MOST RE-SELLABLE DOUBLE RIFLE?

[IdaRam]

Some questions for all you double rifle aficionados. And anyone else who cares to give their 2 bits
I'm not even close, financially, to being able to afford any of the double rifles I would ultimately like to own. So rather than just do without until that distant day when I can, I've been considering buying something much more affordable with the hope that I may be able to use it for a while and get some, most or maybe all of my investment back when I get close to being able to afford what I want permanently.
A used DR that is in decent shape and mechanically sound would seem to make the most sense. I would need to stay under $10K. A chambering that is not too large or too small probably suits my purpose best. I want to be able to enjoy shooting it and not get beat to death. Having said that, I'm not overly recoil sensitive, but I don't think I would enjoy shooting a 500NE near as much as a .450/400 for example. I intend to shoot it quite a bit. Several hundred rounds per year or more. I will reload for it regardless of choice of chambering.
I know there are a lot of possible variables that will affect re-sale, not the least of which is the double rifle market at the time. Setting aside some of the less-knowable variables for now, here are my questions I hope you all can help me out with:
If you were looking for a double to use for 5 years or more and then sell, what would be your main considerations and what specifically would you be looking for?
Is there a particular chambering that is generally easier to re-sell due to broad appeal? 450/400 NE, 470 NE, ???
I've also been toying with the possibility of something chambered in a larger BPE cartridge.
I know there is risk. I might buy something and have to sell it for a lot less than I paid. It might be very difficult to sell. Might take years to sell.
I can justify some risk because I will get use and enjoyment out of it. I will still have it to use even if I can't sell it. Assuming I don't buy a money pit that costs a bunch of money for repairs.
Any and all advice you guys care to share is welcome I'm still a ways away from getting serious about buying, just trying to become as educated as possible.
Thanks All!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

For the sub $10K budget, I'd keep an eye out for used Merkel's. I've seen them going for $7500 and less.

 

[Philip Glass]

The .470 is the most popular from what I've seen. I believe it will have the best resale value. I too am in the market for a double rifle.
I think I've decided on a .500NE Kreighoff.
Philip

 

[siml]

. 470NE definitely seems the most popular of the doubles, not necessarily saying the best.

 

[brettp]

. 470NE definitely seems the most popular of the doubles, not necessarily saying the best.

I shoot a 500. On limited experience, I will tell you this. On a properly built double, the weight increases with the caliber. As a result, the recoils between a 470 and 500 ends up being about the same.

That said, if you're going to shoot that much, consider a 450. That way, you can reload with more commonly available (cheaper) .458 bullets.

 

[sierraone]

I have shot a .450/400, don't own one. The recoil was about the same as my RSM .404 J, but not as much as my RSM Rigby. This was standing using stix. From the bench, they are too much recoil for me! But I do watch the used market fairly close. Add Chapuis to your list also. The .470 seems to be the most common double caliber for sale. Hallowell's in Montana or Champlin Firearms in Oklahoma seem to always have lots of used doubles for sell. The Blaser S2 has (or had) a good following but they discontinued it two years back. Pretty hard to find now. @Red Leg is our resident expert on those. Good luck! Ready to read your range report on what ever you buy!

 

[ActionBob]

Dan I'll be watching this thread as you have great thoughts and questions... The double bug has not bit me yet, but it might be nibbling a little

So although I have no real experience, I have a couple lines of thought. In the USA we have had a relatively long stretch of low inflation. That is bound to catch up to us eventually so if you buy anything now that has a long useful life, and plan to keep it 10 years or more, you have a very good chance of it still being worth what you paid for it and possibly even more in 10 years. Of course this will also mean that those dollars will not have the buying power they do today so in real value, not so much the case.

As for the gun itself, I see 3 directions you could go, risk in all. Buy a low end new gun that you feel is a real value and has potential to become more popular. If such a thing exists.

Buy a gun known for high quality on the used market, shop it hard and find a great deal, try to buy it closer to wholesale or trade in value than retail and you should easily get your value back out if you can then later manage to sell it at closer to retail. I would look at Merkels and really find one with the best looking wood you can, or a Chapuis... And if you can find the right deal for you, of course a Hiem.... Personally I don't care for that cocking safety on a Kreighoff.

The 3rd option and one that I have been thinking of, may be riskiest from a maintenance perspective... But if you find an old gun that is reliable and in good shape, it should hold it's value as long as you do not pay too much "markup" when you buy it. I saw an old hammer double that I fell in love with at the Wanamanger a few years ago that I wish I had bought. It was proof tested and fired modern ammo and had been all gone through and was in great shape. Something about an old hammer double that calls to me It was in 450/400 and I would go with that caliber or 470. If I was ordering a new gun it would be a 470, just because.

 

[IdaRam]

A bunch of great advice so far! Thanks guys

The .470 is the most popular from what I've seen. I believe it will have the best resale value. I too am in the market for a double rifle.
I think I've decided on a .500NE Kreighoff.
Philip

Would love to hear some of your thoughts on the K-Gun @Philip Glass . The factors that are pushing you in that direction?

I shoot a 500. On limited experience, I will tell you this. On a properly built double, the weight increases with the caliber. As a result, the recoils between a 470 and 500 ends up being about the same.

That said, if you're going to shoot that much, consider a 450. That way, you can reload with more commonly available (cheaper) .458 bullets.

Have had that very thought and it is a compelling one. Also, due to lack of guns chambered in .450 3 1/4" NE on the used market I have wondered if that might also be a positive when it comes time to sell. The problem is, they are hard to find because there are very few on the market!

@Traditional Mozambique Safaris , @sierraone , @ActionBob
A bunch of great thoughts, you've given me a lot to ponder. I value your advice and opinions. Keep 'em coming if you have any more
Thank Guys!

 

[sierraone]

A bunch of great advice so far! Thanks guys

Would love to hear some of your thoughts on the K-Gun @Philip Glass . The factors that are pushing you in that direction?


Have had that very thought and it is a compelling one. Also, due to lack of guns chambered in .450 3 1/4" NE on the used market I have wondered if that might also be a positive when it comes time to sell. The problem is, they are hard to find because there are very few on the market!

@Traditional Mozambique Safaris , @sierraone , @ActionBob
A bunch of great thoughts, you've given me a lot to ponder. I value your advice and opinions. Keep 'em coming if you have any more
Thank Guys!

3 1/4 inch is high pressure, 3 inch is low pressure. I believe from what I have read is the low pressure is most always recommended in Africa over the high due to heat.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

3 1/4 inch is high pressure, 3 inch is low pressure. I believe from what I have read is the low pressure is most always recommended in Africa over the high due to heat.

Use a powder that isn't temperature sensitive and perhaps a smidge less than maximum, I wouldn't think it a problem.

 

[sierraone]

Use a powder that isn't temperature sensitive and perhaps a smidge less than maximum, I wouldn't think it a problem.

Yes....that too!!!

 

[tarbe]

When I went through this exercise a couple years ago, I decided a Heym in 450-400 would be just the ticket. Useful, easy to shoot, fairly wide acceptance and application.

Second choice was a VC in 450-400.

Of course, I didn't follow through. Maybe one day...

Good luck and have fun with the thinking about it. I derive a lot of my pleasure in life just from dreaming.

 

[IdaRam]

3 1/4 inch is high pressure, 3 inch is low pressure. I believe from what I have read is the low pressure is most always recommended in Africa over the high due to heat.

Use a powder that isn't temperature sensitive and perhaps a smidge less than maximum, I wouldn't think it a problem.

Well, ya got me thinkin'. Folks tell me that can be dangerous
I believe the .450 3 1/4" NE is the more common chambering and also the original? In addition, there are the .450 No 2 NE which uses a 3 1/2" case, and also the 500/450 NE which is a 3 1/4" case.
I think the 450/400 is the chambering in which the 3" case is the more common and preferable length?

 

[IdaRam]

Good luck and have fun with the thinking about it. I derive a lot of my pleasure in life just from dreaming.

Yes. That

 

[peras]

I have a .500, but agree that the .470 is the most popular.

 

[CAustin]

Have eyed the Merkel in 47o a good bit and would love to have one!

 

[fourfive8]

I think the 470 is still the most popular and classic. Who knows about the make/model used re-sell market in the less than 10k range?? The gun market is really very "thin". The local gunshop and box store may do steady business especially just before huntin' season for the $279.99 starter rifles or around election time with the rattle battle sales... but all that has very little to do with re-selling a used, relatively cheap double rifle. I'd go into the deal not expecting much recoup. Just enjoy and use the gun. For re-selling in the future... don't even consider the original cost.

 

[tarbe]

Well, ya got me thinkin'. Folks tell me that can be dangerous
I believe the .450 3 1/4" NE is the more common chambering and also the original? In addition, there are the .450 No 2 NE which uses a 3 1/2" case, and also the 500/450 NE which is a 3 1/4" case.
I think the 450/400 is the chambering in which the 3" case is the more common and preferable length?

I think you will have a lot more luck with the 3" in terms of finding "economical" ammo, brass and dies.

I have found brass for the 3" (Hornady) as low as $32 for 20. Hornady dies were under $90 (still pricey).



And just a possible correction to a notion that the 3.25" is higher pressure than the 3"....

The 3.25" suffered some extraction issues at high temp/high pressure situations and I believe the 3" was developed to remedy the case extraction issues.

So the pressure isn't higher, per se. The impact of the pressure on the 3.25" case is more noted. Another reason to stick with the 3"? This may have been a Cordite-specific issue.

 

[bassasdaindia]

.470 NE seems to be the most popular from a re-sale point of view .

 

[brettp]

.470 NE seems to be the most popular from a re-sale point of view .

I think 470 is sort of of like 30-06 in a bolt gun. Popular but also common so not max value in a given model. I could be wrong, but that's my thought.

Besides, speaking from experience, the 500 is way cooler. Holding those rounds in your hand alone is a fun experience. Truly cigar rounds.