Double Rifles?

[gdr_11]

Does anyone else have a fetish for the classic English double rifle in the .450 - .600 Express calibers? I have spent my entire life reading almost every book written on African big game hunting from the early 1800's English hunters to the modern Peter Capstick ones. Through these, along with my general love of big rifles, I have developed a long distance love affair with these special guns.

I was in the process of saving up for one many years ago just before I got married, but once that event took place, my shooting and my dreams took a back seat to providing for my family. I did spend a couple of years pushing the 45-70 to precarious levels with 300gr. - 500gr. bullets in the Ruger 1 and 1895 Marlin, but it was nothing like my dream of shooting a .500 Express.

Now, I am in my 60's and the entry price for a quality English double is close to $50K (I could have bought one for $5K back then) and I doubt that I could take the recoil anymore, but I still read the books and browse the Holland & Holland gun room. I guess I am like the guys that watch the Barret auto auctions on television and remember when.

Just thought I'd share and see if anyone else has this disease.

[crackerman]

I would love one in .375 h+h Merkel runs about 14k.

[E Michael]

DOuble rAinbow? What does it mean.?

[micro911]

Perazzi is now making double rifles, also.. I think Europeans like double rifles.

[Sheepdog1968]

Check out Clark Customs. You could get one in 30-30 and still have lots of fun. Yes, I like doubles as well. I could see falling for one but I'm too enamored with my lever actions to expand.

[dfletcher]

Does anyone else have a fetish for the classic English double rifle in the .450 - .600 Express calibers? I have spent my entire life reading almost every book written on African big game hunting from the early 1800's English hunters to the modern Peter Capstick ones. Through these, along with my general love of big rifles, I have developed a long distance love affair with these special guns.

I was in the process of saving up for one many years ago just before I got married, but once that event took place, my shooting and my dreams took a back seat to providing for my family. I did spend a couple of years pushing the 45-70 to precarious levels with 300gr. - 500gr. bullets in the Ruger 1 and 1895 Marlin, but it was nothing like my dream of shooting a .500 Express.

Now, I am in my 60's and the entry price for a quality English double is close to $50K (I could have bought one for $5K back then) and I doubt that I could take the recoil anymore, but I still read the books and browse the Holland & Holland gun room. I guess I am like the guys that watch the Barret auto auctions on television and remember when.

Just thought I'd share and see if anyone else has this disease.

Not exactly H & H but Chapius makes reasonably priced double rifles as does Sabatti. Browning made some over/under rifles too. Sabattis go for anywhere from $2,500.00 to $5K. They tend to be in 45/70, various 9.3s and some .450 calibers. They look pretty as heck, I hear they're not quite so diligent as regulating barrels as the high end folks.

[duckman1]

Another Fan here!

[smle-man]

Me too! Although these days with my shoulder damage a double in, say .303 would be a lot more attractive than something in .400 or larger. Loved reading the Capstick stories of his hunting in Africa with a double rifle.

[1recluse]

Another fan here. I too have read everything on Africa since I was a kid, and now every so often I read them again and there like a new story!!! There is a Heym in the Long Guns for sale that is a beauty, although not a British Double it is a awesome looking gun that I drool over.
Best

[Fjold]

Searcy Rifle Manufacturing is located in Boron, CA about 90 minutes from Bakersfield. Butch makes high quality, hunting doubles all the way up to 700 NE and single barrel guns up to 2 Bore size.

I think his prices start about $15K, with finest quality running as high as you can afford. But, there is a waiting list, don't expect a gun this year.

You can find good used Merkels for $7500 or so.

[hermosabeach]

They are beautiful historical works of art....

I don't have the vision to take the big 5 so I have never considered picking one up

[1911ShooterPhil]

1911ShooterPhil

[flyer898]

I have the bug too. I bought a Baikal mfg. Remington double-rifle in 45-70. I am saving for a Merkel in a true African caliber. Until then this will have to do along with my Ruger No. 1 in .416 and Sako Hunter in .375 H&H.

[Sheepdog1968]

Searcy Rifle Manufacturing is located in Boron, CA about 90 minutes from Bakersfield. Butch makes high quality, hunting doubles all the way up to 700 NE and single barrel guns up to 2 Bore size.

I think his prices start about $15K, with finest quality running as high as you can afford. But, there is a waiting list, don't expect a gun this year.

You can find good used Merkels for $7500 or so.

A friend of mine has visited his shop a few times. It is very high quality. As best I understand he may have had some medical issues and may no longer be taking new orders. I'm not completely certain though.

[Fjold]

A friend of mine has visited his shop a few times. It is very high quality. As best I understand he may have had some medical issues and may no longer be taking new orders. I'm not completely certain though.

He just got his hip replaced and is just getting back to work. He's got quite a backlog though. I was up there last month.