it will OK for the big weekend and I am looking forward to see how the 300 grainers do, I will post some pics on Mon or Tuesday, best, Mike

AkMike
(.416 member)
21/11/09 06:52 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Isn't it great when you get to shoot your first rounds out of a new rifle.. I bet you're dancing on clouds! Good luck with your weekend!

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
23/11/09 08:10 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

My first monteria this weekend with the new Holland, first day I got a pretty poor peg and didn't see a lot but did make a lot of new friends in the evening, my God do these Spanish put some booze away Great food, I stayed at the hacienda where the owner of the fincas grandparents live. You should have seen the salon, the old boy loved Africa and went a lot in the 1950's, there was a pair of elephant tusks surrounding the chimmney which were about 7-8 feet long, massive !! Yesterday was
one I'll remember for a long time, my first red deer and not a bad one. Some pics below, they are links so if someone can turn them into "direct photos" that would be great. best, Mike







93mouse
(.375 member)
23/11/09 10:52 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Quote:

Some pics below, they are links so if someone can turn them into "direct photos" that would be great. best, Mike




Here you go:









Paul
(.400 member)
23/11/09 10:58 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Wow Mike, your deer and the third pic are hard to believe, here in the antipodes.
Maybe some lot, somewhere in the backblocks, could get among the porkers
- but I can't see them bloodying the homestead concrete like that. The squatter's missus would hit the roof!

- Paul


Der_Jaeger
(.375 member)
23/11/09 11:26 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood


WOW!!! And here I thought bagging just two wild boar on the same day and a buck the following day was good!


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
23/11/09 11:33 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Some details:


















Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
23/11/09 11:39 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

I think I buggered up on photobucket, see if this link works

http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd31/mlb6363/Holland/

best, Mike


9.3x57
(.450 member)
24/11/09 12:28 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike, truly amazing!

Can you provide a little background on this monteria? How many hectares is the estate? How many hunts will they put on in a season? Really amazing. Thanks for posting!

Glad to see that rifle on the trail and in the dust of real life, too! Keep it up!


JabaliHunter
(.400 member)
24/11/09 01:30 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Stunning stag! Looks like you had a blast - very envious!

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
24/11/09 01:57 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

The estate is 9000 hectares, (about 20,000 acres?) It is about 45 mins from where I live on the coast. They normally have 1 big monteria a year, this one, and shoot partridge through the season.
There are too many fallow on the finca at the moment so the idea was to shoot as many as possible, I think we got 45 odd in total plus 12 red stag and about 30 Jabali, I shot a Fallow stag as well but quite small. I didn't see 1 Jabali unfortunately, one chap shot 6 ! i managed to put 2 dings in the stock too Oh well, nothing that a stock refurb in 3 yrs or so won't put right, best, Mike


CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
24/11/09 02:14 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike,

Can't help but notice the gold "1" on this rifle. What are your plans for a #2?

Wonderful rifle for sure. Post more details as you can.

Great stag also. The rifle certainly wasn't sullied by the first blood.

Curl

P.S. I tinkered with your photos and linked them in your post above.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
24/11/09 02:33 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Thx Curl, appreciate it. What happened was after years of wanting one I went ahead and ordered it, the .375 that is, the following year was looking good so I thought "Sod it, I'll order it's brother to make it a pair". I have ordered exactly the same rifle in .500 NE without scope but it's a composed pair as they couldn't get me consecutive serial numbers. Then the financial crisis hit and I was on the point of cancelling it (I was seriously close to losing the lot) but I've made a fair bit back this year so she should be ready in July 2011. I think I have mentioned the UK inheritance tax, when I go for, as Ripp or you call it, "the long kip in the ground" the govt take 50% of everything BUT cars, guns, etc NOT included so the kids can sell the pair and pay a bit off their mortgages I hope,
best, Mike


CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
24/11/09 03:07 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

A great estate planning device. I like the concept.

Curl


AkMike
(.416 member)
24/11/09 07:10 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

I think that "WOW" fairly well sums up your week end! Amazing photos Mike..

For the estste taxes are you able to set up a family limited partnership to avoid the taxes there? We escaped all the taxes her by forming this baby corporation.

Here's a link to the basics of what we did.
http://www.rjmintz.com/appch5.html


Antlers
(.275 member)
24/11/09 02:34 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike, beautiful rifle and great pics of your hunt. One question - I noticed the "triangle" on your rear site, is it gold or ivory?

4seventy
(Sponsor)
24/11/09 03:20 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Beautiful rifle Mike, and what a way to blood it!
Fantastic, thanks for showing us!


herrdoktor
(.275 member)
25/11/09 03:13 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Well, Mike, you are turning me green with envy with your .375 and that really fine stag...
Just for producing a little more envy in the antipodean members, a photo of the victims of a very good monteria in Ciudad Real, Spain... It is very unusual such good results.





This are from another hunt, this time hundred and thirty boars...



450_366
(.400 member)
25/11/09 03:49 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Quote:

i managed to put 2 dings in the stock too Oh well, nothing that a stock refurb in 3 yrs or so won't put right, best, Mike




I would leave them if you are planning to keep using that exceptional rifle of yours, every one of them will remind you of hunts passed.

btw, nice first hunt with the new one.


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
25/11/09 03:57 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Antlers, the triangle is gold, best, Mike p.s. nice monteria Herrdockter !

mehulkamdar
(.416 member)
25/11/09 04:26 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike,

Congratulations! And, most importantly, thanks for sharing these amazing pictures!

We now know that we can expect some equally stunning pictures of this rifle's bigger brother and equally beautiful hunting pics as well in the future. Thanks in advance and good hunting!


Anonymous
(Unregistered)
25/11/09 10:23 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Very good monteria, congratulations Mike.

peter
(removed)
25/11/09 07:04 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

mike

exellent stag, you did real well, and in your shirt as well, you know i envy you a lot.

best

peter


Paul
(.400 member)
26/11/09 12:57 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Quote:


Just for producing a little more envy in the antipodean members, a photo of the victims of a very good monteria in Ciudad Real, Spain...





Herrdoktor, your monteria shows an industrial precision that beggars belief.

- Paul


Grenadier
(.375 member)
26/11/09 04:25 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike,

Your rifle is fantastic! Wood, finish, engraving are beautiful and the skeleton butt plate really adds a nice touch. Wow, what a nice hunt to break it in on. Congratulations.

~


tinker
(.416 member)
26/11/09 04:36 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike Bailey-




Great story from start to finish.
Great rifle.
Great deer.

Keep up the hard work, nice to have the rewards-in-hand!





Cheers
Tinker


armbar
(.300 member)
30/11/09 02:05 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

All,

I come to this site for education on DR's. I actually have a college degree. (can't remember much of what I was supposed to learn). I love it when I have to go to the dictionary to figger out what a word means. Monteria I only get from context, but antipodean? Great stuff.

Armbar.


Anonymous
(Unregistered)
24/03/10 03:51 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

I really like they way you built this gun Mike, it is stunning.

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
24/03/10 07:09 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Thx Generalwar, I am very pleased with it. Do you know how to edit old posts ? I have moved some pics in photobucket so they have been deleted in this thread but I would like to put them back in. best, Mike p.s. at Hollands on 23rd April (St Georges day) to take some pics of the .500 in work. I will post them here when I have them.

CptCurlAdministrator
(.450 member)
24/03/10 09:30 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey First Blood

Mike,

Send me links to the lost photos at my email address below. I will edit the posts to fix the links.

stephens@cfw.com

Curl


FATBOY404
(.400 member)
24/03/10 10:28 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

In my old 375H&H the 350 grain Woodleighs at 2300fps shot 7"s lower than the 300 grain Woodleighs at 2600 fps.Maybe this will help some.

Beautiful rifle indeed !!!.
Cheers Neale.


500grains
(.416 member)
25/03/10 02:39 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike, that is a fantastic rifle, and it is great to see it in the field.

Anonymous
(Unregistered)
09/04/10 01:32 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike did you supply the wood blanks for your H&H set?

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
09/04/10 05:35 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

General, PM sent, best, Mike

ozhunter
(.400 member)
06/02/11 02:36 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Any more rifle/game pictures ?

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
07/02/11 06:13 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

proper pics of No.2 will be up soon and in late March the case should be finished for them both, will post then,
best, Mike


Ben
(.400 member)
07/02/11 06:55 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Nice rifle, Mike. I'm glad it resurfaced.

carpediem4570
(.300 member)
09/02/11 05:05 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Just a side bar regarding your trip to the range and the range master commenting on the qaulity of regulation.

I am wondering if this poor fellow is telling all his friends that some poor sod came in with a bespoke rifle that could'nt hit the broad side of a barn with the 350 grain regulation load.

It would be a shame to sulley the maker of your rifle by leaving this plebeian in the dark and letting him spread bad information.

Have you considered going back with the correct ammo to let the range master see what the rifle can really do?

Kindest regards,

Carpediem


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
09/02/11 05:32 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Did it last Sept Carpediem, I suppose my Spanish was just too bad to try and explain the rifle wasn't regulated for 350 grain stuff, though to be honest it prints the Norma stuff just 7cms away at 80 yds with a scope which is good enough for me. Actually at the time I thought he was an a**hole when he charged me 100 US$ for 40 mins but then found out that numerous other people had my opinion so I wasn't on my own

carpediem4570
(.300 member)
09/02/11 05:55 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Good on ya Mike:

It would have been a shame if he had'nt been set straight.

Now I think you should come to Canada with your rifle so that I can double check to ensure your rifle is shooting spot on.

Kindest regards,

Carpediem


Grenadier
(.375 member)
30/01/12 08:59 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike - Just came back for another look. I hadn't noticed the side clips before. Nice touch. Is the 500 going to be a "big brother" with all the same features or will it be different?

Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
30/01/12 07:48 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

It is exactly the same Grenadier, consecutive serial numbers. Both are at Hollands at the moment for a good service, the .375 has been to Africa three times now, the .500 just once but since both got thoroughly soaked in the Selous for 2 days I thought it best to get them properly looked over. The case and tools are finished at here at home, I will post a pic when I have the rifles back here, love that paradox you have, is it with you yet ? best, Mike

Grenadier
(.375 member)
31/01/12 03:41 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike - I am anxious to see pictures of your 500, especially next to the 375. Sounds like you had a nice trip and a 375/500 pair must have been just the thing for "the Selous".

See PM about the Paradox.


Maximus
(.275 member)
02/06/12 07:32 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

A bit late to the thread but gorgeous gun Mike.

I'm interested in the palm swell. Was this your idea and has it worked out?


Mike_Bailey
(.400 member)
02/06/12 08:01 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Yep, my idea as I prefer a small palm swell on everything with a pistol grip, had the chequerer at Hollands pisse*d off though, ...purely a personal thing though, best, Mike

DarylS
(.700 member)
02/06/12 10:32 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Heh,Heh - I like 'em too. Hey, it's only the 1st of June here. Just found this thread - your rifle looks simply put, absolutely delightfully beautiful, Mike.

JTOMLINSON
(.300 member)
09/07/12 06:05 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Quote:

It is exactly the same Grenadier, consecutive serial numbers. Both are at Hollands at the moment for a good service, the .375 has been to Africa three times now, the .500 just once but since both got thoroughly soaked in the Selous for 2 days I thought it best to get them properly looked over. The case and tools are finished at here at home, I will post a pic when I have the rifles back here, love that paradox you have, is it with you yet ? best, Mike




Mike

Did you ever get round to posting some pictures of the magnificent duo resplendent in their case with the tools. Been away from the site for a while so apologies if I missed the thread?

Jonathan


cowboy
(.275 member)
25/08/12 09:34 AM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

Mike,

What a dream pair of rifles! I would love to see some pics of them together.
I will echo what has already been said, but I think it is great that you take them out
& use them!
You have great taste in firearms.

Jim


albertan
(.333 member)
28/11/12 06:03 PM
Re: Bespoke H&H DR for Mike Bailey

They don't make'em any prettier. Awesome. Thank you for sharing the pictures.


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