So last week, after a year’s worth of waiting, my double rifle was finally ready for a pick up from the dealer.
It all started one bloody hot day in Australia’s Northern Territory. I was on a buffalo hunt and in addition to using my Blaser R8 in 375H&H, the outfitter offered me to have a go with his double Merkel in 470 N.E. (damn you Matt, you cost me loads of money!). I have never handled a double and considered them to be something of a curiosity and a relic of the past. This all changed the moment I handled the gun. I loved how it pointed and how easy it came on the target, how fast and surprisingly accurate the open sights were. After shooting it at a target I realised that the recoil was easily controllable and not anywhere near as fierce as I feared. Later that day I shot a buffalo with it and this sealed my fate – right there and then I knew I
had to get me one of those.
And so few years have passed, I have moved between continents but the obsession didn’t go away. Finally I’ve decided to order one. I knew I absolutely
needed to get a classic nitro express calibre for Africa and Australia. However the impracticality of such a cartridge for European game was just too obvious to ignore and so I’ve gotten two barrel sets for it: 470 N.E. and 9.3x74R. I visited the factory and had the stock made to measure and it fits me really well. So well in fact that I now know I will have to get a new shotgun stock made, or get a new shottie altogether (signs of an addiction perhaps?). The difference between a well fitted gun and “standard dimensions” is unbelievable. I knew fit was important but didn’t realise just what a difference it makes, and I am what one would call a regular sized guy.
Looking at various guns at the factory
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Choosing a blank
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And a year later
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The standard front bead is tiny and only good for target practise
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However there is a large and clear pop up front bead that is easy to see, quick to use and appears to be staying up once opened
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50m (55yds) off hand. The two holes covered with black stickers are 9.3x74R the remaining four 470 N.E. I have to get plenty of practise before I can hunt with it because I'm very slow with the open sights - I was shooting scoped rifles from day one.
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Man I just have to hit the lottery and then on to LDE, bongo, etc etc etc.........
. The rifle came in a factory plastic case with an extra case for the second barrel. I've also ordered a leather covered rifle case from Krieghoff, I'm pretty sure they said it was made by Alba. While I was waiting for the rifle to be delivered I bought a buffalo leather soft gun bag from African Sporting Creations. The cartridge holders and cartridge belt are from Galco.
