I have been slow making this post, but let me share with you this fine double rifle I had the pleasure to hold in June 2007.

It was my good fortune to be in London in June 2007. On June 18 I made a pilgrimage to Purdeys. I was outside Audley House that morning waiting for the doors to open.

You can imagine my excitement. This was my first visit to London.

I had a cordial visit with David Maynard, Purdey's historian and the keeper of the records. He gave me a tour of the facility, including the legendary Long Room.

I had the opportunity to inspect all the guns on the rack, and to my delight, one was a newly finished double rifle in .470 Nitro Express. Mr. Maynard said the rifle had been completed only three weeks before. At this date the rifle is still offered on Purdey's website. Here are the specifics of the rifle taken from the website:

Calibre: Rifles
Subcategory: Double rifles
Description: A New Purdey .470 Nitro Express Double Rifle No. 30148. Large Scroll Engraving By S. Maissin. Bright Finish.
Location: Audley House
Trigger: Double Trigger
Chokes: N/A
Rib: Quarter with Express Sights
Case: N/A
Grip: Pistol Grip with Cap
Barrels: 24" (61 cm)
Chambers: 3 1/4"(83 mm)
Weight: 11 lbs 8 oz (5.23 kg)
Stock length: 14 5/8" (371 mm)

Much to my delight Mr. Maynard allowed me to snap some photos of this extraordinary rifle, which I will share with NitroExpress.com.

This masterpiece can be had for a mere Ł90,000.

You will have to excuse the less than perfect photography. These shots were taken with a hand-held camera.

Enjoy!

Curl