The "safety" (or cocking slide) itself is another. It is like the R8, and that too, seems to cause the traditional crowd to throw up in the back of their throats. Of course it makes for a wonderfully safe rifle to carry on a long trek without a sling.
Another criticism with the auto de-cock is that it is noisy. However, one has only to depress the cocker slightly to de-cock and the barrels will drop in total silence. That is different than a Birmingham boxlock, so the traditional crowd hates it. But I like it because it gives a truly silent reload capability.
With respect to the technical differences, the tilting block is unlike any other double. That seems to make people crazy as well. The fact that unlike a A&D boxlock it is impossible to shoot off face seems to get lost in the "I hate it because it is different" mantra.
I am not sure the styling is European rather than simply unique. The engineers started with a blank sheet of paper (or programing platform) and tried to develop the most ergonomic rifle possible. I have yet to find anyone, hater or not, who won't admit, however grudgingly, that the rifle seems to fit perfectly.
The open sights are well thought out, extremely visible, and relatively high to facilitate both scope and irons use. Remember, the S2, unlike an English double or Continental copy, was designed from the ground up to use and take advantage of a scope.
Finally, the S2 is accurate enough to use to the full range capability of any cartridge. As I have noted before, I have taken PG out to nearly 250 meters with mine. On this site, I have had someone sputter "that is not the proper way to use a double."
All I can say is that the S2 can do a lot of improper things extremely well.
This is one of the more comprehensive reviews.
I should add, that I am certain that the rifle's sheer modern usefulness contributed to its demise. Most people buying a double are looking to recreate the romance of the early twentieth century. The S2 is a thoroughly modern take on the double rifle. Stewart Granger never had a chance to handle one in the field. Though I suspect that had he the opportunity, he would have never looked back.
Another criticism with the auto de-cock is that it is noisy. However, one has only to depress the cocker slightly to de-cock and the barrels will drop in total silence. That is different than a Birmingham boxlock, so the traditional crowd hates it. But I like it because it gives a truly silent reload capability.
With respect to the technical differences, the tilting block is unlike any other double. That seems to make people crazy as well. The fact that unlike a A&D boxlock it is impossible to shoot off face seems to get lost in the "I hate it because it is different" mantra.
I am not sure the styling is European rather than simply unique. The engineers started with a blank sheet of paper (or programing platform) and tried to develop the most ergonomic rifle possible. I have yet to find anyone, hater or not, who won't admit, however grudgingly, that the rifle seems to fit perfectly.
The open sights are well thought out, extremely visible, and relatively high to facilitate both scope and irons use. Remember, the S2, unlike an English double or Continental copy, was designed from the ground up to use and take advantage of a scope.
Finally, the S2 is accurate enough to use to the full range capability of any cartridge. As I have noted before, I have taken PG out to nearly 250 meters with mine. On this site, I have had someone sputter "that is not the proper way to use a double."
All I can say is that the S2 can do a lot of improper things extremely well.This is one of the more comprehensive reviews.
I should add, that I am certain that the rifle's sheer modern usefulness contributed to its demise. Most people buying a double are looking to recreate the romance of the early twentieth century. The S2 is a thoroughly modern take on the double rifle. Stewart Granger never had a chance to handle one in the field. Though I suspect that had he the opportunity, he would have never looked back.
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