In the market for a double

[tygersman1]

I'm looking for a vintage British double in a traditional caliber (would consider 375 Flanged and Up).

I'd also consider a nicely appointed Heym (my vintage search has so far been unsuccessful).

My intent is to keep it below $25k. But the spend is flexible depending on the right double. I recognize that the usual established resellers haven't adjusted their pricing based on the current market.

Right hand shooter. Very much would appreciate any leads.

 

[Rare Breed]

I'm looking for a vintage British double in a traditional caliber (would consider 375 Flanged and Up).

I'd also consider a nicely appointed Heym (my vintage search has so far been unsuccessful).

My intent is to keep it below $25k. But the spend is flexible depending on the right double. I recognize that the usual established resellers haven't adjusted their pricing based on the current market.

Right hand shooter. Very much would appreciate any leads.

Just my experience given I just bought a Westley Richards from France. Avoid auction houses like Holt. Too high a premium they charge. I have had a great experience with Deloreac&Deloreac auction house in the UK.

 

[Rare Breed]

Also if you find one I highly recommend running it by @rookhawk. He is our highly valued expert and friend

 

[rookhawk]

Just my experience given I just bought a Westley Richards from France. Avoid auction houses like Holt. Too high a premium they charge. I have had a great experience with Deloreac&Deloreac auction house in the UK.

There’s an exception to every rule though. @VertigoBE bought in my opinion, a $60,000 heym two barrel set at Holts and I think he paid a tiny bit over $10,000. What he paid for the whole thing was less than the cost of the engraving. Auction houses all depend on who shows up to bid, or worse yet, two people that have to have the same item. Some days you walk out as though you robbed a bank, other times you let them rob you.

 

[rookhawk]

I'm looking for a vintage British double in a traditional caliber (would consider 375 Flanged and Up).

I'd also consider a nicely appointed Heym (my vintage search has so far been unsuccessful).

My intent is to keep it below $25k. But the spend is flexible depending on the right double. I recognize that the usual established resellers haven't adjusted their pricing based on the current market.

Right hand shooter. Very much would appreciate any leads.

Okay. I’ll give you a lead. There is a Rodda at Cabelas in Ft. Worth for $12,000. They will take $9000 for it, I almost bought it but it was incorrectly described as an ejector gun when it was an extractor. I had no need for the gun but it looked so good and was so cheap, I had to do it if they were selling a $25k gun for $9k. But $9k for a $16k gun I don’t need? I passed. Had it been an ejector gun, it was worth $25,000, as an extractor its worth about $16,000. Oh, and it was made for a Maharajah and its in 450-400 3”.

Oh, and the case is original and worth $1500+

Since its Cabelas and you can buy trash accidentally, request a 3-day inspection period and have it shipped to Ken Owen. He charges $100-$200. If he says it sucks, you return it for refund. If he says its good, have him build a regulating load for it.

I burnt a few thousand dollars in my time and due diligence on this gun, so consider this a gift as its a game-set-match with a can’t lose inspection scenario. It will hold its value.

 

[VertigoBE]

There’s an exception to every rule though. @VertigoBE bought in my opinion, a $60,000 heym two barrel set at Holts and I think he paid a tiny bit over $10,000. What he paid for the whole thing was less than the cost of the engraving. Auction houses all depend on who shows up to bid, or worse yet, two people that have to have the same item. Some days you walk out as though you robbed a bank, other times you let them rob you.

After import, VAT, transport, customs, Holts fees and exchange rate the 9500£ turned into 18518€ . Still a steal for this rifle, picking it up this afternoon.

 

[shotgungibbs]

I enjoy these double rifle threads! I learn from every one of them!

 

[Rare Breed]

There’s an exception to every rule though. @VertigoBE bought in my opinion, a $60,000 heym two barrel set at Holts and I think he paid a tiny bit over $10,000. What he paid for the whole thing was less than the cost of the engraving. Auction houses all depend on who shows up to bid, or worse yet, two people that have to have the same item. Some days you walk out as though you robbed a bank, other times you let them rob you.

Very fair point!

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Why not consider a new Heym 89b light frame in 375 Flanged? British looks, German engineering. I have only seen pictures so far, but is looks good.

 

[tygersman1]

Why not consider a new Heym 89b light frame in 375 Flanged? British looks, German engineering. I have only seen pictures so far, but is looks good.

They do look super, and I'm sure I'd love it. But I have a mental block for paying MSRP for a new production double. If I happen to stumble across a lightly used one at a fair price, that's a different story.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Get a new Heym Model 88B or a Heym Jumbo. Best doubles for the money. And built like tanks

 

[norfolk shooter]

Has your double got a palm swell and a set of 12 bore barrels?

 

[norfolk shooter]

After import, VAT, transport, customs, Holts fees and exchange rate the 9500£ turned into 18518€ . Still a steal for this rifle, picking it up this afternoon.

Has your double got a palm swell and a set of 12 bore barrels?

 

[VertigoBE]

Has your double got a palm swell and a set of 12 bore barrels?

Hi @norfolk shooter ,

It does not have a palm swell to my knowledge. The two barrel sets are in 7x65r and in 375H&H

 

[norfolk shooter]

Hi @norfolk shooter ,

It does not have a palm swell to my knowledge. The two barrel sets are in 7x65r and in 375H&H

View attachment 502469

I remember seeing them and thinking thats a cool AF case. There was a nice Heym 500NE with a set of 12 bore barrels. It fit me well but I was in the process of having a rifle built in 500J that has now fallen through as the smith under estimated the cost by a lot

 

[Jörg Krüger]

There you go:

Sabatti .500 NE Big Five ELD

I hate to part with this rifle, but after conversations with my PH I think my elephant days are over. This rifle is less than 5 years old, and round count is under 80. It's in like new condition other than some very light scratches on the buttstock, shown in the pictures. The rifle has been...

www.africahunting.com

 

[VertigoBE]

I remember seeing them and thinking thats a cool AF case. There was a nice Heym 500NE with a set of 12 bore barrels. It fit me well but I was in the process of having a rifle built in 500J that has now fallen through as the smith under estimated the cost by a lot

the case is indeed really nice, full on ostrich leather and red baize wool lining on the inside. The case is pretty much in as-new condition.

 

[norfolk shooter]

slight

There you go:

Sabatti .500 NE Big Five ELD

I hate to part with this rifle, but after conversations with my PH I think my elephant days are over. This rifle is less than 5 years old, and round count is under 80. It's in like new condition other than some very light scratches on the buttstock, shown in the pictures. The rifle has been...

www.africahunting.com

slight problem its on the wrong side of the Atlantic

 

[Tanks]

...I'd also consider a nicely appointed Heym (my vintage search has so far been unsuccessful).

My intent is to keep it below $25k...

You can order a brand new Heym for that budget or I have seen several in the $16K range on GI over time.

 

[tygersman1]

Have a double going through expert inspection now. Will report back. Appreciate all of the replies and advice.