Any Appetite for a New <$10K Double?

[BJH65]

There are a variety of interesting cartridges I would personally like: 450 Alaskan, 50 Alaskan and 405 Winchester but any cartridge that is not presently manufactured in decent numbers is a big fat negative, not going to happen not to mention it must be feasible to be chambered in this double rifle.

So what can potentially meet the criteria other than 375 H&H and 45-70? My personal picks would be 458 Win Mag, 416 Rem Mag and 416 Rigby in that order. Also under consideration perhaps 460 S&W Magnum and 500 S&W Magnum because they are readily available and have some advantage ballistically over the 45-70.

 

[Bill_D]

I would buy one in 450-400.

 

[Tom Leoni]

Re. the .375 Flanged, I offered it in the first couple years that I was Chapuis product manager. Didn't sell a single one. Conversely, the first three years that I offered the belted rimless .375 H&H Iphisi at $9,999, I could not keep it in stock.

Chapuis has perfected the extraction/ejection of rimless cartridges--a technology that had been in turn largely utilized 100+ years ago by Westley Richards (.318, and even .425, which is rebated), and then amply by other companies like Ruger with their No. 1. We haven't had a single return for a .375 H&H failing to extract or eject. I know in theory anything could happen, but as I said I haven't witnessed it in the last 5 years with either the .375 H&H or the .30-06 (the latter also being a popular offering in the X4 double). Even my personal Iphisi is the rimless version of the .375 H&H (in spite of my fondness for the rimmed version) and I've shot the snot out of it. Not a single failure.

Re. the 9.3x74R, we already offer it in several models--the RGEX, REX, UGEX, X4, etc.

Based on the feedback I got here, plus other conversations with dealers, salesmen, safari-goers, etc., I am now gravitating towards .375 H&H and .450-400 for the <$10,000 double offering, scrapping therefore the .45-70. The rifle would be exactly like the Iphisi--same action, same barrels, same sighting and scoping system, only with just minimal border engraving, plain white finish on the action and grade 2 Turkish walnut.

 

[gizmo]

Just my thoughts; I think it is a great idea but..... offering in 375, 450-400, and 470 would be the way to go. My reasoning is that one can buy a brand new Sabatti in 450-400 up to 500 NE for under 10k. Their 45-70, if I remember correctly, is like 5k. I dont think it would hurt sales in the other lines but you would sure gain a ton of sales in the new line. Just my opinion

 

[Altitude sickness]

As you know it will get people in the door so to speak. For up sells

 

[wvfred]

I still like the idea of a 450 3.25"

 

[Houston Bill]

Thanks, gentlemen--lots of food for thought. So far, it seems that .375 and .450-400 may be the way to go. Please let me know which red-dot mount to offer. I'm thinking RMR, but if you have any other suggestion (one poster said Docter) I'm here to listen!

RMR for sure

 

[RETD16]

I’d be VERY INTERESTED in a 450-400 for a left hand shooter.

 

[Esoteric Junkie]

Just like Merkel 140's chambered in 9.3x74R, Chapuis doubles in the same chambering are too light weight. They need to be the same weight as a proper weight 375FM and in the 9.5-10 pound range. The best handling and balanced 9.3x47R I have ever handled was a Lebeau and it weighed 9.75 pounds. It was the perfect weight and dimensions. YMMV.....

Chamber it in cartridges that are available in the US, 22 Hornet, 30-30, 9.3x74R, 45-70, 458 win mag, etc.

EJ

 

[Adam Stevens]

I still like the idea of a 450 3.25"

A dream for sure. I wish they were more popular again.

But I'm quite happy to see the conclusion with the choices. I think it's the best choice tbh from a sales perspective

 

[Russ16]

Re. the .375 Flanged, I offered it in the first couple years that I was Chapuis product manager. Didn't sell a single one. Conversely, the first three years that I offered the belted rimless .375 H&H Iphisi at $9,999, I could not keep it in stock.

Chapuis has perfected the extraction/ejection of rimless cartridges--a technology that had been in turn largely utilized 100+ years ago by Westley Richards (.318, and even .425, which is rebated), and then amply by other companies like Ruger with their No. 1. We haven't had a single return for a .375 H&H failing to extract or eject. I know in theory anything could happen, but as I said I haven't witnessed it in the last 5 years with either the .375 H&H or the .30-06 (the latter also being a popular offering in the X4 double). Even my personal Iphisi is the rimless version of the .375 H&H (in spite of my fondness for the rimmed version) and I've shot the snot out of it. Not a single failure.

Re. the 9.3x74R, we already offer it in several models--the RGEX, REX, UGEX, X4, etc.

Based on the feedback I got here, plus other conversations with dealers, salesmen, safari-goers, etc., I am now gravitating towards .375 H&H and .450-400 for the <$10,000 double offering, scrapping therefore the .45-70. The rifle would be exactly like the Iphisi--same action, same barrels, same sighting and scoping system, only with just minimal border engraving, plain white finish on the action and grade 2 Turkish walnut.

450-400 and I’m almost certain to place and order at less than $10k. As for grade 2 walnut you could stock it with home depot hardwood for all I care. I appreciate good wood but have never bought because of it or paid to upgrade it. I’m a function guy not aesthetics.

 

[John J]

450-400 and I’m almost certain to place and order at less than $10k. As for grade 2 walnut you could stock it with home depot hardwood for all I care. I appreciate good wood but have never bought because of it or paid to upgrade it. I’m a function guy not aesthetics.

You will definitely have enough cast with Home Depot wood.