New Double Rifle Build

[Aussie_Hunter]

I had a long conversation with the USA Heym rep (took three weeks and 2 voicemails before they called me back). I had written questions for myself to ask so I wouldn't forget anything. I took notes. I was clearly a very interested potential customer.

Early in the conversation, and without really asking me a lot of questions about myself or my goals, he went straight to a pretty steadfast declaration that the 450/400NE was the right choice for me. I made it clear that I was really interested in hunting elephants and I wasn't completely comfortable with the 450/400NE for that purpose. I get it, it's adequate, bullet placement, yada, yada, yada. But I'm not particularly recoil-sensitive and I really prefer to lean more towards "authoritative" than "adequate."

We left our conversation by him saying that he was going to check on some items I had asked questions about and get back to me. I never heard back from him again. I don't know if he lost my number, or if he just didn't like me asking too many questions, or he just wanted to sell me the caliber he wanted to sell me, or what. In truth he just sort of ghosted a very engaged, very interested potential customer who was standing there with checkbook in hand, I really have no idea why.

I now have a Westley Richards 470NE Fixed Lock on order, and I suspect that in the long run I'll be happy with that decision. They were absolutely delightful to deal with, exemplary communication, made me feel like the most important customer in the history of the firm (I'm clearly not, LOL), and their quality and reputation speaks for itself. And I think the 470 will be more appropriate for my intended use. No shade on Heym and those who use and love them; they have a great reputation and are obviously great doubles. But a Westley Richards double gun is a dream that I never thought I would wake up to, and when the chance presented itself, I pounced. Their outstanding "customer relationship management" made the decision even easier.

I have always said customer service goes a long way, this is a perfect example. And a new WR double on order man that's exciting! What's the build time looking like? Cant wait to see a thread on this.

 

[Rare Breed]

I had a long conversation with the USA Heym rep (took three weeks and 2 voicemails before they called me back). I had written questions for myself to ask so I wouldn't forget anything. I took notes. I was clearly a very interested potential customer.

Early in the conversation, and without really asking me a lot of questions about myself or my goals, he went straight to a pretty steadfast declaration that the 450/400NE was the right choice for me. I made it clear that I was really interested in hunting elephants and I wasn't completely comfortable with the 450/400NE for that purpose. I get it, it's adequate, bullet placement, yada, yada, yada. But I'm not particularly recoil-sensitive and I really prefer to lean more towards "authoritative" than "adequate."

We left our conversation by him saying that he was going to check on some items I had asked questions about and get back to me. I never heard back from him again. I don't know if he lost my number, or if he just didn't like me asking too many questions, or he just wanted to sell me the caliber he wanted to sell me, or what. In truth he just sort of ghosted a very engaged, very interested potential customer who was standing there with checkbook in hand, I really have no idea why.

I now have a Westley Richards 470NE Fixed Lock on order, and I suspect that in the long run I'll be happy with that decision. They were absolutely delightful to deal with, exemplary communication, made me feel like the most important customer in the history of the firm (I'm clearly not, LOL), and their quality and reputation speaks for itself. And I think the 470 will be more appropriate for my intended use. No shade on Heym and those who use and love them; they have a great reputation and are obviously great doubles. But a Westley Richards double gun is a dream that I never thought I would wake up to, and when the chance presented itself, I pounced. Their outstanding "customer relationship management" made the decision even easier.

Congratulations…having owned 450-400, 470 and 500 I settled on the 470. Just curious what was the build time they quoted you?

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I had a long conversation with the USA Heym rep (took three weeks and 2 voicemails before they called me back). I had written questions for myself to ask so I wouldn't forget anything. I took notes. I was clearly a very interested potential customer.

Early in the conversation, and without really asking me a lot of questions about myself or my goals, he went straight to a pretty steadfast declaration that the 450/400NE was the right choice for me. I made it clear that I was really interested in hunting elephants and I wasn't completely comfortable with the 450/400NE for that purpose. I get it, it's adequate, bullet placement, yada, yada, yada. But I'm not particularly recoil-sensitive and I really prefer to lean more towards "authoritative" than "adequate."

We left our conversation by him saying that he was going to check on some items I had asked questions about and get back to me. I never heard back from him again. I don't know if he lost my number, or if he just didn't like me asking too many questions, or he just wanted to sell me the caliber he wanted to sell me, or what. In truth he just sort of ghosted a very engaged, very interested potential customer who was standing there with checkbook in hand, I really have no idea why.

I now have a Westley Richards 470NE Fixed Lock on order, and I suspect that in the long run I'll be happy with that decision. They were absolutely delightful to deal with, exemplary communication, made me feel like the most important customer in the history of the firm (I'm clearly not, LOL), and their quality and reputation speaks for itself. And I think the 470 will be more appropriate for my intended use. No shade on Heym and those who use and love them; they have a great reputation and are obviously great doubles. But a Westley Richards double gun is a dream that I never thought I would wake up to, and when the chance presented itself, I pounced. Their outstanding "customer relationship management" made the decision even easier.

Sorry to hear about Heym. Poor customer service really is a shame. I’m sure your Westley Richards will be beautiful. Congratulations and please post pictures when you receive it!!

 

[towserthemouser]

@Wishfulthinker580 , @Rare Breed , @Aussie_Hunter

Thank you. I will start a new thread on the Doubles forum and tell a bit about it, don't want to hijack this thread. Short answer is that I got pretty dang lucky and will get an amazing rifle for a better price and a shorter delivery time than I had believed possible..... And wait until you see photos of the blank reserved for me.....

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Progressing, the stock is getting some oil. How good did this stock turn out . Super happy with that wood!

 

[Fryeguy]

Wow, great choice on the wood! It’s going to be amazing

 

[Rubberhead]

So, I guess you went with blank #57?

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

151

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

So, I guess you went with blank #57?

Nope, thats number 151.

 

[Sideshow]

On a small side note I hear that the red recoil pads won’t be getting made anymore.

 

[E Butler]

Top for me.

 

[towserthemouser]

Progressing, the stock is getting some oil. How good did this stock turn out . Super happy with that wood!

View attachment 663733

What a beautiful stock! That is looking really good. Congratulations!

 

[Daniel Cary]

Progressing, the stock is getting some oil. How good did this stock turn out . Super happy with that wood!

View attachment 663733

They have some incredible wood. Will there be a sorta semi-gloss when it's finished?

The VC here has a bit of a sheen to it. That's beautiful, none the less ..

 

[OneGearhead]

Progressing, the stock is getting some oil. How good did this stock turn out . Super happy with that wood!

View attachment 663733

That’s beautiful!! I bet you’re getting anxious!

Side note/question: the other night I was looking at DR’s that I hadn’t heard of, mainly VC, and did I read where they closed up shop just recently or went bankrupt or something? Or was it a different company and I have it confused with them?

 

[KJE81]

That’s beautiful!! I bet you’re getting anxious!

Side note/question: the other night I was looking at DR’s that I hadn’t heard of, mainly VC, and did I read where they closed up shop just recently or went bankrupt or something? Or was it a different company and I have it confused with them?

Unfortunately not, they have apparently gone bankrupt according to this thread: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/verney-carron-going-under.89985/

They might however be bought up by Beretta, perhaps Aussie_Hunter knows more since he has an rifle on order with them.

 

[OneGearhead]

Unfortunately not, they have apparently gone bankrupt according to this thread: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/verney-carron-going-under.89985/

They might however be bought up by Beretta, perhaps Aussie_Hunter knows more since he has an rifle on order with them.

I saw it when I Googled VC to go look at them, and immediately went “there goes that idea”. But if Beretta buys them, . I never saw the thread you mentioned. Maybe I should’ve done more due diligence, but reading this thread, is why I asked Aussie Hunter. Figured he probably knew more than anyone else having his rifle mid-process.

 

[Daniel Cary]

I never would've thought that was 151, sweet Lord.

I really wouldn't know how to pick ...

 

[.300RUM]

Ya never know what to expect underneath, spectacular outcome for sure.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I saw it when I Googled VC to go look at them, and immediately went “there goes that idea”. But if Beretta buys them, . I never saw the thread you mentioned. Maybe I should’ve done more due diligence, but reading this thread, is why I asked Aussie Hunter. Figured he probably knew more than anyone else having his rifle mid-process.

The story I am currently getting is the court hearing has already happened and there is an agreement in place that VC can continue operations based on a buy out (though I haven't actually got confirmation that operations are still underway). Also with the information I have been provided my understand is that it's not Beretta involved in the buy out, it is actually FN Browning group and a contract has been presented to the owners of VC for signing (maybe this has changed and Beretta is also in the running, I can't confirm). All the information I have received so far suggests there will be no issues with the rifle build being completed, however I suspect the build time will likely blow out quite a bit based on everything that's happening with the company. Not sure when I will get another update on what's happening.