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Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Double Rifles
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bret1549
.224 member


Reged: 24/04/05
Posts: 7
Loc: Texas
Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle
      #29969 - 24/04/05 02:56 PM

I have been looking for a while now at purchasing a large caliber double rifle. Somewhere in the range of a 375 caliber and up. I would like it to be below ten thousand dollars, but it would be better if it was under five thousand. Does anybody have any suggestions on where to look and what to look for?

--------------------
Brett

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ALAN_MCKENZIE
.400 member


Reged: 24/03/04
Posts: 1214
Loc: Western Australia
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #29971 - 24/04/05 03:14 PM

Have a look at the Merkel 140 grade...
I believe they are value for money spent..
Where in the world are you located.
Might be an idea to update your profile.
Al

--------------------
"Dogs always bark at their master"
Sir Seretse Khama.25th June 1949

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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #29975 - 24/04/05 04:51 PM

Brett,

I just looked at a Merkel 470NE the other day at a show here in Norway. It's unused, but was taken over from a company that shut down. Thus, they are trying to sell it cheap; about US$5900. It has a hogback type stock.

Another Merkel 470NE I saw there (with a traditional english stock, not the hogback) is going for US$8000. It is barely used, as it has had 15 rounds shot thru it. The recoil was too much for the owner they told me. This one had very nice wood and a detachable Zeiss 1.1-4 in claw mounts.

If your interested, I could find out the contact info of these 2 stores, and pass it on to you.

Erik

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bret1549
.224 member


Reged: 24/04/05
Posts: 7
Loc: Texas
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: EricD]
      #29990 - 25/04/05 01:16 AM

Erik may you please send those contacts to me. bret1549@yahoo.com

--------------------
Brett

Edited by bret1549 (25/04/05 01:17 AM)

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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #29994 - 25/04/05 02:50 AM

Brett,

An e-mail is sent.

Btw, I also looked at a very little used Krieghoff double in 500NE the other day, and the asking price was about US$7.100 (I think?).

I know a couple of guys who have shot this gun, and it is apparently unusually accurate.

Let me know if this is also of interest for you, and I'll find out the sellers contact info if you want.

Erik

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500grains
.416 member


Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #30010 - 25/04/05 11:43 AM

Bret,

What country are you in?

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bret1549
.224 member


Reged: 24/04/05
Posts: 7
Loc: Texas
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: EricD]
      #30014 - 25/04/05 11:58 AM

Erik is this unusually accurate in a good way or bad? If it is good may you send me the info on it please. Thanks

--------------------
Brett

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bret1549
.224 member


Reged: 24/04/05
Posts: 7
Loc: Texas
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: 500grains]
      #30015 - 25/04/05 11:58 AM

I live in the United States

--------------------
Brett

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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #30030 - 25/04/05 05:52 PM

Brett,

Both the guys I mentioned who have shot this Kreighoff said it gave better groups than their Heyms and Chapuis'. So it was meant in a positive way.

Erik

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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39261
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: EricD]
      #30034 - 25/04/05 10:49 PM

Brett

I'm going to move this thread to the Double Rifle forum tommorrow.

For 10G you will have a number of choices. For 5G or less you may find medium bores to about 9.3mm but less likely to find a larger bore.

Chapuis, Merkel and Searcy are three that are in the USA that you should consider in the 7G to 10G price range. Krieghoff and Heym may be more than 10G. Probably other makers may fit your price too, maybe Blaser if you like them.



--------------------
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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500grains
.416 member


Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #30038 - 26/04/05 12:29 AM

Bret,

Your options would appear to be:

Chapuis www.doubleguns.com
Krieghoff http://www.krieghoff.com/
Merkel http://www.gsifirearms.com/gsif/merch.asp
Searcy www.searcyent.com
Sig Blaser S2 www.sigarms.com
Off-name vintage guns in 450-400 if you get lucky www.champlinarms.com

I would avoid the Blaser because it's more of a gadget than a rifle.

Austrian .375 HH at champlin's for $8700:


Austrian .458 Win Mag at Champlins for $8400


Jeffery 450/400 for $10k:

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bret1549
.224 member


Reged: 24/04/05
Posts: 7
Loc: Texas
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: 500grains]
      #30050 - 26/04/05 04:36 AM

What is the best performing large caliber for a double rifle?

--------------------
Brett

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jjs
.224 member


Reged: 08/03/05
Posts: 18
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #30053 - 26/04/05 05:15 AM

I recently purchased a Merkel 470 NE and have been very pleased with the gun. There is a picture of me with my 470 Merkel under the Double Rifle Forum with Hog I killed at the DRSS Hog Hunt this past weekend.

I purchased my rifle from a dealer in Nixa, MO, if I remember correctly Rimfire Specialities. Roger the owner worked for Westly Richards. Roger is very nice guy to work with. He had a couple more new Merkel 470's and a used "older" model Sercey. I will be glad to give you his telephone number if you wish...let me know.

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bonanza
.400 member


Reged: 17/05/04
Posts: 2335
Loc: South Carolina
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #30054 - 26/04/05 05:17 AM

Can't beat the good 'ole 470NE for street cred, power and universal availability. What other classic big bore cartridge can you buy from cabelas for crying out loud. Speaking of the 470, Have you noticed how many 470 are sold because the owner could not take the recoil? I think this is becase most are too light. Mine is 11.5 lbs and is "tolerable" for a few shots.

--------------------


"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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Oldsarge
.300 member


Reged: 07/02/05
Posts: 180
Loc: SoCal Borderlands
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bonanza]
      #30075 - 26/04/05 12:52 PM

Given the horrendous cost o'any double rifle ammunition when purchased retail, one should basically buy whatever yer demnd well want. Yer goin' t'end up reloadin' in any event, what? Given that, th'old reliable .450 NE is hard t'beat and it won't beat yer up, don'tcherknow. Get one around 10.25-10.5 lbs with a good recoil pad then work yer way up t'where yer can put 5 aimed rounds downrange over the shootin' sticks. If yer ever need t'fire more than that, adrenaline'll solve yer recoil problems!

--------------------
Sarge

Holland's .375: One Planet, One Rifle!

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Rell
.375 member


Reged: 03/12/04
Posts: 642
Loc: Oyster Bay, NY, USA
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: Oldsarge]
      #30146 - 28/04/05 12:37 AM

Personally I'm leaning towards the 450/400 3" as the best all round for a Double rifle. It does the job of the heavies without the recoil and is more fun to shoot.

That Jefferies looks intresting, not original, but pretty nice for the money. An all original one would be about twice that much(?). How much negotiating can you do with JJ.

Maybe get him to relacken and colour case that 400J, possible a set of claw mounts, that would be pretty close to ideal for me.

--------------------
450-400, 9.3x74r and 7x65r.

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NE450No2
.375 member


Reged: 10/01/03
Posts: 942
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: Rell]
      #30174 - 28/04/05 01:46 PM

rell
You are right about the 450/400 being a great calibre.
The nice thing about Champlins is that you can shoot the rifle at their shop. They have loading equipment there and they can help you find the load that shoots in your rifle.
Plus they can tell you if the rifle takes .408 or .411 diameter bullets.

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mickey
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Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: 500grains]
      #30226 - 29/04/05 01:08 PM

Hey, I like that 400J.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39261
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: mickey]
      #30359 - 01/05/05 02:02 PM

Transferred from big bores to double rifle forum. BTT.

--------------------
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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clark7781
.375 member


Reged: 28/10/04
Posts: 612
Loc: Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: bret1549]
      #30681 - 07/05/05 06:42 AM

Bret:

A late addition to this thread, but just throwing my two cents out there.

jjs and I hunted together at the DRSS shot in Crowell, TX two weeks ago. He and I both have Merkels--he a .470 and I a .500. Some of the other guys on the hunt with us (if I may be so bold to paraphrase some of their remarks) were surprised with the Merkels. (in a good way)

I'm very happy with my Merkel and don't regret buying it, so I would say to check out those rifles. BUT, a big but here, also SERIOUSLY consider a Searcy. My dad just dropped some bucks on a .577 with a s**t load of bells and whistles and engraving on it. After some due dilligence and some handling of others, it is obvious that Butch makes one of (if not THE) best gun for the money.

Just MHO...

Regarding the "best performing large caliber" ...go for the .500 NE. A heavier bullet with greater frontal area is there should you find yourself needing it on a hunt. The .470 will kill everything just as good as a .500, but the 500 has that "little bit" more should you need it.

I just sent my .500 to JJ to get a recoil pad installed. I won't have to hear the whining at the next DRSS everytime you crack one of those cigars off...




--------------------
Clark

Double Rifle Shooters Society
.500 NE and .577 NE

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NE450No2
.375 member


Reged: 10/01/03
Posts: 942
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: clark7781]
      #30683 - 07/05/05 07:04 AM

I shot Clark's and jjs's Merkels and Daves 470 Chapuis at the DRSS. I have also shot PWN's 500/416 Krieghoff at a past DRSS hunt. All of these rifles handle well. They each have a little different feel. They all shot very accurately.
I have yet to shoot a Searcy. If you are in the market for a new made double I suggest you handle [and shoot if possible] all of them. Get the one you like the best.
I would not be afraid to hunt with ANY of them. I would prefer one of the new made doubles to ANY Bolt Rifle.
[Bet you thought I was going to say Bolt Rifle Trash... didn't you. ]
In regards to the 500 Nitro Merkel. The rifle is fairly light for a 500, it is lighter than my 450 No2[all the new made doubles are]. It would be a joy to carry. The recoil is a step UP from the 470 class of rifles. It was not the least bit painful to shoot. It does push back harder, and jump up higher. Shooting it at game would not be a problem.
There has been a lot of Merkel bashing on the forums, these were the first two big bore Merkels I have shot. They were put together very nice, they looked good, handled good and shot good.

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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: clark7781]
      #30689 - 07/05/05 07:33 AM


clark7781

You talk great sense.

"Regarding the "best performing large caliber" ...go for the .500 NE. A heavier bullet with greater frontal area is there
should you find yourself needing it on a hunt. The .470 will kill everything just as good as a .500, but the 500 has that
"little bit" more should you need it."

The 500 does have that LITTLE BIT MORE".

People underestimate the impact that Frontal area of a bullet has. Combined with extra bullet weight,
it really shows on large game.

Have shot a few Buffalo in Australia with 500/465 and a 500. I have actually seen the shock waves
go down the side of a body when hit with a 500 Nitro. In a stopping situation I am told that if you are
off slightly, the 500 will help. (I haven't had to stop a charge with a 500 so can't tell from personal
experience).

500 Nitro

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jjs
.224 member


Reged: 08/03/05
Posts: 18
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: NE450No2]
      #30720 - 08/05/05 05:15 AM

I purchased my first double a couple months back. Decided on a new one simply because I did not have enough knowledge to know what I would be getting into with a vintage gun. After being around NE 450 #2 and some of the others at the DRSS shoot I have a better idea.

I handled most of the new Doubles and the Merkel just seemed to fit me better than the rest. I was going back and forth from 470 to 500. I purchased the 470 simply because I thought it would be easier to resell down the road. Either one would be a good choice 470 or 500, however, if I had a "do over" I would purchase the 500 NE but the 470 is plenty of recoil and the 500 NE more of it but I am not that recoil sensitive....I would set up to reload the beast! Based on shooting Clarks 500 NE and my 470 NE..the 500 NE is a bit more...glad to hear Clark is putting a recoil pad on it!

510 cal, 570 grain bullets, between 2050-2150 fps would seem to have superior "stopping power" over the smaller caliber Nitro rounds. I know that tree Clark "took down" was certainly impressive. Seems to me, in DR, the 500 is the most in reasonably portable firepower!!

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500grains
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Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: jjs]
      #30721 - 08/05/05 05:37 AM

I have a .500 NE and I bought it to get that little bit more than a .470 NE. It also hurts the shoulder a little bit more too.

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500Nitro
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Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Buying a Big Bore Double Rifle [Re: 500grains]
      #30723 - 08/05/05 06:18 AM


jjs and 500grains,

You notice the higher recoil of the 500 and recoil in general
more when shooting at targets.

When you start shooting at animals, you just don't seem to notice it.

500 Nitro

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