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Backman "Cheap", and a "reasonable price" are two very different things where double rifles are concerened! It is simply not posible to make a double rifle that sells for less than around $10K new! The problem, for you is, they do not loose there value when used to any great extent! There are some real nice "WORKING DOUBLES" out there, that are very serviceable. If you can deal with a chambering that is not so popular, you can make some real bargains. The word bargain is relative, however!

I don't know where you live, and the prices, and conditions I'm about to tell you are based on The USA. If you live in OZ, there are some real good folks down under who will help you out!

The average English work rifle in 450/400NE 3", 470NE, or 500NE that is 100 yrs old but in good working order is going to set you back close to $10K, on the bottom. If you are going to use the rifle in the USA, for the most part, you might look into a decent used Merkel, or Chapuis chambered for 9.3X74R. That cartridge is legal in most places in Africa as well for dangerous game,at least for the cats, and Buffalo, but can be bought for thousands less than a 375 H&H Flanged, or larger. The 9.3X74R will handle anything you run into in North America, and is light and handy (about 8lbs)

The problem is, for a first time buyer of double rifles, he can really get stung if he doesn't know what to look for when shopping! Since a used field grade Britt will set you back $10K anyway, why not buy a NEW Merkel 140-1 9.3X74R double rifle. They have auto safeties, selective ejectors, cocking indicators, and Turkish wood, weigh in at the 8lb level, and can be had at about $8K new, or can sometimes be found used, at around $5K. The best bargain in the USA is the B. Searcy PH model, which can be had in your choice of 375H&H Flanged, 450NE, 500/416NE, 470NE, and 500NE, for an even $10K. This rifle is fitted with very nice wood, and is made to fit you. It is also fitted with selective ejectors. You only have to pay 50% down, and you have 7 to 10 months to get the remainder together while it is being built. But, if you want one of these at this price, call now, because the price is going up in JAN, by $2K.

Hope any of this helps you!

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..........Mac >>>===(x)===>
DUGABOY1, and MacD37 founding member of DRSS www.doublerifleshooterssociety.com
"If I die today, I have had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"

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