Best double rifle for the money $$

[John Meyer]

We are blessed in South Africa as we have an abundance of doubles and the exchange rate favours US buyers at R15 to a dollar. To import it that's the bummer. For Eg I know of two unfired 500NE a Merkel and a Heym for less than $10000

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

We are blessed in South Africa as we have an abundance of doubles and the exchange rate favours US buyers at R15 to a dollar. To import it that's the bummer. For Eg I know of two unfired 500NE a Merkel and a Heym for less than $10000

Is the Heym an 88B model?

 

[John Meyer]

I'll get

Is the Heym an 88B model?

all info for you tomorrow Phil

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I'll get

all info for you tomorrow Phil

Please don't go out of your way, mostly just curious.

 

[John Meyer]

Please don't go out of your way, mostly just curious.

No problem just do it as a courtesy anyway

 

[cpr0312]

I was considering buying a double rifle, and want to stay under 10K. I have been looking around, and that seems very possible. What is the opinion on a double in 470 NE? I have looked online only, no where close to actually handle a double.

Edward,

I am a complete rookie in this type of caliber of gun, however recently I was able to handle and shoot a Merkel .470 NE. It felt great, shouldered great, and the kick was not too bad. Best of luck in your search for a double

 

[Edward Wright]

Thank you all, look forward to all suggestions. I looked for Sabatti doubles and found a OU in 470 NE, but wonder what the OU would be like as a rifle. I have shot OU shotguns., but never a rifle. Anyone here have experience with an OU?

 

[Ignatius of Antioch]

I'm in between double rifles right now but I am VERY close to buying my next one. I am very impressed with the O/U rifles I have handled. The seem to be very accurate and handle very well. Some people make a big deal about the amount of gape when the rifle is open for reloading. The argument being that the slightly wider gape of an O/U rifle slows the reload. Maybe, but if the gun has ejectors a reload can be done so fast that I hardly think there is much perceivable difference. O/U double rifles may well be superior in many ways to SxS double rifles so really it is a matter of personal preference.

SxS doubles LOOK sexy and are preferred by many. They are just classic and romantic. The O/U's have a lot going for them. I love the O/U's and eventually I'll have several probably. But my very next will probably be a SxS. The one after that an O/U. That's where I'm leaning at the moment,

I like Verney Carron's and in an O/U you can get a nice one for $10,000 or less, you'll just have to not go overboard on the upgrades. VC is a GREAT company. They are not cheap but they are a still a great deal. $30,000 will buy you a rifle that is just as nice as a $130,000 rifle from London, IMO.

I also LOVE Chapuis and Merkel.

 

[Ignatius of Antioch]

Also on Sabatti's. The new production guns are excellent. Wholesale Hunter is selling a wide variety of models and calibers and backing them with an accuracy guarantee. I've owned a 9.3x74R and it was great. Just shop around and don't over pay. Some dealers are asking too much, but that is a common affliction.

 

[Fr8liner]

Thank you all, look forward to all suggestions. I looked for Sabatti doubles and found a OU in 470 NE, but wonder what the OU would be like as a rifle. I have shot OU shotguns., but never a rifle. Anyone here have experience with an OU?

I have an O/U Merkel in 450NE With ejectors. Not my first choice as nostalgia would rather have a classic SxS.
But hey I am not complaining - doubles a double and regulation is so much easier making longer shots possible, I can still hit 1" at 100 metres. Going to try out to 150m with 350grainers.

As for reloading - what @Ignatius of Antioch said. Practice is what it really takes to be faster.

 

[edward]

i lucked out with my sabatti double in 9.3x74r,glad im a handgun hunter,dont have all those i want problems,he,he.

 

[Ignatius of Antioch]

Edward, YES! The "Wants" of the double rifle addiction are pricey. They sure are a pleasure though. The 9.3x74R Sabatti's are a great round in a nice, relatively affordable package. And a 9.3 is a very formidable cartridge. You've got a great rifle there, very fun and versatile.

 

[Ignatius of Antioch]

Fr8liner your Merkel 450 NE sounds like an interesting gun. That is one hell of a cartridge. Lighter recoil than a 470 NE, with better penetration. Lots of reloading components available. Merkel is one of my favorite makers too.