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I had the pleasure of examining one of Ralf Martini's Heym Express Rifles (in .375 H&H) a few weeks ago at a safari trade show in Calgary, Alberta.

A few observations: First, the rifle was sleek and very comfortable to hold. It came up easily and pointed very naturally (several times I brought it up with my eyes closed - opened my eyes and Ralf asked: "is it lined up?" - oh, my, yes - the sights were lined up neatly every time. Ralf explains that the natural feel to the pointability of the rifle is a function of his stock design. (I'm becoming educated in the importance of stock design...).

The rifle was very comfortable to hold, well-proportioned and a pleasure to handle. The action was unusually smooth (I cycled it several times while mounted to the shoulder and it seemed almost effortless. It is, without a doubt, the smoothest-cycling "African" magazine rifle that I have ever handled, bar none.

On my last safari (2011 in Zim) a Ruger RSM Safari Magnum in .375 H&H saved my hunt when my primary rifle developed a mechanical problem. Since then, I've had (and since sold) a Kimber Caprivi in .375 H&H, a Brno 602 in .375 H&H a CZ 550 in .416 Rigby and another Ruger RSM in .416 Rigby which I still have.

With all of that in mind, Ralf Martini's Heym rifle exhibits various "perfections" on all of these rifles - the proportions of Martini's Heym seem to be “just right” - not too heavy, not too light, unusually smooth-cycling and consistently natural to point. Everything went where it was supposed to - cheek rest, trigger finger where it belonged and the forearm was well-proportioned (not bulky) and seemingly effortless to hold. It's like it's an extension of oneself. What's not to like?

Suffice to say that I ordered one of Ralf Martini's Heym Express rifles, in the classic .404 Jeffrey chambering no less. Expected delivery is late May - early June. The rifle will come with 30mm QD rings (Ralf appears to have a preference for Rectnagel accessories... (can't argue with that).

This is an exceptional rifle. I believe it to be well worth the price and look forward to using it on my next return to Africa.

Postscript: I visited Ralf at his shop in Cranbrook, British Columbia three days ago. He had just received a shipment of several Heym Express Rifles and one Heym double rifle in 450/400 3" NE. I'll just say that was a very informative lesson in the nuances of stock design. This gentleman knows his craft intimately. (I can't wait for my Heym Express Rifle to arrive!)

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