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NE450No2
.375 member

Reged: 10/01/03
Posts: 942

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: ozhunter]
#111560 - 11/08/08 11:46 AM

Since doubles are mostly thought of as being for the BIG DG, then I think a 450/400 is the best choice for a persons first [and last, more on the "last" aspect later].

You can never go wrong with a 450/400.

Even if you later get, or start out bigger, as you get older you will appreciate the 450/400.
Especially if fitted with a scope in claw mounts.

Another great choice is the 9,3x74R. I have one that I have used a great deal. It is a very good killer on all sized game from the small stuff to the BIG stuff.

I have taken giraffe cape buff and elephant with mine.

You cannot go wrong with a 9,3x74R.

Either of these doubles will be a great choice, that will not cause any buyers remorse.

Both have done excellent for me not only in Zimbabwe but in places like Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, and at the deer lease.

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Paul
.400 member

Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: ozhunter]
#111572 - 11/08/08 01:07 PM

Yeah, and thanks belatedly for the splinter-forend info, New Guy.

I did mention the matter on another thread - the wrong one, unfortunately.

- Paul

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Pilgrim
.275 member

Reged: 25/05/04
Posts: 57
Loc: Washington State, USA

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Paul]
#111604 - 12/08/08 03:22 AM

I'm sorry but I just don't get the "splinter forend" fetish. If the forend on either of my Chapuis was clubby I'd have an issue with them. But they are not that large. In fact, I have small hands and have a hard time keeping my fingers off of the barrels. The first couple of shots fingers on the barrels are no big deal and actually help with steadiness and recoil control. However, after the first R-L, if you fire off another R-L in short order, the barrels are too hot to hold. Not uncomfortable as in really warm, they are just plain too hot to hold. FWIW Pilgrim

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tecno
.224 member

Reged: 09/11/07
Posts: 36
Loc: Sparreholm, Sweden

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Pilgrim]
#111605 - 12/08/08 03:55 AM

My first double is X12 in 9,3x74R
Next in line to be built is a double barrel set in 9,3x57R.SE Sparreholm Express on a cal 20 shotgun.

--------------------
Cheers Tecno
Sweden
FinnClassic 512//SOLD
DR O&U 9,3x74R
NEW>>> sbs Cal20 DR 9,3x57R.SE

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400NitroExpress
.400 member

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

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Pilgrim]
#111607 - 12/08/08 05:29 AM

Quote:

I'm sorry but I just don't get the "splinter forend" fetish. If the forend on either of my Chapuis was clubby I'd have an issue with them. But they are not that large. In fact, I have small hands and have a hard time keeping my fingers off of the barrels. The first couple of shots fingers on the barrels are no big deal and actually help with steadiness and recoil control. However, after the first R-L, if you fire off another R-L in short order, the barrels are too hot to hold. Not uncomfortable as in really warm, they are just plain too hot to hold. FWIW Pilgrim

It isn't a "fetish". The function of the fore-end wood on a double rifle is to house and protect the fore-end iron. It isn't a handle. The forward "handle" is the barrels. Splinters are traditional because they don't interfere with gripping the barrels properly, which beavertails can and often do. I'm familiar with the Chapuis. I spent Saturday working up for a 9.3 Chapuis with their standard beavertail (I have very large hands and find them clubby, although not as bad as most other BTs), as well as for a Boswell .450/.400 with a splinter. They both got too hot to hold after six shots, and cooled slowly in the 100 degree heat, even in the shade. That's why you use a leather glove on the forward hand. A beavertail can't protect your fingers from hot steel if you're holding the rifle properly.

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

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saladin
.224 member

Reged: 11/10/07
Posts: 16
Loc: australia

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: hoppdoc]
#111620 - 12/08/08 11:01 AM

i opted for the 7mm x 57R. reckon that would be a ton of fun to shoot. and for me, fun would be the major factor since i doubt if i'll ever be after DG.

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Paul
.400 member

Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: saladin]
#111728 - 13/08/08 01:47 PM

'They both got too hot to hold after six shots, and cooled slowly in the 100 degree heat, even
in the shade. That's why you use a leather glove on the forward hand. A beavertail can't
protect your fingers from hot steel if you're holding the rifle properly.'

Please forgive my ersatz quote, 400NitroExpress, (couldn't get the real system to work) but I've asked this question before and can't recall getting a reply:

Does anyone use or have views on leather thongs around db rifle barrels to cope with heat? Also, what keeps them from slipping down the barrels?

It seems the Brits use these things on s/s shotguns, partly because they grip the barrels ahead of the forend and partly because the steel gets very hot when shooting driven game.

If kosher, their laces should be less noticeable beyond the quarter rib and sights of a rifle than they are on a shotgun.

Cheers
- Paul

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saladin
.224 member

Reged: 11/10/07
Posts: 16
Loc: australia

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Paul]
#111997 - 17/08/08 11:22 AM

question: in the 450/400, are the new loads by hornady etc for the short 3inch version (also known as the 400 jeffery?) or the older 3 and a quarter version? is the jeffery now pretty much the standard when anyone discusses the 400/450?

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Bramble
.375 member

Reged: 29/07/06
Posts: 950
Loc: England

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Paul]
#112005 - 17/08/08 12:28 PM

Quote:

Does anyone use or have views on leather thongs around db rifle barrels to cope with heat? Also, what keeps them from slipping down the barrels?

It seems the Brits use these things on s/s shotguns, partly because they grip the barrels ahead of the forend and partly because the steel gets very hot when shooting driven game.

If kosher, their laces should be less noticeable beyond the quarter rib and sights of a rifle than they are on a shotgun.

Cheers
- Paul

They do not pass over the rib. They are made from renforced leather in the form of a radiused rectangle with the top section mising. The forend prevents them from slipping down the barrel.

Regards

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Paul
.400 member

Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Bramble]
#112073 - 18/08/08 01:15 PM

Thanks Bramble,
Not sure I've got the idea exactly, though. Are you saying they don't have laces or such over the barrels to tie them on and/or that they are hooked under the forend somehow to stop them sliding down to the muzzles?

Also, do you think they have any place on double rifles, if only to keep our sweaty hands of the blacking?

Cheers
- Paul

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JabaliHunter
.400 member

Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: Paul]
#112086 - 18/08/08 08:57 PM

I've never seen them on a double rifle. On shotguns, there's nothing to stop them sliding down to the muzzles (no laces), but they are usually quite tight fitting and it does not happen on its own. If the barrel is quite oily, then the pressure of your hand can make them slide a bit, but they don't fall off on their own. Personally, I prefer a simple golf glove!

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Paul
.400 member

Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Re: What caliber for a 1st Double?? [Re: JabaliHunter]
#112119 - 19/08/08 11:23 PM

Thanks JabaliH,
The golf glove makes sense - would not be too hot in British conditions.

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