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

 

[AZDAVE]

@ingwe500nitroexpress I understand your comments. I do wish I was fortunate enough to get into a westley richards, purdey, H&H Royal class of double. Need to win the lottery.
Like you mentioned feel is subjective to each person. I have also seen problems with many of the doubles you mentioned. I have been fortunate to not have any of those problems. My chapuis's have been 9.3x74 and smaller. The fit and finish on a Heym is better than the chapuis and head and shoulders better than a Merkel. The VC's I have owned have been a 8x57R and 450/400 both shoot great and their fit and finish is on par with the heym. The heym I owned shot very well just didn't have the feel that was fight in my hands.

At this point I have settled on a Krieghoff (500/416), Chapuis (9.3x74), VC (8x57R), and a Simson (405 WIN, currently out being restocked) They all are regulated extremely well. I shoot 350-500 rounds a year in doubles to work on my ability to shoot a double well. So far they are all holding up well.

Now if someone wants me to field test and review one of the high end double I will be happy to help.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Well this thread has me thinking I bought the poor man’s double with my Merkel, oh well.

Here’s hoping I don’t have this documented trigger/sear issue with mine. I paid $15,000 CDN.