Working Gun

[redriverjake]

Hello friends, as the title says I am very seriously looking for a working mans double. I'm currently enlisted in the U.S. Army and as ya'll can probably imagine I don't make much. I've looked at all the sites that sell doubles that I can find. Seen some pretty good deals but nothing that stands out as something that is practical. The reasons I'm posting this 1. is a long shot that maybe someone out there has more than they need or want and is willing to get rid of one 2. When I get out of the military I have every intention of getting my PH license, most likely in Tanzania 3. I'm not in any rush but the more time I have to practice and get tight with the rifle the better. I have shot several and would prefer a .470 or .500 but is certainly not necessary, anything over .450 . I have a good .375 H&H and I have confidence shooting her but I'd sure sleep better with a "little" more insurance. Many thanks for any replies and some direction.

Best wishes,
Jake

P.S. I'm not going to spend my money on a Sabatti or the like (at lest until more folks than a couple say they would carry that rifle in serious situations) . I need every bit of faith in the gun I end up betting my life on.

 

[AkMike]

I was shooting with a young ANG GI yesterday. He's managed to save and get a Chapuis 9.3X74R after getting a Sabatti 45-70. Both shot well. The Sabatti is regulated with Hornady Rev-lutin shells and the Chapuis with Norma. We did try some of my handloads in his Chapuis and they regulated just fine..His was the first Sabbatti I've examined. Other than the regulation problems that we've heard about it seems to be a well made rifle.
The good thing is that Cabellas is standing behind these rifles nd will exchnge or refund your money. That is a class outfit IMO! I wish they'd open a store near here.

 

[redriverjake]

I think he's headed in the right direction... I have the money to buy a larger Sabatti and I looked at the Chapuis, as well as the Searcy, Merkel, ect. I think that I would prefer a used gun that is proven but all of the ones I've been real interested in the folks letting them go were still a little too proud of them for my pocket book. Maybe I'm just trying to get lucky and it may never happen... but it might. Thank you for your reply.

 

[enysse]

I wish you the best of luck in getting your PH license. And your will be able to buy a double at some point. Cabelas does sell some really nice used double rifles...I'm sure you are looking to cut out the middle guy...can't blame you.

 

[redriverjake]

It will all come in time and I look foreward to the journey. I still have some 19 odd months left in the military but I'd like to give myself plenty of time to start getting my ducks in a row. I can't imagine why in the world I just joined this site, looks like a lot of good people on here. Thank you for the kind words.

 

[russfield]

Hey Jake
I am an outfitter/PH in South Africa and Mozambique and as you know, we are also not rolling in the green stuff. I have a Merkel 500 NE which is a fantastic gun to shoot and not over priced. You can pick up a really good one for around $9000 to $10000. I know this is still a lot of cash, but compared to the bigger names it is reasonable. I have shot many, many different guns and this was my first choice when buying my own. If it means anything, I can highly recommend the rifle.
It is a great handling gun and packs plenty of punch. I am currently using Hornady factory ammo and the softs work great, the solids go through all the animals including Rhino, Hippo and Jumbo.
Keep looking and check out gunbroker.com for a few deals

Take care
Russ

 

[redriverjake]

Russ, your own words pack as much punch as your .500 . As I said above this double is not a necessity as I do have my .375 that I shoot well enough, but you probably know as well or better than most having that extra sure isn't a bad idea. Better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it. Thank you for your recommendation

 

[Mike70560]

Jake,

First of all thank you for your service. Second, good luck becoming a PH, it would be a dream job.

Merkel, Chapuis and Verney Carron would be your best bets. Every once in a while you can find a Krieghoff at a reasonable price. Butch Searcy is another option.

Here are a couple to give you an idea of what is out there.

MERKEL 140 SAFARI SXS DOUBLE RIFLE 470 NE - Merkel Rifles

Verney-Carron SXS 450 3 1/4" Nitro Rifle - Verney Carron Rifles

B. Searcy & Co. -- Field Grade Double Rifle

Another less expensive option is a CZ 550 bolt gun in 458 Lott. Send it to American Hunting Rifles and have the #2 upgrade.
You can put 5 down of either 458 Lott or 458 Win Mag for around $2300.00

American Hunting Rifles - CZ Owners


Good luck in your endeavors and stay safe.

 

[redriverjake]

Mike,
My .375 is a CZ and I've been looking at sending it to AHR after I get back. I've owned two 375's, the first was a Browning A-Bolt Med... she was brutal on the shoulder but I was young and don't mind recoil to start with but my dad shot it once and put it down. He was a tough man. The rifle was stolen, so not long after that he bought me that CZ as his last christmas present. He actually put a note in the tree saying " You can go order any 375 of your chosing, love Dad." I would just assume sell my soul before that gun. But I do use it, hell, thats what it's for and I will send it some where to get it "cleaned up" and AHR seems like the place to do it. Thank you for the links and look foreward to hearing more from you. Happy hunting

 

[redriverjake]

I'll tell ya what... the more I look at those Heym's, the more I like em'. Fine lines. Merkel are looking better too, but whats with that little nub that sticks out past the barrels ?

 

[enysse]

There are some threads or posts on Heym....fine rifles, but the cost is steep!!!

 

[redriverjake]

Enysse, you are not kiddin'. I'm thinking Merkel is the way to go especially from what Russ said above. I can't get over those Blaser rifles... just not my kind of gun. If anyone spots or hears of a good Merkel or the like that someone is trying to get rid of real bad I sure would love to know. Hell, I'd love to hear any personal storys of their own double or someones that they shot or a good story of any sort, hunting or otherwise.

 

[redriverjake]

Russ, one quick question... is your gun an ejector ?

 

[Red Leg]

Thanks for your service partner. I echo the other recommendations for the Merkel (and the Heym for that mater). You will pay nearly twice as much for the krieghoff, but it too is a fine rifle.

Trying to get started as an apprentice PH will burn a lot of those savings. You may want to use a CZ initially. It will stretch your options a lot and it will be what you see in the hands of the majority of your young peers.

Very best wishes!

 

[redriverjake]

It's my pleasure and surely not something ya'll need to thank me for. I wouldn't even mention it except to give folks an idea of my financial situation. I thank you for your advice and I will take heed. As I've seen many a man state his extreme desire for those twin tubes, I have the same feelings. I just want to get my hands on one while the possibility exists. I don't know even aprox. how much money it will take to pay my way through this thing but by the end of this enlistment I hope to save in the area of 20K in the bank but more likely something like 18. I might have some more money coming to me in the near future but I don't want to count on it so I play like it does not even exist. There will be a time before I'm able to leave in order to set my ranch up in a proper lease and get my house taken care of while I'm gone, so that will burn some funds as well. I imagine spending even 8,500 or 9K on a rifle won't do much for my cause... but just in case that other stuff does come through... boy howdy it sure would be nice. Any more information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Your humility is appreciated, however I will say thank you too! I don't know much about doubles other than they elicit profuse and embarrassing drooling when I handle a nice one. I did have the opportunity to fire a single shot from one in 450 3 1/2" a number of weeks ago and found the recoil quite tolerable.

If I was in the market for one I'd look up AH member DUGABOY1. He is a member here as mentioned and can be found in other places too. Near as I can tell he has more knowledge about doubles on the end of his little finger than I will ever have in my entire body. Furthermore, if you're an Okie or Texan as I'm guessing by your handle, I believe he lives somewhere in Texas and attends a number of shoots. A weekend down in Texas at such a shoot may be well worth your time when considering such an investment.

Best wishes in your endeavors!

 

[timbear]

Reading your post, I remembered coming across a few interesting doubles on Guns International in the category "German Double Rifles":
1) Merkel Model 140, .470NE, $ 8264.98, GI#: 100124208, Cabalas Dundee, MI, Ph: 734-529-4723
2) Blaser S2 Luxus, .500NE, $7149.88, GI#: 100129146, Cabalas Hamburg, PA, Ph: 610-929-7080 (I read that you are not very fond of Blaser's, but it looks like a great offer)
3) Krieghoff Classic Safari, 500/416, $9995.00, GI#:100164510, Doublegunhq OR, Ph: 503-263-3787
Each of these, I guess, would be a gun to accompany you for the rest of your life (and save same, if required). Good luck with your plans!

 

[kebco]

whats with that little nub that sticks out past the barrels ?

I think you are talking about the regulation wedge, some makers grind them off flush others leave them out a little.

 

[redriverjake]

Thanks guys. Timbear, I think I'll end up going with a Merkel gun.I like their lines and everything I've heard about them has been positive... that is unless I come across some crazy deal on a english gun . Kebco, that's what I was thinking, I guess it wouldnt effect it if I filed that puppy down then ?

 

[Nyati]

Hi Jake, all the PHs I have hunted with in SA use bolt actions as working guns, from 375HH up to 505 Gibbs. A good, reliable double is just too expensive for a working man.

However, whenever you become rich and famous,(as I m sure you will be some day), look at the Heym 88B Professional Hunter, a fantastic gun.