Hierarchy Of Double Rifles - Where does the Verney-Carron Fit In?

[ingwe500nitroexpress]

Interesting points. And obviously a very subjective topic. Again, I’ve owned and still own many of these rifles mentioned. I would never say a Blaser, Chapuis, or a Merkel would feel better in hand than the worst Heyms out there. And certainly not an 89b. Heavy? Yes. But they offer so many frame sizes that’s subjective as well. I’ve owned rising bites, and a few Westleys over the years , and none of them (even an inherited Purdey) feel anywhere as “magic” in hand as my Royal(s). The only 2 makers I’ve ever picked up “blindfolded” that felt magic, has been the Royals and the Purdeys. The Heym leagues ahead of certainly ANY Merkel or Chapuis. But that also brings up that bespoke doubles are often a fingerprint and some just feel better than others. Just my 2 cents though.

P.S. I’ve also seen Chapuis not want to go together after getting deep into the bush, and on that experience alone, on a first day of a 4 week trip, I vowed to not own a Chapuis haha. I had one in a really petite 450/400 that never gave me any issues but wasn’t hunted hard with, and the fit and finish left a LOT to be desired. It felt cheap.

 

[ingwe500nitroexpress]

Aren’t the Merkel doubles known as being some of the most durable and reliable? They cost a fraction of these British makes.

No