Buying A Used Heym Double Rifle - Any Advice?

[UpNorthMI]

OK I've decided to buy a used Heym double rifle but now realize I know nothing about them other than they seem to have a good reputation and are recommended by many users on this forum. I see from the Heym website that the 88B models have been around for over 35 years (the 1980"s) and the more recent model is the 89B.

Do all of the 88B models have the same features, are the early models the same as the current models, are they all equal, should I be concerned about buying a 1980's gun compared to a 2010 gun? Are there any specifics that should be avoided?

I'm getting the feeling that I am going to have to be a little more open to different calibers as there are not many used guns being offered for sale at the moment. I see that the 450/400 3" NE and the .450 3-1/4" NE both come on the same frame sizes of PH/Safari but a .470 NE is offered on the PH/Safari and the Large frame. Which frame size works best for a .470?

I'm looking to get some double experience under my belt, if I like it I may consider placing an order for a new one at some point and getting exactly what I want and to get it fitted. I don't have the patience or the knowledge to know what I like at the moment and I'm not waiting several years for my first large double rifle.

I look forward to those that have a lot more knowledge sharing a little bit of their expertise with me. If you have a used Heym in 450/400 3" NE, .450 3-1/4" NE or .470 NE you are thinking of selling feel free to PM me.

 

[AimSmall]

Be aware that your wife will find out!

 

[Tanks]

As far as I know, the difference between 88B and 89B are cosmetic with the 89B emulating the British lines of the stock. I have a pair of 88Bs and have been very happy with them.

 

[UpNorthMI]

As far as I know, the difference between 88B and 89B are cosmetic with the 89B emulating the British lines of the stock. I have a pair of 88Bs and have been very happy with them.

I'm sure it will be an 88B that I will end up buying as it seems they are much more available due to the number of guns sold compared with the newer 89B. If I was ordering a new one I would go with an 88B. Thanks for your comment.

 

[Canadaboy]

I’ve never heard of any particular problems with any of the Heym doubles. Mine is an 88B sidelock, the sidelock were discontinued at some point and seem rare enough that the auction house incorrectly assumed it was a sideplated boxlock. As long as the stock dimensions are right for you any Heym double in good condition should be a pretty safe bet.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I'm sure it will be an 88B that I will end up buying as it seems they are much more available due to the number of guns sold compared with the newer 89B. If I was ordering a new one I would go with an 88B. Thanks for your comment.

I meant to say that I would buy an 89B !

 

[UpNorthMI]

Be aware that your wife will find out!

I may have to buy 2 and tell the wife that one of them is for her LOL.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. From a pure engineering physics point of view the 89b action would be a little stronger than 88b because of the longer water table. There again the shape of the stock of the 88b mating into the rear of the action probably makes it a bit stronger at that point than the straight mating of the 89b. The 88b has an excellent reputation over it's long life, as does the 89b so far.

 

[Rare Breed]

OK I've decided to buy a used Heym double rifle but now realize I know nothing about them other than they seem to have a good reputation and are recommended by many users on this forum. I see from the Heym website that the 88B models have been around for over 35 years (the 1980"s) and the more recent model is the 89B.

Do all of the 88B models have the same features, are the early models the same as the current models, are they all equal, should I be concerned about buying a 1980's gun compared to a 2010 gun? Are there any specifics that should be avoided?

I'm getting the feeling that I am going to have to be a little more open to different calibers as there are not many used guns being offered for sale at the moment. I see that the 450/400 3" NE and the .450 3-1/4" NE both come on the same frame sizes of PH/Safari but a .470 NE is offered on the PH/Safari and the Large frame. Which frame size works best for a .470?

I'm looking to get some double experience under my belt, if I like it I may consider placing an order for a new one at some point and getting exactly what I want and to get it fitted. I don't have the patience or the knowledge to know what I like at the moment and I'm not waiting several years for my first large double rifle.

I look forward to those that have a lot more knowledge sharing a little bit of their expertise with me. If you have a used Heym in 450/400 3" NE, .450 3-1/4" NE or .470 NE you are thinking of selling feel free to PM me.

Just food for thought. First excited for you getting into DRs…you will love the experience! Second it seems you are looking for a quality starting DR to see how you like it before you buy your own custom fit DR? If it was me given I have owned 7 DRs and have stuck with my forever Rigby in 470 NE I recommend looking at Champlin in Enid, OK for a new Chapuis 450-400 or 470 to start. Great gun and they will cut stick to your specific LOP. $12,000-$14,000 brand new. THEN move to a higher price Heym if you desire. Just myself after owning them all I have not found any quality difference between Chapuis and Heym but $6 to $8k in price due to name brand. Both great rifles that will not disappoint. If you buy a new Heym you will pay top dollar with a 2-3 year wait

 

[Tanks]

… Just myself after owning them all I have not found any quality difference between Chapuis and Heym but $6 to $8k in price due to name brand. Both great rifles that will not disappoint. If you buy a new Heym you will pay top dollar with a 2-3 year wait

Do Chapuis doubles have intercepting sears like Heyms do?

 

[Rare Breed]

To my knowledge they do not

 

[Rare Breed]

I just struggle to pay the extra $6 to $8k for a Heym love them but money matters to me…if money is no problem then buy the Heym that to the OPs statement “might not fit him”, big mistake getting started with DRs…it seemed the OP was not looking for his “final” rifle but one to get him started which if he is on a budget the better starter in my opinion is the Chapuis and a new one not a used one can be cut to your LOP