One final rodeo, bolt-action or double rifle for my last big bore thumper?

Until the desire for something that starts with a .5 gets too strong;)

BTW, they make doubles in .577NE:) And you can load your own ammo.... just sayin'.
such an enabler. I’m still trying to figure out how you talked your wife into the full mount of the rhino!!!
 
such an enabler. I’m still trying to figure out how you talked your wife into the full mount of the rhino!!!
Easy, have it done prior to marriage;)
 
It’s probably for the best as large bore calibers start with a 4 but BIG BOY calibers start with a 5… :-)

HH
 
Last edited:
As has been previously stated for a budget of 20K then get a Rigby BG.

I’ve been looking for a large double for a while. Every thing that I want is way above my budget which is about what yours is $20K AUD.

The other option is go for an R8 PH . For $20K you’ll get 2 thumper barrels and optics for both. And maybe even enough change to buy…..nah there’ll be stuff all change.

Anyway my opinion is worth nothing as I’m a self confessed ( and proud) Blaser and Rigby addict.

Good luck with whatever you get.
 
If only there existed a cartridge between the 458WM and the 500 Jeffery chambered for bolt-action rifles that had readily available factory ammo, 0.50 caliber and produced 500 NE ballistics.

Something in the 11-12lbs range, that would be a sweet spot I think.
 
I know where you can buy a .450 Rigby on a Vektor action. Beautiful wood and engraving. I’m sure you can get it for 4 figures.
I’m sure he has the components and dies
 
I'd like to thank the AH community for helping me spend my money on my last three DG rifle choices including a 375H&H, 416 Rigby and 458 WinMag.

I'm looking to add one final thumper to the collection and would like to make it special one. My initial thought is to go with a double rifle as they are more unique than a bolt-action and will make for a great conversation piece and heirloom. If double rifle I'd be going with either .470NE or 500NE. Considering Merkels, Krieghoffs and Heyms.

On the other hand I'm also drawn to a premium bolt-action along the lines of a ParkWest Arms, Mauser or Rigby in a caliber other than the 3 mentioned above. Something in 450 Rigby, 500J or 505Gibbs would be fun.

If you owned bolt actions in the above 3 calibers (CZ's, Winchesters) and wanted a final DG rifle that felt a little more special, which direction would you go with? This decision is not dependent on hunting any specific game, just for the pure enjoyment of owning it. Budget: up to 20K Canadian.
For sure a double in .470. Love my Kgun!
 
C'mon you can't tease like that man...... details please!
Merkel 160AE in 470NE. I think it may be one of the base model 160AE as it has the arabesque engravings but nothing too fancy. I liked the idea of the 160 over the 140's as they seem to be far less common.

It came with a mounted LPVO scope which I will likely remove.
 
Last edited:
I'd like to thank the AH community for helping me spend my money on my last three DG rifle choices including a 375H&H, 416 Rigby and 458 WinMag.

I'm looking to add one final thumper to the collection and would like to make it special one. My initial thought is to go with a double rifle as they are more unique than a bolt-action and will make for a great conversation piece and heirloom. If double rifle I'd be going with either .470NE or 500NE. Considering Merkels, Krieghoffs and Heyms.

On the other hand I'm also drawn to a premium bolt-action along the lines of a ParkWest Arms, Mauser or Rigby in a caliber other than the 3 mentioned above. Something in 450 Rigby, 500J or 505Gibbs would be fun.

If you owned bolt actions in the above 3 calibers (CZ's, Winchesters) and wanted a final DG rifle that felt a little more special, which direction would you go with? This decision is not dependent on hunting any specific game, just for the pure enjoyment of owning it. Budget: up to 20K Canadian.
The double is kind of magical. I'd look for a used English double in sound condition. ALso, Peacocke gives a thumbs up on Heym, he should know. I think that with care you'll end up with a better rifle; there have been some grumblings by people who should know that modern doubles may not be in the same league reliability wise. As for finding the ammo with which your rifle was regulated, you might be l;ucky enough to get accurate info with the gun, but you should be prepared to figure it out yourself. Handloading would be a boon.

A good double is going to be expensive and it's a one purpose tool. It's the fastest second shot, but with the recoil of these large cartridges, you should be able to crank the bolt on a BA fast enough to be ready to go by the time you're back on target. About as fast as a double. And you'll have more shots available.

I'm 73. I don't shoot my 458 Lott any more. If I were to buy a rifle, I'd be looking for a smaller more common caliber in a custom rifle. You have big bore bases covered already. A 35 Whelen is adequate for everything not elephantine. Recoil no problem, won't burn barrels. No question that a BA is more practical.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
57,272
Messages
1,226,887
Members
100,574
Latest member
BrandyLaut
 

 

 

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

John Kirk wrote on Macduff's profile.
Great transaction on some 375 HH ammo super fast shipping great communication
akriet wrote on Tom Leoni's profile.
Hello Tom: I saw your post about having 11 Iphisi's for sale. I have been thinking about one. I am also located in Virginia. Do you have photos of the availables to share? My email is [redacted]

Thanks and regards,

Andy
Natural Bridge, Virginia
 
Top