Double rifle caliber suggestions

[Johnny reb]

If you were new too doubles what calibre gun would you reccommend. Wanting one but can not settle on calibre thanks for the help

 

[Buff-Buster]

Hey Johnny reb,
I guess to make a suggestion, we'll need to know the intended purpose of the double. Assuming your intent is dangerous game, I am partial to the .470NE. It really depends on your level of recoil tolerance. Shoot the biggest that you shoot well. Each step up from the .375, .450/.400 to the .450NE to the .470NE and up to the .500NE are noticeable to most. From the .577NE up it is SUBSTANTIAL! Good luck with your quest. All the caliber noted have proven themselves. You can't pick a "wrong one".

 

[Uintaelkhunter]

Hey Johnny reb,
I guess to make a suggestion, we'll need to know the intended purpose of the double. Assuming your intent is dangerous game, I am partial to the .470NE. It really depends on your level of recoil tolerance. Shoot the biggest that you shoot well. Each step up from the .375, .450/.400 to the .450NE to the .470NE and up to the .500NE are noticeable to most. From the .577NE up it is SUBSTANTIAL! Good luck with your quest. All the caliber noted have proven themselves. You can't pick a "wrong one".

Plus one for me I like the 470 but if you don't intend to hunt elephant I would say the 450/400 that will be my next double the 470 is great it does make the arm a little tender after 20-30 rnds at the range thou. The PH needs the big stopper so for the average hunter I tend to stick to something I can shoot well and handle therefore I don't believe in needing anything bigger than the 470 but that is me. I would even like a 375 flanged

 

[DOC-404]

A .375 Double is a superb rifle and, pared with the right premium ammo, will drop anything on the planet if you do your bit. Your PH will carry the heavier artillery in case it's needed.

 

[Spooksar]

I own a 470 Nitro that I recently used on Cape Buffalo, bought it 10 years ago because I always wanted one. If I add to my double rifles it would be a 500/416 just because I like the 416 caliber. That said I don't think you could go wrong with a 375 or a 450/400, depending on what you will use it for.

 

[spike.t]

as Buff-Buster says without knowing what you want to use it for/on then its hard to make a recommendation.

 

[Johnny reb]

Thanks for all the replies guys I intend too use the gun for buffalo. It is just one of those I've got too have things I've always just wanted one if for no other reason than too just have one. The gun will be used on hogs and deer more than anything else. I am not overly recoil sensitive but then again the biggest thing I have ever shot is a 416 and I get along with it just fine. I have never shot a double I don't know anyone around that has any I have handled or should I say fondled some I wish I had someone within a few hours of me that had one or two and would let me try one. Another issue I face is that I shoot left handed so that adds a premium too the makers that will actually build a left handed gun but thanks for all the replies I have been thinking 470 but like I said I have never fired one so I don't know how I would react too the recoil I would think it would be more of a push than say the 416. The 416 I shoot is one of the Ruger chambered I. 416 Ruger and I like that little gun extremely well. Can you guys give me an idea of how a 450 or 470 is compared too the 416

 

[Spooksar]

My 470 weighs 12 lbs, the felt recoil is about the same as my CZ 550 in 416 Rigby. The weigh makes a difference and that second barrel adds the weigh. My Double Rifle is a Merkel 140. Hope this helps

 

[spike.t]

Johnny i would suggest going for the .375 flanged or 450/400 as these are plenty for buffalo and those calibres will be a lot more usable on hogs and deer. you will also be able to get a lighter rifle as well, and i promise you after the first couple of hours following buffalo you will be very happy you arent lugging an 11 or 12lbs rifle around...if you are happy shooting a .416 rigby you arent going to have a problem with anything up to a .470. now all you have to do is start looking!

 

[Johnny reb]

Thanks for the information while the information is flowing what maker does everyone recommend they have too build a lefty which rules a few out all info is greatly appreciated.

 

[35bore]

Thanks for the information while the information is flowing what maker does everyone recommend they have too build a lefty which rules a few out all info is greatly appreciated.

off the top of my head Merkel and Blazer make fine looking Lefty double rifles. I am sure most of the big boy double makers could/will build for lefties .. i.e. Krieghoff, Holland and Holland. Just depends on how much you wanna spend.

 

[spike.t]

Thanks for the information while the information is flowing what maker does everyone recommend they have too build a lefty which rules a few out all info is greatly appreciated.

Johnny with respect you are going to have to do a bit of research yourself on this one, its going to be your rifle. there is so much info on this site about double rifles and the who/what/where of them. or google the makers....enjoy the research and the end product.

 

[Uintaelkhunter]

Thanks for the information while the information is flowing what maker does everyone recommend they have too build a lefty which rules a few out all info is greatly appreciated.

Most makers will build a lefty gun I am left handed as well I have a chapuis. B. Searcy and Hyme make a true left handed double and are the same price as a right hand some of the others charge a higher price for a left handed gun you could find a used gun and have it re stocked as well if the price was right

 

[AkMike]

Searcy makes a very good rifle w/o added costs for a lefty.