Any Appetite for a New <$10K Double?

[juan pablo pozzi]

I can testify the quality of Chapuis thanks to the late Don Heath aka Ganyana. We shot literally hundreds of Norma ph trough it without issues.

 

[elkocountygun]

I love the idea. For better or for worse I’m married to the .375 H&H and 45-70. Albeit for reasons that are born purely out of personal experience. In Alaska every store from Delta Junction to Seward to Fairbanks and in every village burger/barber/shower and hardware store is sure to have those two calibers. Without a doubt.

I tend to take ammo availability into account when buying a new rig.

I would enthusiastically support this move as long as it was built tough. I’d love to have a work double for Alaska, get it wet, and drop it in the pelican for Africa.

great points... i used same logic in late 1980s and early 90s with the .300 win mag. i loved and miss my German made Roy Weatherby mark 5, but ammo was not available at any cost most small town and x roads hardware-everything store where i hunted out west.

 

[93marlin]

All,

As some of you know, I manage a brand of double rifles (Chapuis). I am kicking around some ideas for 2026 new product introductions. One of them is to offer a basic model with no engraving, 2-star wood and no special finish, that would retail for less than $10,000 in 2026.

The calibers I'm thinking about are .375 H&H and .45-70. Configuration would be the same as my African doubles (large action, 26" barrels, express sights, double triggers, ejectors, manual safety).

Why the .45-70? Because with it, hunters could also use it here in the US, especially in states that allow straight-wall cartridges for big game. Why no .450-400 and .470? Because doing so would necessarily cannibalize from my other two lines, the Iphisi and the Elan Classic & Artisan, which are selling well.

Also, I'm thinking of including mounts for RMR red dots on all my African-sized doubles, free of charge.

I'd like to hear your thoughts about this, as well as any suggestions you may have (realistic!) for anything else.

Thank you all in advance, as always.

I my humble opinion, stick with your original thoughts as far as caliber goes.
The 375 H&H has a world wide appeal and availability. The 45/70, while not quite as broad of audience, does have the appeal to your target market, the person who is not a cartridge "snob" (I'm one that falls into the"snob" arena BTW). There are many cartridges that may do a better job and everyone has a favorite, obviously. The 45/70 would have an audience of the person who would use it for deer, black bear, elk and maybe moose.
In a former life I was an advertising exec. The key to having a successful product is to 1st identify your target market, then have a product that can/will appeal to that market.
375 H&H huge appeal, 45/70 common and fills a market for people who already are familiar with it and, for both, reloading component availability.

 

[elkocountygun]

One of my Chapuis

very nice, thx for photo.

 

[PerH]

what about a couple of the. Brenneke ones 8x65RS or 9,3x65 Brenneke ( rimmed edition of the 9,3x64 ) to get that ammo production going and one would have a hammer for sure .

If ammo for .375 Fk was there it would be good , if the options would be .375 HH and .458 it would be like the times I’ve barely saw some of ( Back to the 80s )

 

[JG26Irish_2]

The 45-70 is an interesting possibility but the 50-90 as previously suggested is also worth looking at as is the 444 Marlin. They are not up to the performance of the 450, 470 or 500NE but are not lacking in killing power for nearly anything.

 

[DaBill]

I live in the Western USA and most of our hunting is done at distance. In Alaska hunting brown bear I could see a double rifle especially as a backup. Most of us interested in a double rifle are interested in DG hunting in Africa. I own a 375 H&H in bolt action and love it and it can be used to hunt a lot of bigger animals here because of its effectiveness up to 300 to 400 yards. Not so with a double. I know I would be a player for this type of rifle if it were in proper DG calibers ie 404 J on up. The 416 win mag has appeal because of availability. Im also one of those guys that could appreciate a nice solid well made rifle that would be a go to for years to come. If I did buy a 20 to 50k Double with all the bells and whistles im not sure I would want to take it to Africa.... Then it becomes a show piece or a work of art... which is ok too I guess.
Just my two cents!

 

[358 Norma]

Honestly I think your looking at the wrong customers for a sub $10k double. I would market it as a PH model chambered in your already existing calibers. The people that can afford a $10K rifle can afford a African safari but may not want a very expensive double to hunt with. They would be attracted to a rifle they can hunt with and not worry about scratching or ding an expensive stock. Market it towards the guy who hunts hard and doesn't want to worry about their rifle getting a little wear and tear on it, I think PH's would especially be attracted to this rifle.

 

[Rare Breed]

I just want to say hats off to Tom for even asking about a <$10k DR!!!

 

[skydiver386]

I like the idea of a double rifle NOT in African calibers, but specifically American rimmed calibers like 45-70, 45-90, etc.

 

[spike.t]

That is 100% my vote. Offer it in 500NE and I am a buyer in 2027. I do not want a $20k double so I am not considering one of the other models. You would absolutely gain some of the $10k-ish bolt gun market.

I get your concern for cannibalism but you would bring in far more new customers due to the price point.

I would say that you start getting into 500 NE and then you need a bigger frame and more expense.....he is trying to come up with ideas on the smaller frame...I could be wrong...and as for a hand loading only option....why would any maker do that.....seriously limiting your market.....

 

[spike.t]

Also look at marketing multiple barrel sets......eg. 450/400 NE and 9.3x74R......

Yup.....if that could be done for a reasonable price it would be great....obviously going to be more than 10k though

 

[SETH RINGER]

WE ARE VESTED IN OVER/UNDERS AT THIS POINT BUT IF WE WERE DOING AN INEXPENSIVE FOR FUN SXS A 45/70 WOULD BE GREAT ESPECIALLY IF THE CHAMBER WOULD ACCEPT THE SLIGHTLY LONGER .457 WWG (I'D HUNT BUFF ANY DAY OF THE WEEK WITH THAT)

 

[Longfeather1]

How about something for the thick woods/timber deer & bear hunters; 30/30 win, 35 Remington, the new 360 Buckhammer, 444 Marlin, maybe even a 348 Winchester to step up the power level. The 500 Smith & Wesson mag would be great also

 

[Boone66]

9,3x74R……

That would definitely be a good one

 

[Adam Stevens]

I respect the vision aswell as the realistic scope of calibers.

When I take the set of parameters you laid out. I can see and agree on more popular ammo options, even if they might not be the classic flanged we all know and love.

.375hh is a superb choice that ticks all the boxes.
I'm not a crazy 45-70 fan BUT I know a lot of people are and use for hunting.

 

[Kudurifle]

I think that there will be a market for a quality basic double rifle of your description. The RMR mount also makes sense. As far as caliber, I think you are on to something with your choices, but a 470 would be something I might actually buy.

 

[Bejane]

what is everyone's opinions on the action lockup of the Chapuis? I see it doesnt have a crossbolt, which concerns me

 

[Hillcountry63]

@Tom Leoni, if you get this off the ground and into production please let me know. I would be in the market for both.

 

[358 Norma]

what is everyone's opinions on the action lockup of the Chapuis? I see it doesnt have a crossbolt, which concerns me

Call George at Champlin Arms and ask him what he thinks of them. George and JJ wouldn't offer a lifetime guarantee on the rifle if they weren't quality firearms!