New Double Rifle Build

[Aussie_Hunter]

I placed an order for a new double rifle today, listed below are some specs and upgrades I have chosen. Also 3 stock blanks to choose from, I have pretty much already made up my mind on which blank I am going with but I'd still be interested to hear which one others would choose and why.

It's been a long time coming, I've been wanting to build a double for alot of years but for one reason or another it just hasn't happened, finally the time has come. I'm super excited but it's going to be a long 12 months waiting for it! Lucky I have my first hunt in Africa later this year and plenty of other things happening in the meantime to keep me occupied while I wait for this rifle to be completed. I am hoping to take it to Africa in 2026 on a buffalo hunt.

Verney Carron
470 Nitro Express
Wood Upgrade
Colour Case Hardened Round Body Action
Specified LOP
Leica Red Dot Mounting Footprint

 

[VertigoBE]

This is difficult, the choice between middle and bottom blank.

I prefer the looks of the bottom, the grain is relatively straight, but not quite flowing through the grip like in the middle one.

I'd pick bottom blank in the end

 

[PCC600]

I placed an order for a new double rifle today, listed below are some specs and upgrades I have chosen. Also 3 stock blanks to choose from, I have pretty much already made up my mind on which blank I am going with but I'd still be interested to hear which one others would choose and why.

It's been a long time coming, I've been wanting to build a double for alot of years but for one reason or another it just hasn't happened, finally the time has come. I'm super excited but it's going to be a long 12 months waiting for it! Lucky I have my first hunt in Africa later this year and plenty of other things happening in the meantime to keep me occupied while I wait for this rifle to be completed. I am hoping to take it to Africa in 2026 on a buffalo hunt.

Verney Carron
470 Nitro Express
Wood Upgrade
Colour Case Hardened Round Body Action
Specified LOP
Leica Red Dot Mounting Footprint

View attachment 610900

The bottom blank . Straighter grain means it will be stronger .

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Agree the bottom blank I think would be strongest and it's going to look good. But the figure in the top blank....well that's the prettiest girl at the dance.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I think the middle one will be the strongest, has straight dense grain through the wrist

 

[VertigoBE]

I think the middle one will be the strongest, has straight dense grain through the wrist

I tend to agree that it has the best flow of grain through the grip. But the bottom is only "marginally worse" while having much nicer figure.

anyway, only my uneducated opinion.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I tend to agree that it has the best flow of grain through the grip. But the bottom is only "marginally worse" while having much nicer figure.

anyway, only my uneducated opinion.

It's a good problem to have though isn't it, having to choose one

 

[VertigoBE]

It's a good problem to have though isn't it, having to choose one

#luxuryproblems
And congrats by the way on this new double rifle! Looking forward to seeing some pics of the finished lady.

 

[BeeMaa]

@Aussie_Hunter - Congratulations on your build. I’m on for the bottom blank and good on you for having a red dot mounting option from the factory.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

@Aussie_Hunter - Congratulations on your build. I’m on for the bottom blank and good on you for having a red dot mounting option from the factory.

Thanks mate

 

[uplander01]

Middle

 

[DieJager]

Top, just like the overall look.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Hi AH. Well done on making the order! I think the top wood is the best.

 

[Fryeguy]

I like the top wood too. I have no clue if it would be the strongest in grip area as it is not marked like others, probably isn’t likely with all the burl in it. But isn’t burl wood some of the most dense in the tree? Again no expert, and likely 20 years away from ever getting a double….

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Hi AH. Well done on making the order! I think the top wood is the best.

I'm surprised you didn't ask, why not a Heym haha
I did get a quote on a Heym but opted for the Verney in the end

 

[VertigoBE]

I'm surprised you didn't ask, why not a Heym haha
I did get a quote on a Heym but opted for the Verney in the end

What made you choose the Verney over the Heym?

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

What made you choose the Verney over the Heym?

I just like the style of the Verney better both the round body and imperial actions (got a quote on an imperial action but too much for me).
Price
Lead time
Reputation in general
Also I have some good friends with Verney's that are extremely happy with their doubles

All those reasons added together made the final decision. Not that there is anything wrong with Heym, I love the Heym brand.

 

[chashardy]

Congratulations! The round body VC is a beautiful double. I looked at one at the DSC Convention .
I would choose the top blank. Lots of burl and will make a beautiful stock.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I would go with the middle blank. Congratulations on your build!

 

[spike.t]

Bottom would be my choice...