Long Winded, let me first apologize! Ha

[OneGearhead]

I've always thought doubles were beautiful rifles. Who of us doesn't! I have my CZ550 in .375 H&H for my first safari, but in my mind, to get the TRUE experience, it's hard to beat hunting with a double. Especially a gnarly old buffalo, or a big male hippo. Not so sold on elephant or lion yet. Anyway, I've been watching a LOT of Youtube and a lot of reading on here. After watching some factory tour stuff, and reviews of doubles, and etc, I thought I was semi-set on a Rizzini. Then though, I read a thread on here about a guy buying one and the forend was chipped/cracked when he got it, and he had a heck of a time trying to get a hold of somebody to get it fixed and taken care of. Did he get it fixed? Yes. But seemed much harder than it should have, at least to me. Then, that kinda turned me off from Rizzini, but I like the complete customization that they do for their customers, but for the money, I think most of the DR manufacturers do it as a whole? Correct me if I'm wrong here. After that then, they're kind of at the "bottom" of my list, which composes of Heym, VC, Merkel, Chapuis, and Rizzini. I was turned off K-guns from reading on here about them regulating their barrels with a freaking dremel. For that money, no shortcuts please. Then comes caliber. I'm torn between .450/400 3", and .470 NE. Again, it'd be for buffalo, and hippo, possibly elephant if I ever decided I wanted to go that route. More than likely just open sights with the folding leafs. I like traditional when it comes to certain things. But have the possibility for an optic of some point down the road if need be. And reading about how long it takes to get a custom build, is why I'm asking this now, so that way, if I decide WHAT I want, I can take the plunge and get the ball rolling. I'm reaching out to you all knowing that you have a LOT of experience with this category, where really, I've never even handled a DR because here in VA, everything is AR-related and bolt guns. Green Top in Ashland MIGHT have some, but I haven't been there since February-ish. If anybody has any advice, or pointers, or info, by all means, I'm all ears. Thank you!!

 

[sureshot375]

I think you put too much stock in some of the things your have seen on the internet.

If you are serious about getting a double I would go to SCI or DSC which would probably be your best option to see and handle a variety of doubles.

I’m not sure that the info about krieghoff regulating with a dremel is accurate. My krieghoff is one of the best regulated modern doubles I have seen. I don’t care if they bent the barrels with a pipe wrench. They also have their own gunsmiths here in the states.

 

[Sarg]

I think you put too much stock in some of the things your have seen on the internet.

If you are serious about getting a double I would go to SCI or DSC which would probably be your best option to see and handle a variety of doubles.

I’m not sure that the info about krieghoff regulating with a dremel is accurate. My krieghoff is one of the best regulated modern doubles I have seen. I don’t care if they bent the barrels with a pipe wrench. They also have their own gunsmiths here in the states.

I suspect mixed up with Sabatti Doubles made for Cabelas, I don’t think they have done that for many years but did some when pushed by Cabelas over 10yrs ago ?

 

[OneGearhead]

I think you put too much stock in some of the things your have seen on the internet.

If you are serious about getting a double I would go to SCI or DSC which would probably be your best option to see and handle a variety of doubles.

I’m not sure that the info about krieghoff regulating with a dremel is accurate. My krieghoff is one of the best regulated modern doubles I have seen. I don’t care if they bent the barrels with a pipe wrench. They also have their own gunsmiths here in the states.

That was my plan this year, was to go to Atlanta, but i’ve had some health things and being off work that messed that plan up severely. Maybe next year!! Hopefully anyway. Which show do you think is better? DSC or SCI?

 

[Beck]

I own a K-Gun, and I have my complaints about the rifle, but as far as regulation that gun is nearly perfect

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

@OneGearhead first off I think you are on the right track considering a double for an African adventure, it is just 'right'. I also think you calibre leaning of 450/400 is exactly correct, perfect for buff and good enough for an occasional elephant.
On makers I concur with your lineup broadly, but I would suggest Heym, Krieghoff, Merkel, Chapuis. This order has more to do with design principles and mechanical integrity in my view, and owning a Heym 89b in 450/400 3" I can attest that they are superlative. Mine is the Africa frame, which is the most common, and although you can also get it in a light frame I think it is better suited to 375 Flanged magnum and down. You can dress a Heym up quite a bit, but it is mechanically identical in base trim.
As to fit, for sure get properly fitted. In the case of Heym book a trip to the factory, or I think Chris Sells can also do a fitting, not sure.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I've always thought doubles were beautiful rifles. Who of us doesn't! I have my CZ550 in .375 H&H for my first safari, but in my mind, to get the TRUE experience, it's hard to beat hunting with a double. Especially a gnarly old buffalo, or a big male hippo. Not so sold on elephant or lion yet. Anyway, I've been watching a LOT of Youtube and a lot of reading on here. After watching some factory tour stuff, and reviews of doubles, and etc, I thought I was semi-set on a Rizzini. Then though, I read a thread on here about a guy buying one and the forend was chipped/cracked when he got it, and he had a heck of a time trying to get a hold of somebody to get it fixed and taken care of. Did he get it fixed? Yes. But seemed much harder than it should have, at least to me. Then, that kinda turned me off from Rizzini, but I like the complete customization that they do for their customers, but for the money, I think most of the DR manufacturers do it as a whole? Correct me if I'm wrong here. After that then, they're kind of at the "bottom" of my list, which composes of Heym, VC, Merkel, Chapuis, and Rizzini. I was turned off K-guns from reading on here about them regulating their barrels with a freaking dremel. For that money, no shortcuts please. Then comes caliber. I'm torn between .450/400 3", and .470 NE. Again, it'd be for buffalo, and hippo, possibly elephant if I ever decided I wanted to go that route. More than likely just open sights with the folding leafs. I like traditional when it comes to certain things. But have the possibility for an optic of some point down the road if need be. And reading about how long it takes to get a custom build, is why I'm asking this now, so that way, if I decide WHAT I want, I can take the plunge and get the ball rolling. I'm reaching out to you all knowing that you have a LOT of experience with this category, where really, I've never even handled a DR because here in VA, everything is AR-related and bolt guns. Green Top in Ashland MIGHT have some, but I haven't been there since February-ish. If anybody has any advice, or pointers, or info, by all means, I'm all ears. Thank you!!

I think you’re confusing Sabatti and The K-Guns about regulation/dremel tools. I’ve shot multiple K-Guns and all shot extremely well in terms of accuracy. The most common complaint with K-Guns is the cocking/decocking mechanism. It will likely take you some time to build the muscle memory of doing it, since it deviates from the normal manual of arms most are used to, but it does add a great level of safety

The dremel took regulation as done by Sabatti years ago on a limited run for Cabela’s, but it’s also one of the most budget options out there for a double aside from Rizzini.

I know everyone comes from and has different means but off your list I’d rank Heym and Chapuis as the top and for different reasons. The Chapuis just fits me better than any of the used Heyms I’ve handled or owned. I like the overall design of the Heym better and it would probably take the lead over the Chapuis IF I had one built to my specifications and measurements. Next for me would be Merkel and K-Guns. I’d personally give the edge to Merkel because of of the above cocker/decocker. I’d probably also put VC and Searcy at this same tier but have limited experience with both manufacturers guns. At the bottom is Rizzini and Sabatti. I started at the bottom cost wise, and worked my way up over the years to a Pre WWI Rigby, but until that came across my desk I was settled on a Chapuis.

Caliber is a little more personal and I might suggest trying to link up with someone close to you and try a few calibers. I like 500 and 470 Nitro Express personally because of ammo and components but also because it offers a bit more punch than the 450/400, but that’s on both ends which many don’t like.

 

[Rare Breed]

I've always thought doubles were beautiful rifles. Who of us doesn't! I have my CZ550 in .375 H&H for my first safari, but in my mind, to get the TRUE experience, it's hard to beat hunting with a double. Especially a gnarly old buffalo, or a big male hippo. Not so sold on elephant or lion yet. Anyway, I've been watching a LOT of Youtube and a lot of reading on here. After watching some factory tour stuff, and reviews of doubles, and etc, I thought I was semi-set on a Rizzini. Then though, I read a thread on here about a guy buying one and the forend was chipped/cracked when he got it, and he had a heck of a time trying to get a hold of somebody to get it fixed and taken care of. Did he get it fixed? Yes. But seemed much harder than it should have, at least to me. Then, that kinda turned me off from Rizzini, but I like the complete customization that they do for their customers, but for the money, I think most of the DR manufacturers do it as a whole? Correct me if I'm wrong here. After that then, they're kind of at the "bottom" of my list, which composes of Heym, VC, Merkel, Chapuis, and Rizzini. I was turned off K-guns from reading on here about them regulating their barrels with a freaking dremel. For that money, no shortcuts please. Then comes caliber. I'm torn between .450/400 3", and .470 NE. Again, it'd be for buffalo, and hippo, possibly elephant if I ever decided I wanted to go that route. More than likely just open sights with the folding leafs. I like traditional when it comes to certain things. But have the possibility for an optic of some point down the road if need be. And reading about how long it takes to get a custom build, is why I'm asking this now, so that way, if I decide WHAT I want, I can take the plunge and get the ball rolling. I'm reaching out to you all knowing that you have a LOT of experience with this category, where really, I've never even handled a DR because here in VA, everything is AR-related and bolt guns. Green Top in Ashland MIGHT have some, but I haven't been there since February-ish. If anybody has any advice, or pointers, or info, by all means, I'm all ears. Thank you!!

I’ve owned 8 DRs with my first being a Rizzini 470 NE. Big mistake they are too light for caliber and will kick you to death. They. should stay with shotguns.I have owned the brands you list adding Rigby. If it was me for the money, quality and getting one fast complete with the stock cut to my LOP I would but a Chapuis 450-400 from Champlain in Enid OK from George Caswell. This caliber will take any animal on earth. Is it the best for elephant, no but will still do the job. I enjoyed mine. You can still get one for around $13K

 

[Russ16]

I’ve owned 8 DRs with my first being a Rizzini 470 NE. Big mistake they are too light for caliber and will kick you to death. They. should stay with shotguns.I have owned the brands you list adding Rigby. If it was me for the money, quality and getting one fast complete with the stock cut to my LOP I would but a Chapuis 450-400 from Champlain in Enid OK from George Caswell. This caliber will take any animal on earth. Is it the best for elephant, no but will still do the job. I enjoyed mine. You can still get one for around $13K

I’m encouraged to hear you say that. I’ve been looking similar to the OP. I was in the beretta store in NYC last week and handled a Chapuis in .375 and was very impressed. It was also at what I thought was a very reasonable price point.