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I am being treated for cancer at present, soon to go into hospital for my final chemo bash to put it to sleep, for how long I guess I'll find out in 3 months time.

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I was lucky to purchase a Merkel 140 in 450/400 relatively recently, I can't shoot it due to how the cancer has affected my back. I have an old friend who's doing the shooting part for me, I'm still involved doing the reloading so at least I'm still in on things. Its certainly a challenge, no its not really behaving as good as expected but its been fun so far.
I have let it be known in my will what rifles go where, my double will go to my nephew as its next custodian, with the proviso that it be shared when needed between my sister & I's families as a reminder of the link between us no matter how far our families spread out.
Something to think about.

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Good ideas.

I know one forum member now mostly absent was fighting over a nice Brit shotgun owned by their father or uncle or something. The sister did not even shoot.

I would like to leave my preferred firearms to someone who would appreciate them and more importantly use them. Does not have to be a relative. Probably none of my relatives anyway.

My wife would probably preer a listing of estimated values so she can get loads of $$$ back.

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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I am being treated for cancer at present, soon to go into hospital for my final chemo bash to put it to sleep, for how long I guess I'll find out in 3 months time.

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Sad to read that, and I hope and pray you recover and last a good more years! I hope it can be fully removed. And also get to shoot your rifle yourself. Good luck and best wishes. "
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Agree with the above sentiments.. Pray and hope it turns out well for you.. My wife just celebrated her 19 years in remission.. Keep the faith my friend, keep the faith.

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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Ripp,

Thanks for post the photos and comments. Interesting.

There are quite a few Jeffery 450/400's floating around in Australia. I know of several on this forum alone. Some are similar to my .450 No.2 NE but lighter and different engraving. Some have more elaborate engraving.

These rifles make a fine vintage rifle hunting choice.

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I was thinking as I posted this how this would be a great caliber to go on safari with.. Made me wish I had one in the safe.. BUT, like my grandfather used to say, wish in one hand and crap in the other..see which one fills up the fastest..

Are the prices in your area for these crazy high??

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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Are the prices in your area for these crazy high??

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My guess would be plus or minus A$15,000 for a reasonable condition plain vintage WJ Jeffery .450/400.

Realistic? Don't know. Perhaps others could comment. One would have to wait for one to come on the market. Some sellers seem to add a multiple of 2 or 4 times what I would expect.

A newer second hand Chapuis could possibly be forund for say A$7000 plus. And similar for a Merkel. In .470 perhaps some in .400? Or twice that!

Perhaps some Eastern state BGRC members can comment.

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Edited by NitroX (14/08/21 07:08 PM)

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"great story on how the rifle has been passed down. IF that gun could talk.."
Possibly the last thing we think about, what happens to our rifles after we cannot use them any more or pass on; but really one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Thank you for bringing this up Ripp.
I am being treated for cancer at present, soon to go into hospital for my final chemo bash to put it to sleep, for how long I guess I'll find out in 3 months time.
I was lucky to purchase a Merkel 140 in 450/400 relatively recently, I can't shoot it due to how the cancer has affected my back. I have an old friend who's doing the shooting part for me, I'm still involved doing the reloading so at least I'm still in on things. Its certainly a challenge, no its not really behaving as good as expected but its been fun so far.
I have let it be known in my will what rifles go where, my double will go to my nephew as its next custodian, with the proviso that it be shared when needed between my sister & I's families as a reminder of the link between us no matter how far our families spread out.
Something to think about.
Regards
93x64mm

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John, I priced a new Chapuis recently and the price for a new one is $17500. Also priced the Heym 89B Professional Hunter which comes in at $21500. The Heym 89B looks exactly like a classic English gun.

There have been a few pre-war Jeffery doubles for sale at auctions over the last few years and they have sold for around the $15K mark, give and take.

Matt.

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PS I would go for a Jeffery 450/400 anyday before a Chapuis for those prices and even if the Jeffery was more.

The reason I am interested in a modern double in from 375 to say 416 is because I want one scoped.

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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9.3, good luck with your treatment. The success rate is very high these days so your chances of fighting this shit off are very good. We are all with you. Hopefully it won't be long before you can shoot your Merkel yourself.

Ripp, completely agree, it would be a fantastic double to take on Safari, especially as they are not that heavy due to recoil being only fractionally more than a 375 H&H. I have shot several at our BGRC shoots and have decided that is going to be the cartridge for my Stopping Double rifle which I have started working towards.

There are plenty of English doubles in 450/400 in both 3" and 3 1/4" for sale in the US, although many seem to have a bit of a fanciful price tag. Having said that the ones I have seen for sale are all from high end gun sellers. Surely there would be some working grade rifles at more realistic prices also availble.

John, I priced a new Chapuis recently and the price for a new one is $17500. Also priced the Heym 89B Professional Hunter which comes in at $21500. The Heym 89B looks exactly like a classic English gun.

There have been a few pre-war Jeffery doubles for sale at auctions over the last few years and they have sold for around the $15K mark, give and take.

Matt.

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Thank you for the info.. interesting..

I have been interested in the 450/400 for a very long time as well as the 500NE .. Always have somewhere else to put $20,000..

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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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