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Every day that you can learn something new is a good day. I have been looking at Heym and Merkel ever since I made the first post and now I have second and third opinions. Thank you.

Is there a reason you would recommend a 470 as a first double other then recoil? I have an extensive special operations background with quite a lot of combat experience. I have to say recoil and even the 'Tusker' itself dont intimidate me as much as the cost. Naivety and ignorance on my part could be a legitimate part of this but with sincerity I do have to say I have not choked in combat yet.... key word being yet. I think anyone with experience in these matters, to which I definitely include a charging dangerous game, knows the humility that anything is possible in such a life or death scenario.

And I have to ask, only again displaying my inexperience with double rifles: pre war is which war? WW2?

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Your war combat background will help greatly IMHO. It's very close to the same rush you feel when barring down on the enemy or visa versa. However, Elephants are unique and depending on how you intend to hunt them, ie; "given your current rookie status with Elephants" can be very dangerous when close up. So to be kind your not ready for that reality or how to handle a .577 with only 2 shots when being charged. The military 50cal you've probably been shooting is mince meat next to a 577 nitros recoil. I have a 50 Mcmillon with infa red so I know.

Recoil is not the issue here though. Its functionality, performance, and return on your investment. Since your at a starter level with your budget, this makes the most sence for the long haul. The 470 is a known favorite of many of us, and thus resale is always a premium in this calibre when on the right gun (Pre-war British/Scotish). The 577 calibre was built to stop a charging elephant, and does a nice job of it. Its a close range gun, the 470 will do both in the right hands.

Pre-war refers to guns built up to the end of WWII, I always look for guns built between 1904-1945. By 1904 most makers had gotten used to the change from black to nitro...

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