Bikal double rifle in 9.3-74R

[Wayne t]

as above guys anyone on here use one of these out in Africa ?

 

[spike.t]

not the make of rifle, but the cal yes in a chapuis and my jeffery that replaced it . it and the 9.3x62 are great cals

 

[EDELWEISS]

I have a Bikal SxS in 45-70 and 30-06 (sold my O/U 30-06). As far as I know the 9.3 and 7.62x54R were never imported to the US. The Bikals are light for caliber, so expect more recoil then youd get on a European Double. I bought mine when I was HOT for a Double Rifle but couldnt afford 10K for a Merkle. I like them for what they are (think the AK of Double Rifles), given a choice Id opt for a Sabatti over a Bikal; but the Sabatti is still at least twice as much (3K vs 1K). Ive moved on to better quality rifles and cars(Audi); but I still have my Bikals for really foul weather hunts (that when I drive a Jeep). Theres nothing wrong with them....

As for the 9.3x74R--its a fantastic round its close BUT its not quite a 375H&H. I wouldnt hesitate to use 9.3x74R on Plains Game. It would be fine for Leopard and Lion--where legal.

Ultimately a Bikal is a budget rifle, for a trip to Afrika, I choose something better...maybe thats just me, I guess I can be snobbish. You dont need a Double Rifle. A Bolt Action be fine--look into 9.3x62 if you opt for a Bolt action--OR--just buy a 375H&H for everything.

 

[Wayne t]

I have a Bikal SxS in 45-70 and 30-06 (sold my O/U 30-06). As far as I know the 9.3 and 7.62x54R were never imported to the US. The Bikals are light for caliber, so expect more recoil then youd get on a European Double. I bought mine when I was HOT for a Double Rifle but couldnt afford 10K for a Merkle. I like them for what they are (think the AK of Double Rifles), given a choice Id opt for a Sabatti over a Bikal; but the Sabatti is still at least twice as much (3K vs 1K). Ive moved on to better quality rifles and cars(Audi); but I still have my Bikals for really foul weather hunts (that when I drive a Jeep). Theres nothing wrong with them....

As for the 9.3x74R--its a fantastic round its close BUT its not quite a 375H&H. I wouldnt hesitate to use 9.3x74R on Plains Game. It would be fine for Leopard and Lion--where legal.

Ultimately a Bikal is a budget rifle, for a trip to Afrika, I choose something better...maybe thats just me, I guess I can be snobbish. You dont need a Double Rifle. A Bolt Action be fine--look into 9.3x62 if you opt for a Bolt action--OR--just buy a 375H&H for everything.

Cheers I already have this gun and will be taking it with me on my first Africa trip I bought this for my first driven boar trip years ago as a cheap double as opossed to getting a hyem or blazer spending a load of cash just for a hunting trip and it never used again
Also I like the way the barrels on these can be self adjusted by the wheel nut under the forend weight wise and recoil I didn't find it that bad at all with the factory 285 Ammo I use in it and it certainly flattens piggies no probs

 

[spike.t]

wayne take the baikal and have fun with it. it will in that cal be perfect for bush shooting where 150 yds will be a long shot and most way less . with your 300 win, for if you are hunting a more open terrain in a different area you have it covered . my 9.3x62 is the one i use most but thats only because my 9.3x74r double isnt in zambia ,and i am sure jan @Shumba Safaris will agree with me . so just enjoy and dont get caught up in this worry stage most seem to go through before they head off, about whether their rifle or cal will be suitable .

 

[EDELWEISS]

ENJOY Bro--Be sure to post pics of your hunt (and gun)

 

[CAustin]

Look forward to hearing your hunting report. You should have a great time using the rifle.

 

[edward]

my last hunt in africa was 2014,took a hippo,sable,cape bull with my double in 9.3x74r.

 

[Odinsraven]

Just acquired a 9.3x74R OU then I found a 9.3x74r SBS and am on the lookout in the uk for the elusive 9.3x74R single barrel to finish the trio - will report back when I receive them in Iceland - and do a range report !

 

[Wayne t]

Sounds good
Not seen a SbS in 9:3 here in the uk if I did I would grab it I’ve definitely not seen a single in it there’s loads of the normal calibers in the single barrels over here really cheap as not that popular in the uk market
I’ve just picked up a SbS in 45/70 of a mate
Did you scope your 9.3 O/U I’ve stuck a SnB 1-4 illuminated on mine works great

 

[Odinsraven]

Bonhams for 300 quid - the SBS came via Latvia - the SB there is one in the UK - awaiting paperwork -

some really weird combos - I am an exporter importer based in Iceland so starting to add to my collection the first was a 222 rem customer who ordered it said it did not shoot - scoped it and tried it - offered him shop credit - as was a 3/4 MOA with PPU ammo - so was hooked !

Sounds good
Not seen a SbS in 9:3 here in the uk if I did I would grab it I’ve definitely not seen a single in it there’s loads of the normal calibers in the single barrels over here really cheap as not that popular in the uk market
I’ve just picked up a SbS in 45/70 of a mate
Did you scope your 9.3 O/U I’ve stuck a SnB 1-4 illuminated on mine works great

for

 

[Wayne t]

Bonhams for 300 quid - the SBS came via Latvia - the SB there is one in the UK - awaiting paperwork -

some really weird combos - I am an exporter importer based in Iceland so starting to add to my collection the first was a 222 rem customer who ordered it said it did not shoot - scoped it and tried it - offered him shop credit - as was a 3/4 MOA with PPU ammo - so was hooked !

for

Ahhh I never look at there auction my O/U was around 500 quid brand new in 2005
The scopes more than the gun as my mates point out but I don’t care it works for me

 

[Odinsraven]

which mounts work on them as will need to scope them - appreciate your help

 

[Wayne t]

Will let you know matey I carnt remember to be honest with you