Ritterbusch Double Rifles? Also .458 Magnum in a double?

[MontanaGrant]

Hey all.

For my inaugural thread is one with two questions. I am in the market for a "heavy" rifle for my never-to-be African Safari. I currently have a Mark X .458 magnum. My second I've owned and am well set up with .458 ammo, brass, components.etc.

I have an option on a Ritterbusch double rifle. What I could find on them has all been positive. It handles and points incredibly well.

The only downside is it is in .458 magnum. I would much prefer a classic gun such as that to be in a comparable caliber, .470 or .500 etc,etc. And I can see where one could theoretically have more extraction issues. Not a huge issue to me as I won't be making an african trip where it matters, however I do not have guns that will malfunction regardless (OCD) and would be nice to be able to use my extensive ammo supply.

That said I see many doubles chambered in .375 H&H and .458, .416 Rigby,etc. And haven't found much for instances of real world problems. I would get to test-fire it and examine it closer before purchase. It was $15K and now down to 13.5K.

What's slightly pushing me to getting it is Double Rifles, especially at an affordable price are very hard to find here in Montana. And being able to handle one such as this .458 Ritterbusch makes a big difference. It handles and points nicely. I got to handle a Merkel .470 and am very glad I never got a chance to buy one sight unseen as it felt very nose heavy and didn't naturally point, for ME at least.

I was looking prior to this at a Sabatti. I have owned a .45-70 (non cabelas version) and it was very nicely fitted and regulated extremely well and pointed nice. So I had figured if I was purchasing online I would be better off with a known entity vs unknown/

SO my main question was if anyone had Ritterbusch experience, also if anyone outright had issues with .458 magnums in double rifles? Thank you all for the help.

 

[Rare Breed]

for your budget i would buy a Chapuis in 470. there are two available at Champlain right now. just my two cents

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I don’t know anything about a Ritterbusch double rifle but will assume it is a well made rifle. Others will certainly provide better information on that maker.

I have a 458 Win in a Heym 88B made in 1986. It is a wonderful rifle not because of the chambering, but because it is a Heym. My Heym has dual pawls in each extractor to firmly grip empty cartridge cases. One pawl will do it but two provides a backup! My rifle is also very accurate for a large bore, open sighted (I use a Trijicon SRO reflex sight), double.

Concerning a double chambered in 458 Win or other rimless cartridges, they are not ideal concerning rapid reloading, high pressure cartridges and so on, but my rifle functions just fine.

$13,500? For that kind of money, I’d want to make sure the rifle is regulated to current factory or better, to have load information for it. Also at that the price, I’d shop around for a maker of good reputation, and a rifle chambered for a rimmed cartridge such as a 450 or 470 NE.

Does the Ritterbusch have claw or pivot (side swing) scope mounts? That would increase the value and make the rifle a little more functional.

If you want a double rifle do you have a selection criteria developed such as chamberings, ejectors, scope mounts, handling, grade of wood and engraving and so on? A 375 H&H in a modern double such with scope mounts could fill most person’s needs. A 450/400 or 500/416 are a step up or two up in power and are rimmed cartridges worth considering. 470NE is the most popular big bore chambering for modern doubles.

Over the last few months I’ve seen a few doubles in 375 and 450/400 listed for sale at under $10,000. A brand new Chapuis 375 sold here a week or so ago for $9,000. Decide on what you want, do the research on what makers you would buy and at what price, have your money ready, and when one that fits comes available at the right price, buy it!

I love my Heym 458 Win but it’s a Heym. They don’t miss a trick. I’ve owned a couple Merkels and both were heavier than they should have been. I also currently own a Krieghoff and a Blaser. Both modern, safe double rifles and worth looking at. I like my Heym the best regardless of its reputed evil rimless chambering.

 

[MontanaGrant]

Part of the attraction of the Ritterbusch was the owner is quite open to me bringing my ammunition and checking it's regulation ahead of time, something you cannot do with many double rifles. That partially makes up for the price.

My primary concern is regulation. Ejectors/vs extractors doesn't bother me as I've used and adapted to both in 10 and 12 gauge doubles. Express sights are all I plan on installing on the rifle. Likewise I do not need fancy wood.

The lightest caliber I am really considering is a 450/400. I already have multiple .338's, .375 H&H and 9.3X62 bolt guns so wanting a step up in that regard.

Thank you both for the replies!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Someone can correct me but wasn't there a pretty well know PH shooting a 458WM Double Rifle. I want to say it was Mike Fell but I can't find where I remember reading it to be 100% positive

 

[Rare Breed]

Part of the attraction of the Ritterbusch was the owner is quite open to me bringing my ammunition and checking it's regulation ahead of time, something you cannot do with many double rifles. That partially makes up for the price.

My primary concern is regulation. Ejectors/vs extractors doesn't bother me as I've used and adapted to both in 10 and 12 gauge doubles. Express sights are all I plan on installing on the rifle. Likewise I do not need fancy wood.

The lightest caliber I am really considering is a 450/400. I already have multiple .338's, .375 H&H and 9.3X62 bolt guns so wanting a step up in that regard.

Thank you both for the replies!

Champlain has a new 450-400 DR Chapuis for $14,500. Proven winner. I have owned one. George Caswell the owner will tell you exactly what the rifle was regulated with so no guessing.

 

[Wyfox]

Ritterbusch is on par with some of the best makers in the world to include Hartman and Weiss, etc.

 

[Rare Breed]

wow. then that would be a step above Chapuis which is above a Merkel and dare i say above a Heym

 

[K E Johnson]

Robert Petersen of Petersen Publications commissioned a Holland & Holland double in .458 Winchester magnum. It is on display at the NRA museum in Fairfax museum along with a large number of his family’s firearms. It seems to have served him well. He hunted it.
I am guessing he had it built when The N.E. cartridges were unavailable. The rifle in question may be chambered in .458 for the same reason.
Playing with loads to regulate MIGHT be an enjoyable challenge. Lots of choices out there for bullets.

 

[93marlin]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with hunt for a great double!

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Someone can correct me but wasn't there a pretty well know PH shooting a 458WM Double Rifle. I want to say it was Mike Fell but I can't find where I remember reading it to be 100% positive

Yeah Mike does have a double in 458 Win Mag among others