My first double rifle - I love it

[cagkt3]

You can always buy some and let some of your new American friends store them for you....I'm sure you'll find no shortage of volunteers!

 

[Opposite Pole]

Good to know one's got friends one can count on!

 

[cagkt3]

 

[MartyJ]

Waidmannsheil Jakob.
Good thing you're not here. We'd be friends and get in lots of trouble Ha Ha.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

So last week, after a year’s worth of waiting, my double rifle was finally ready for a pick up from the dealer.

It all started one bloody hot day in Australia’s Northern Territory. I was on a buffalo hunt and in addition to using my Blaser R8 in 375H&H, the outfitter offered me to have a go with his double Merkel in 470 N.E. (damn you Matt, you cost me loads of money!). I have never handled a double and considered them to be something of a curiosity and a relic of the past. This all changed the moment I handled the gun. I loved how it pointed and how easy it came on the target, how fast and surprisingly accurate the open sights were. After shooting it at a target I realised that the recoil was easily controllable and not anywhere near as fierce as I feared. Later that day I shot a buffalo with it and this sealed my fate – right there and then I knew I had to get me one of those.

And so few years have passed, I have moved between continents but the obsession didn’t go away. Finally I’ve decided to order one. I knew I absolutely needed to get a classic nitro express calibre for Africa and Australia. However the impracticality of such a cartridge for European game was just too obvious to ignore and so I’ve gotten two barrel sets for it: 470 N.E. and 9.3x74R. I visited the factory and had the stock made to measure and it fits me really well. So well in fact that I now know I will have to get a new shotgun stock made, or get a new shottie altogether (signs of an addiction perhaps?). The difference between a well fitted gun and “standard dimensions” is unbelievable. I knew fit was important but didn’t realise just what a difference it makes, and I am what one would call a regular sized guy.

Looking at various guns at the factory
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Choosing a blank
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And a year later

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The standard front bead is tiny and only good for target practise

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However there is a large and clear pop up front bead that is easy to see, quick to use and appears to be staying up once opened

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50m (55yds) off hand. The two holes covered with black stickers are 9.3x74R the remaining four 470 N.E. I have to get plenty of practise before I can hunt with it because I'm very slow with the open sights - I was shooting scoped rifles from day one.

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Sweet!

 

[AZDAVE]

@Opposite Pole It all starts when your mate, friend, buddy, PH let you shoot your first double, before the sound has died away for the second shot you are HOOKED!!!!! I would rather hunt with a double as my first choice. Will warn you I have owned 9 different double and currently have 5 (Unless @PHOENIX PHIL talks me into selling him one) You will find a need to have another show up in the safe. Love the engraving and wood on your rifle. Shoot straight, shoot often, and shot allot till you are comfortable with the irons and they will become second nature. Just wait till you shoot your first buff with your own double

 

[Opposite Pole]

@Opposite PoleShoot straight, shoot often, and shot allot till you are comfortable with the irons and they will become second nature.

Words of wisdom!

 

[PaulT]

Congrats OP on this significant milestone in your life.
You've obviously earned it. Enjoy.

Without wanting to be melodramatic, I fully understand the excitement and sense of pride in wrapping your mits around your own very first double, and what an impressive double it is.

When the moment comes, and you get to see a buff or Ele disappear from under the open sights you will swallow your ears with an enormous grin and oyu will never forget it for the rest of your life.

We are all here for a good time not a long time.

Live, love, hunt and enjoy.
Go put some holes in something.

Damn fine Krieghoff !

 

[petrusg]

Well that is a fine rifle! congratulations

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

@Opposite Pole It all starts when your mate, friend, buddy, PH let you shoot your first double, before the sound has died away for the second shot you are HOOKED!!!!! I would rather hunt with a double as my first choice. Will warn you I have owned 9 different double and currently have 5 (Unless @PHOENIX PHIL talks me into selling him one) You will find a need to have another show up in the safe. Love the engraving and wood on your rifle. Shoot straight, shoot often, and shot allot till you are comfortable with the irons and they will become second nature. Just wait till you shoot your first buff with your own double

Be gone from me foul tempter!!

 

[AZDAVE]

Phil just trying to watch out for your best interests

 

[dory]

Very Nice !!
One Day I will !!!!!!!!!

 

[Shootist43]

For a fact, that is one beautiful rifle. I envy you. What I don't envy is the grief and anxiety attacks you are going to have prior to purchasing your next double!!

 

[PARA45]

WOW, gorgeous rifle! The stock, the engraving, the lines, the curves, the, Oops! I think I need a cigar. Congrats!!!!!

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Beautiful rifle. Congrats.
Witold

 

[Opposite Pole]

Thanks guys

 

[Britt Beck]

Straight up gun porn. That's a beautiful rifle. Congrats.

 

[ve7poi]

Beautiful rifle may you always have one double at least.

 

[Jumbo]

Thats a great looking rifle and excellent choice of Calibres!

I also have a Krieghoff, albeit MUCH less fancy than yours in the same calibres! Owning a 375H&H also i wasnt sure about the 9.3x74R, but I have fallen in love with it.
The .470NE is a dream to shoot and as you say way more manageable than initially expected!

I also got a set of 20G shotgun barrels (just an idea............... lol) and not have a three barrel set for any hunt!

I know you will have many great hunts with your rifle/s! enjoy and congrats!

 

[8 x 60]

Congrats. A lifetime addiction begins !