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First off, don't get in a hurry. Look for opportunities to handle as many double rifles as you can. When you find one that you like, there is a standard procedure for doing the deal. Do it right.

As for travel, I can think of a few of trips that would sure help you get oriented. The annual SCI and Dallas Safari Clubs shows are fun and you'll find quite a few rifles to look at. Also, a trip to Champlin Firearms in Enid, Oklahoma would be worthwhile (Champlin will also have a booth at both shows). Don't go to buy, just to look and learn. Then study. Find folks who own double rifles and arrange a shoot when possible.

There are eleven flanged Nitro Expresses in the .40 group. All of them are fine. Nice rifles in .470 will be the most expensive, but the other calibers are just as good. Some are easier to get components for, but all are available.

When you're ready to buy, Champlin is always my first choice. They're knowledgeable, honest, and back what they sell, even the used DRs. Check the various web sites. Do the shows again.

When you find a candidate, here's how it's done. Have it shipped to you on a money-back, no questions asked approval period. Standard seems to be 3 days. If that is all the seller will let you have, pass, it isn't enough. Get at least 7, preferably 10. When the gun arrives, go over it carefully. Make sure it fits and handles to your liking. Evaluate overall condition, and remember that bore condition is way ahead of whatever is in second place. Check the proof marks. If you are not expert on these, find someone who is. Take pictures of the barrel flats and water table and post them here. Also, make sure you like the way it looks. They're too expensive to tolerate fugly.

If you decide that you like the gun, then you need to ship it to a professional for evaluation. This is NOT, repeat, NOT your favorite gunsmith. I use J. J. Perodeau at Champlin. J. J. trained in Liege, Belgium and is a double rifle guy. Kirk Merrington is an English gunmaker in Kerrville, TX. Kirk was a barrelmaker at Churchill's and, while primarily a shotgun guy, is competent enough for a DR evaluation. I've heard good things about J. David Yale in Yellow Jacket, CO, but have no personal experience with him.

Whoever you choose, make sure he shoots the gun as part of the evaluation. If it needs to be re-regulated, that's nothing, but if the barrels have worse problems, pass. New chopper-lump barrels will cost more than the gun is worth. Also, have him pay special attention to the wood. Make sure the stock head isn't unsound due to oil soaking. Correct restocking is very expensive.

If the gun checks out OK, then you need to shoot it yourself just to make sure you like it. If it has problems, send it back and move on to the next gun.

Hope this helps.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

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