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At Atkin, Grant & Lang we are working on a 'Colonial' grade double rifle. It is to be a long-bar top-lever boxlock with Purdey bolts and a third grip (possibly a Purdey concealed bite).

Stock will be pistol grip with cap and cheek-piece, forend probably Anson pushrod or maybe Gibbs grip catch. Double triggers. Border engraving only with engraved pins.

Iron leaf sights and ramp foresight.

The intention is to produce a rifle that Professional Hunters and regular tourist hunters who want a classic handling and looking British DR but can't afford one.

We aim to hit the US market at around $25,000.

We intend an initial model in .470 NE and a scaled down version in .375.

Discussions at present are:
1. Do we use .375 H&H rimless or .375 flanged?
2. Is there a market for a .450 calibre as well?
3. Would American buyers be interested in 9.3x74R?
4. Will anyone buy it? (We think so as there is a gap in this range right now)

Any contributions to these discussions most gratefully received.

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In order:

My vote is for flanged. I know there are many belted Double Rifles out there. And I know all manufacturers make them BUT I don't trust them and I Have had one break on me and I will never buy another.

Absolutely a market for the 450. Now that Hornady is making ammunition I think the inherent advantages of a 450 caliber, built on a 450 frame instead of a 470-500 frame is a no brainer for a new Double Rifle.

I think the 9.3 is the prefect Double cartridge for all around North America. If you can make it substantial cheaper than the .375 than it should sell nicely, if not than don't bother as most will pick the 375 instead.

Your price point for an English rifle would be unique, but it has been tried by others who outsoorced much of the work to keep the price down and failed. You need deep pockets for the first few years.

Quality will always sell, regardless of price.

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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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