Any point in a 'small' double rifle?

[nomienos]

First time poster so forgive mistakes, but I'm planning my first trip to Africa (probably still a few years out) and I'm starting to think more about guns to bring so I figured who better to enable me than AH. Specifically, I was thinking about buying a double rifle because to me, my first hunting trip to Africa wouldn't feel proper without a double rifle (yes I have read way too many books featuring big doubles). This has me stuck on if I should get a more practical and usable double in something like .375 H&H or 9.3x74r (this would probably be most practical as I have a Merkel drilling in the same chambering), or to get a "proper" double in .450 or .500 NE. I have the opportunity to buy a decently priced Sabatti Big Five in .500, and it's tempting me, but I know as a fact I will never use it here in BC, Canada. This leads to my main question which is, is there any real point in a double in a 'small' caliber, that can be matched with similar bolt guns? Are there any advantages if not that it can take a big F you caliber like .45+? Additionally, as much as I never need an excuse to buy new guns, does anyone here find uses with doubles in North America/ not Africa? Would really appreciate any advice/experience/comments!

 

[tward1604]

I see no reason not to get a smaller double if you please. At the same time if you hunt in Canada the big doubles will work on game there just as good there as they do in Africa. I don't own a double yet but I regularly carry my 404 when I hunt. I can promise when I take the plunge on a Heym 500 NE I will use it to kill as many pigs as I can, or deer, or coyote, whatever. A double in 9.3x74R would have loads of cool factor to it as well!

 

[Boyd Brooks]

Welcome to the forum. I use my 416 Taylor in Ontario to take black bears and have carried it for whitetails, though haven’t shot one with it yet, but I will. If you want a 375 H&H double or larger buy it. Will the animal care that it has a quarter bore hole vs a forty five or fifty cal hole in it, no. Hunt with what you love and have fun doing it.

 

[Esoteric Junkie]

Have Chapuis build you a double with two barrel sets. 9.3x74R or 375FM and a 6.5x57R. That would be the perfect combination.

EJ

 

[cmk]

I can certainly see the use for a double in "not Africa". But it would really depend on what type of hunting you do. On a driven hunt, where game may come flying fast past you at close range, or being able to stalk really close to a deer/moose/boar/bear, sure. For those 'across-the-valley' shots, not so much.

If I ever get into doubles, it would be really neat to have two sets of barrels - something like a 450/400 (or a 450NE) for large game, and 7x65R or 8x57IRS for the smaller domestic stuff. Until that day possibly comes, I'll continue to occasionally use my 404J at home. One fallow deer and and one red fox so far this season.

 

[Ruraldoc]

A 9.3 x74R would be a great do everything double.

For just North America, a double in 7x65 R or 8mm JRS does about anything.

You could use iron sights or a red dot for close range.

Or an optic sighted in for the right barrel for longer shots.

 

[TOBY458]

A double on your first safari is definitely an intriguing thought, but not really a practical thought, UNLESS you’re willing to pass up a large percentage of your opportunities to shoot your buffalo. A scoped bolt action will provide way more shot opportunities both near and far. The obvious advantage of a scope can not be overstated when hunting in areas where you’re sometimes having to thread a bullet through a small hole in the brush, or take a longish shot on other game that may pop up.
But if you’re willing to buck the odds and use a double on your first safari, my vote would be for the 375 or 450/400. I suppose you could add a scope with removable mounts and have similar capabilities as a bolt rifle, but then you may as well just use a bolt gun to begin with.
As for the 470 or 500, you’re limiting yourself even more, as your best option with those would be a red dot sight with their inherent range/visibility disadvantage. But again, if you’re willing to accept these disadvantages, have fun! And if you do get your buffalo, I’m sure you’ll be back for more!

 

[bakerb]

I don’t know how practical it is but I’ve always wanted a little double in 30-30. That would be fun!

 

[IvW]

Buy a Blaser Bergstutzen double...one barrel in 9.3x74R the other in 6.5x57R......

One gun one barrel set 2 calibers.....sorted

 

[TOBY458]

I don’t know how practical it is but I’ve always wanted a little double in 30-30. That would be fun!

I agree!

 

[TOBY458]

Buy a Blaser Bergstutzen double...one barrel in 9.3x74R the other in 6.5x57R......

One gun one barrel set 2 calibers.....sorted

I wonder how close the bullet impact would be between both calibers?

 

[IvW]

Adjustable to suite your needs

 

[TOBY458]

Adjustable to suite your needs

Would be hard to beat if they grouped close enough together to make good use of a scope.

 

[IvW]

They do one barrel is fully adjustable to the other. Great concept

 

[Northern Shooter]

Why wouldn't you hunt with a double at home?

Plenty of our big game are taken at double rifle distances.

 

[93marlin]

I've used a double for bear hunting in 2 province's

 

[Rubberhead]

.03-'06...

 

[mauserhunter]

I'd always thought one in 7x57r would be cool to hunt with, even one in 9.3x72 or 375 flange would be fun.

 

[mauserhunter]

A guy I talk to online has a very nice custom double made up in 22 hornet,

 

[camlo]

A charging cottontail would not stand a chance.