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From what I've seen in gun shops in the USA over a 30 year period, double rifles here are virtually nonexistent. I've never actually seen one in America outside of a specialty shop, and most likely won't see another one here until I buy one for myself.

The few American gun shops that sell them are usually smaller than the websites they maintain to market them.

Richard.

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Richard, I don't think you will see a lot of double rifles in any gun store, anywhere in the world, not just in Texas! The most prolific makers in the world don't make that many per year, and they are scattered over the world.

The double rifle is, and always has been, a specialized type arm, that is marketed to a select few, of somewhat unique people. That, and the fact that even the most automated makers take a long time to make each piece,much of the production needing hand work, so production stays low. The double rifle is not a 700 Remington, useing bulk moldings that can be placed in a gang machine, and have the operator walk away, and come back when they are done!

Addtionally, the exchange rate has little to do with the quality of any maker's product, where double rifles are concerned. The rifles are better, or worse, because of the maker's skill, nothing more! Where today's doubles, made for off the shelf market, save money is with the somewhat rough finish on the outside of the rifle. The inside is fitted as well as can be expected on a working rifle, that will last as long as you want to use it. Where the $10K doubles shine is in their use, not in their "bling". If I could stay in Africa, for the rest of my life, shooting Buffalo, and Elephant, I would need nothing better than a Searcy, Merkel, or for that matter, an chapuis! The worst double rifle is worth more than any bolt rifle ever made, simply because of the skill, and time needed to make them. When all is said and done, the work involved is what sets the value of anything made mostly by skilled hands! That, and one's desire to have a very unique tool for a spicific purpose!


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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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