Italian doubles?

[PCC600]

The right woman will never leave you if you bought a Heym or Kreighoff double rifle. If she does…she wasn’t the right woman.

I wouldn’t waste my time and money on a lesser double…or lesser woman for that matter.

I have got the right woman in my life . Over the past 37 years she has bought me double rifles from H&H , Purdey , Rigby , WR and John Shirley . No Italian DRs although I admire their shotguns very much. Any DR in the 450-470NE calibres really does need to weigh around 10.5 pounds in my opinion .

 

[Ericedwinbates]

Do not buy Sabatti Doubles! Trust me please. Horrible regulation on the two I have(Had) 9.3-74R and a 500. Still have the 500 and had to put allot of money into through JJ and Ken Owen to finally get it to shoot well. Should have purchased a Merkel.
Plus Sabatti service and customer support is the worst I have ever experienced. Still fighting with them to warranty some portion of my expense to have my new rifle regulated correctly.

 

[Rare Breed]

I just came back from an elephant hunt with my Rizzini Rhino in .470 Nitro. While Rare Breed finds it to be unbearable, I have found it to be quite tolerable and enjoyed carrying it in the field. It was heavy at times, after longer walks, but not to the point of fatigue. I am 5' 9" and 185 lbs and assume that the factory LOP is more suitable to my build than those of taller stature, which may have been Rare Breeds issue. At one point on the sticks during target practice however, it did tend to give me bit of whiplash, but that was my own fault for not leaning into it properly. The following shot was not even nearly as felt as the first.

Beyond that, the regulation is incredible. This gun groups shots into the orange at 40 yards with the designated factory ammunition. It certainly is more capable than my abilities. When checking zero in Africa after travel, it shot 1/2" off the black bullseye at 40 yards off of sticks on the first shot...that was good enough for me and the PH. I can say that if you aren't in the market for a $20k double, I would not be afraid to look at the Rizzini Rhino Express in .470.

And I have never had a lick of trouble regarding doubling, loose forearm or any other mechanical issue.

That’s great to hear and glad you like it!!!!

 

[HankBuck]

You NEVER feel it it the field…at the moment. It could be a double 4 bore. BUT, on the range…?

@mikesheree - my thinking is that You might not “feel it” but a FLINCH is very likely with a Hard-recoiling-gun. The reason is that If you practiced with that gun and got Beat Up from its Hard Heavy recoil —- the negative affects of recoil build up over time and you can begin to sub consciously anticipate that recoil… and that leads to FLINCH. Under normal conditions at the range you may be able to relax and control that Flinch but under Hunting Conditions, with a little adrenaline added and maybe being slightly rushed to take a shot - that Flinch is more likely to return.
I think that If a Hunter finds they are flinching at the Range - they will almost certainly Flinch when Hunting. Most Hunters (Men) can’t admit they Flinch but many misses are caused by a Flinch and people don’t even realize it —— they just think they missed or made a bad shot, scope off, wind drift etc..

 

[Altitude sickness]

A Mantis device is good for self diagnosing

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

That's so unfortunate, Rare Breed. I would have thought that stock fit would help counteract some of the kick. Clearly, your field experience has proven otherwise.

What if one has Mercury recoil reducers fitted into the stock ?

Hi Hunter-Habib,

A mercury recoil reducer is going to mitigate weight if for no other reason than added weight., but at a cost balance moved rearward. As you would know that will increase muzzle rise or flip.

I believe the weight should be build in to the receiver that would strengthen the action,

 

[gizmo]

I love my Italian double. I have a FAIR Iside prestige in 9.3x74r. Outstanding rifle.
I’ve been around and shot a hellava lot of Sabatti’s as well. A very good friend of mine used to work for IFG and also my son was sponsored by IFG when he was shooting competitions. Point being I own and have shot many many Italian rifles and shotguns over the years.