Any Appetite for a New <$10K Double?

[Russ16]

Hello there--well, with the 15% tariff that was recently imposed, we can pretty much forget about that price point for an African-grade double rifle. That's unfortunate, but it's the reality of today.

The only models that will retail for less than $10k will be the smaller action, 22" barreled numbers--the X4 in 9.3x74R ($8,799) and .30-06 ($8,999) and the RGEX in .30-30 ($9,999). Nobody is sadder about this than me, but again this is the reality.

That said are you still working on a less expensive that might approach the $10k price point it tariffs are ever removed? Something along the lines of what started this thread?

 

[AZDAVE]

Hello there--well, with the 15% tariff that was recently imposed, we can pretty much forget about that price point for an African-grade double rifle. That's unfortunate, but it's the reality of today.

The only models that will retail for less than $10k will be the smaller action, 22" barreled numbers--the X4 in 9.3x74R ($8,799) and .30-06 ($8,999) and the RGEX in .30-30 ($9,999). Nobody is sadder about this than me, but again this is the reality.

Well that kinda puts that project on the shelf, so My thoughts is that the next set of questions that should be asked is. Can say a 303 Brit be built on the X4 platform? and The idea of a 500NE on the ELAN platform? To my mind that would be a couple classic African Calibers in appropriate sized actions.
The Ipisi is solidly set with the 375 H&H and 450/400 perfectly.

Keep the calibers available that will sell, as the one off just won't pass the $$$ test on the return for the investment.

 

[farmer_john]

As an alternative theory maybe f d a caliber that isn’t readily available. A hand load only special that won’t detract from other sales. An affordable gun for the owner willing to put in the work to make their own loads etc. maybe make a deal with a die maker to include dies in the package. Could also offer it in 375 and 45-70 as mentioned.

Just trying to see a path to an affordable rimmed DG caliber that doesn’t eat into your other market.

I’d be interested in a hand loader only caliber. Might be fun. But not a new invention caliber something that has fallen by the wayside but is usable with modern components. I need it do some thinking on what that is but I’m sure it’s out there.

Make the 45/120 great again.lol

It would be cool to have a double rifle with swapable calibers. Say 375 and 12 gauge
Or 375 and 3006 that way you can either do land and air. Or have a sub caliber that doesnt break the bank you can go for non dangerous game with.

 

[dhughes66]

I would love a well made 450/400 for around the 10k price range.

 

[farmer_john]

The problem with .45-70 is there are so many different ammo options, picking one is almost impossible.

And the ballistics suck.
Id stick to og smokeless loads than repurpose black powder cartridges.

 

[R eight]

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 would have thought that the 405 Winchester would fit the bill for the US. Big enough for anything in North America. Straight wall cartridge for deer in those states that require such (I really am assuming there….hopefully correctly?). A bit of Teddy Roosevelt nostalgia and throw “Alaska “ into the model name and she’s got to tick a few marketing boxes for the US market.

 

[Russ16]

I would have thought that the 405 Winchester would fit the bill for the US. Big enough for anything in North America. Straight wall cartridge for deer in those states that require such (I really am assuming there….hopefully correctly?). A bit of Teddy Roosevelt nostalgia and throw “Alaska “ into the model name and she’s got to tick a few marketing boxes for the US market.

Sadly I don’t think the US market can support a double designed for it. The tend is too far towards tactical and high BC small bore cartridges. Not enough people with a sense of history. Most of the people younger than me (50ish) don’t know TR hunted much less what cartridge. But they can quote you the BC of a host of bullets.

My opinion is the only market for a double is Africa focused.

 

[Rare Breed]

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.

While I love the idea of a 450-400 they already have that. Just my POV the 375 is not worth having. The 450 NE is my vote. They already have a 375, 450-400, 470 and 500 NE. The 450 NE would not cannabalize and do well at that price point

 

[farmer_john]

Sadly I don’t think the US market can support a double designed for it. The tend is too far towards tactical and high BC small bore cartridges. Not enough people with a sense of history. Most of the people younger than me (50ish) don’t know TR hunted much less what cartridge. But they can quote you the BC of a host of bullets.

My opinion is the only market for a double is Africa focused.

The problem with the american mindset is theyd rather have 20 crappy- mediocre $500 guns than one $5k gun thats good.

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

The problem with the american mindset is theyd rather have 20 crappy- mediocre $500 guns than one $5k gun thats good.