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SteveH
.300 member

Reged: 26/12/03
Posts: 118
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

John Wilks 475 # 2
#45143 - 29/12/05 01:41 PM

I was poking around and found this double for sale at GunBroker

What are your thoughts on it and/or the caliber?

-Steve

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: SteveH]
#45146 - 29/12/05 01:50 PM

Most guns by Wilkes I have seen have been very good quality.
He has a good reputation.

Calibre - it will do everything a 470 and up will do
but is one of the ones you see less of around.

Nothing wrong with it though.

500 Nitro

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BigFiveJack
.333 member

Reged: 25/12/05
Posts: 256
Loc: Half hour North of Tampa Bay F...

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: 500Nitro]
#45148 - 29/12/05 02:22 PM

The following is from reading/research not my own experience. The 475 #2 has two versions, one is .483 diamter and one is .488 - less sources of bullets and brass than .470 NE or .500 NE - It has huge brass, 3.5 inches long and at the base it's diameter is .580 - rim thickness.080, more than twice the thickness of the .470 NE brass. It operates at VERY low pressure which is quite good for double rifles, I wish it was as popular as the .470 NE as it, in either diameter should logically far out shine the .470 NE IMHO. You must size it up and decide what is more important to you, both kill dangerous game equally well.

--------------------
Cordially,
Jack

NRA Endowment Member
DRSS Member

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500grains
.416 member

Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: BigFiveJack]
#45161 - 29/12/05 03:28 PM

If you can get the Wilkes for $12K, it's a steal. At $15K I would say it is a fair price.

The rifle weighs in at 12 pounds, which is a bit heavier than I would prefer.

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400NitroExpress
.400 member

Reged: 26/11/03
Posts: 1154
Loc: Lone Star State

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: SteveH]
#45195 - 29/12/05 06:38 PM

If the bores look as good as the rest, it should be a nice rifle. Wilkes are good quality. The Wilkes .475 No. 2s are usually the Eley version - 85 Cordite, 480 grain .483" bullet.

From what I've seen in the market recently, I think it's somewhat underpriced, assuming the condition is as good as it looks. Hard to tell from photos. It IS rather plain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

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Marrakai
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3494
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: 400NitroExpress]
#45197 - 29/12/05 08:54 PM

"RATHER PLAIN"??

It shows considerably better than 50% scroll, with maker's name in a banner, and almost complete case colours remaining.

The stock is not well photographed, but looks pretty good to me!

...and the doll's head with third bite, side-clips, Southgate ejectors, etc denote real quality.
"Rather plain" indeed!
You're a bloody fussy customer, 400NE!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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Marrakai
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3494
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: Marrakai]
#45199 - 29/12/05 09:20 PM

I should add that if the bores are good and that gun shoots, then it should see some bidding action soon! As 500grains says, going by current US prices it's worth a fair bit more than the $9,500 reserve.

Only one day to go! Get to it, lads!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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Rusty
.333 member

Reged: 08/02/03
Posts: 464
Loc: Missouri City, Texas

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: Marrakai]
#45200 - 30/12/05 12:40 AM

It could use a cheek piece! I'd like to see the barrel flats.

Marrakai, you own/owned this rifle?

--------------------
Rusty
We band of brothers!
DRSS

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thumper
.224 member

Reged: 29/10/05
Posts: 21
Loc: New Mexico, USA

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: Marrakai]
#45202 - 30/12/05 01:19 AM

This gun has showed up on gunsamerica for $15,500.00US

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400NitroExpress
.400 member

Reged: 26/11/03
Posts: 1154
Loc: Lone Star State

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: Marrakai]
#45207 - 30/12/05 02:16 AM

Marrakai:

I did say that the Wilkes guns are of good quality and that this rifle appears to be in nice shape. You're confusing basic quality and condition with grade. The engraving is about as basic as scroll gets on a pre-war British gun. It's stocked with panels but without points or cheekpiece and plain wood.

Like I said, good quality, nice condition, rather plainly finished.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

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mickey
.416 member

Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: 400NitroExpress]
#45223 - 30/12/05 03:33 AM

That is a rifle I could get interested in but I hate the reserve BS on these auctions. What a waste of time trying to figure out somebody's game about pricing. Just tell me what the minimum is and go from there.

--------------------
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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new_guy
Sponsor

Reged: 10/08/04
Posts: 581
Loc: Texas

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: mickey]
#45225 - 30/12/05 03:43 AM

I don't know the situation exactly, but I suspect that is the same gun Michael Merker offered me for sale a few months back.

If it is, then he's the guy to talk to. As I believe he had personally owned the gun for several years and would have been through the gun thoroughly.

www.michaelmerker.com

--------------------
www.heymUSA.com

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SteveH
.300 member

Reged: 26/12/03
Posts: 118
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: new_guy]
#45232 - 30/12/05 05:12 AM

I contacted the seller about the rifle and he is supposed to be faxing me some info about it. I'll let you all know what I find out.

-Steve

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mickey
.416 member

Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: new_guy]
#45235 - 30/12/05 05:58 AM

The rifle was bought from Champlins. They worked up a load but the owner has never fired it. $15,500. The owner claims it is tight as new and in excellant condition.

Could be a nice deal for someone who wants a good Brit Rifle to hunt with and for investment.

--------------------
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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bulldog563
.400 member

Reged: 21/10/05
Posts: 1153
Loc: California

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: mickey]
#45247 - 30/12/05 08:00 AM

I know the owner of this rifle and he is a good guy. I haven't seen the rifle but he does know and love doubles and his selling prices are always very fair.. If you are really interested in the rifle I would give him a call.

--------------------
Join the National Rifle Association:
https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp

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SteveH
.300 member

Reged: 26/12/03
Posts: 118
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: bulldog563]
#45252 - 30/12/05 09:10 AM

Here are the pertinant details from the FAX that was sent to me by the seller:

---------------------------------------------------
1) Drop at heel: 2 1/2"
2) Drop at comb: 1 3/4"
3) LOP: 14 3/4
4) Cast: None
5) Weight: 12 lbs
6) "Probably the tightest 475 #2 I have ever seen and the condition is as good as new. If this thing has ever been restored or refinished in any way it is hard to find the signs one looks for, however the condition is simply too good for one not to consider this, however it appears factory fresh with slight use"
7) Bores: Excellant
8) Yes it has ejectors
9) Yes it has a pull up Ivory night sight
10 Yes it has sling swivels
11) Above all it it un molested and in its factory state
---------------------------------------------------

Still thinking about it...

-Steve

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new_guy
Sponsor

Reged: 10/08/04
Posts: 581
Loc: Texas

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: SteveH]
#45287 - 30/12/05 01:40 PM

"Being offered is a beautiful John Wilks double rifle in the famous British Caliber 475 #2. This rifle's condition is fantastic in every way and a family history is available regarding its use in Africa, although we do not have it in hand it has been printed and published and we are seeking a copy of same from Michael Merker Gun Shop at the time of this writing."

I think I'd give Michael Merker a call.

--------------------
www.heymUSA.com

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Marrakai
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3494
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: Rusty]
#45288 - 30/12/05 01:42 PM

Rusty:
Not mine I'm afraid, as others have pointed out. I'd have to be in dire straits to part with a gun like that if it were....

I do have a similar specimen though, non-ejector in .470 with Manton's name on the rib. It's made by Wilkes, essentially the same gun. No, its not for sale!

Perhaps others disagree, but the general definition of a 'plain gun' would be border engraving only, and wood with little or no figure. That Wilkes is a long way above that!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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500grains
.416 member

Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: SteveH]
#45295 - 30/12/05 03:10 PM

Well, if you guys are not going to buy that gun, then I think I ought to.

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Marrakai
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3494
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: 500grains]
#45297 - 30/12/05 03:20 PM

Bravo!!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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mickey
.416 member

Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: 500grains]
#45301 - 30/12/05 03:40 PM

500Grains

Between that and the Wilkes your Searcy will be only used for a door stop.

--------------------
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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SteveH
.300 member

Reged: 26/12/03
Posts: 118
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: 500grains]
#45315 - 31/12/05 01:37 AM

Dan,

I just spoke to the seller. The price is $15.5K U.S. So I'm out of the runnning. It's all yours.

-Steve

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thumper
.224 member

Reged: 29/10/05
Posts: 21
Loc: New Mexico, USA

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: SteveH]
#45342 - 31/12/05 06:12 AM

Will someone put me out of my misery and buy this thing. I have been looking at it everytime it comes up on auction boards, and know it is on gunsamerica. If it is still available after RENO and DALLAS, I don't know if I can resist. This is making me ill. HNY.

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5275
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: thumper]
#45355 - 31/12/05 09:31 AM

thumper,

There's an easy solution - you buy it!

Regards,
Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Marrakai
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3494
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia

Re: John Wilks 475 # 2 [Re: CptCurl]
#46097 - 09/01/06 01:59 AM

Apparently you guys lack conviction!

Reserve not met.

Never mind, its been relisted! You all get to have another crack at it!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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