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Considering it has a straight stock, game bird scenes and barrels with different serial numbers to the action I would suggest it was a shotgun originally, probably 20 or 16 bore and a set of barrels have been made at a later date. Having said that it is still very nice as the proportions of everything look about perfect. If it was in 375 Flanged Magnum instead of belted I would be more than happy to own it.


Matt.

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A ha, my thoughts confirmed.

I said as much to Jorge P. the new or prospective owner.mThat it is a shotgun conversion to .375.

I don't like straight stocks on a double rifle. I think using the triggers accurately is more difficult. I disagree with Daryl that a beaver tail forend needs to accompany a proper pistol grip shaped stock. The usual British double rifle forend is a splinter stock.

I believe we've seen straight stocked double rifles before on NE.

And lever action rifles often have a straight pistol stocked butt stock. Designed for horse scabbards. Some military bolts had straight pistol butt stocks. Maybe again cavalry rifles?

The bird engraving also said to me this was a shotgun.

However it is incorrect to say game bird engraving is never on a DGR. We've seen modern made double rifles commissioned with game bird engraving! Strange choice to me as well,

Jorge revealed there was an accompanying 20 bore set of barrels with this rifle which have gone missing. Not part of the purchase.

Yes I believe it was originally made as a 20 bore side by side shotgun. At some point a .375 H&H Magnum set of DR barrels was made for it.

One of my remaining long arm bucket list using firearms is a good scoped .375. Accurate and for some DG use, and also plains and medium game hunting. A second set of rifle barrels and a set of shotgun barrels would be fantastic. Preferably 12 bore, though 20 bore might be OK especially for a lovely slim rifle. I too have strong preference for a .375 flanged cartridge chambering. Though I might accept a magnum case. Alas hindsight! I could have bought a .375 Mag "Krico" maybe Krieghof, double rifle, no scope mount fittings but $1,100. 1981? I was sixteen and even then wanted it scoped and flanged! I bought my Parker Hale M98 for $400 instead. My second dentrefire after my .222. Realistically I would not have coped with a .375 Mag double rifle back then. Still well down on the learning curve, and no NitroExpress.com forums back then for newbies to learn from. How I'd buy it in a flash,

I'd buy this lovely 1936 Victor Sarasqueta Sidelock .375 Magnum myself. As for proofing. I'd see if I could test proof it myself. Next question.

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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 (04/12/24 02:05 PM)

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Marrskai: One can only hope that this obvious conversion of a shotgun to fire the .375 H&H Magnum cartridge underwent some form of stringent proof.

The seller's contention that the rifle barrels must be factory fitted because they are on the face is laughable, as is game-bird engraving and straight-hand stock on a dangerous game rifle.

Sorry, but wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

{edit} Sorry Matt, posted on top of you!

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If one buys a conversion. Other than official proof houses, howcdoes want get some reassurance of proof?

Tie it to a post. Load hot loads and shoot it? Measure any expansion of brass? Chamber? Etc?

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John aka NitroX

...
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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Double rifle from the internet.

Factory Game Scene Engraved 1936 Victor Sarasqueta Sidelock Double Rifle in 375 H&H Magnum with Scope Attributed to Elmer Keith

Blued steel barrels with a ramped beaded blade front sight, fixed rear sight and German style claw mounts holding a Weaver V4.5B scope on the raised rear quarter rib, and chambers with automatic ejectors. The coin finished sidelock action displays scroll engraving surrounding four game bird scenes with a flock of mallards in flight over the water on the left, a covey of pheasant in a wooded scene on the right, a trio of mallards in flight on the underside, and a standing crane on the triggerguard. The serial number on the barrels do not match the action, though this appears to be factory as the set fits the action tightly. The rifle features bushed firing pins, double triggers, right hand rolled triggerguard, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and straight grip stock with carved drop points and a red rubber recoil pad. The consignor states that this rifle was bought from legendary American shooter and writer Elmer Keith, who was also known to be a connoisseur of fine double rifles. Length of pull 14 1/16 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz. (with scope).

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with limited minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The scope optics are clear. Mechanically excellent.

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I'd buy it.And a set of 20-bore shotgun barrels would be great.

Everyone assumes the set of rifle barrels is after market and not made by the company.

It would be good to see the marks on the barrel flats.

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John aka NitroX

...
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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