Smaller Bore Krieghoff Classic opinions?

[Matabele]

Hi folks,

I've recently returned from a trip to SA and had a grand time, it's been far too long a time away!

I used my friends bolt guns out there, a 308 and 9.3x62...and was impressed by the authority of the 9.3. As you might expect it put tough game down quickly with little fuss.

As a result I've been contemplating a double rifle in 9.3x74R, for general hunting excluding anything dangerous.

My budget is £8-10,000 (I'm based in the UK), although If I can spend less that would be preferable. In this price bracket I think the only option to me is a Krieghoff, unless I'm mistaken? I've approached Heym, Merkel and Krieghoff and of the three Krieghoff have been the only ones to get back to me (with some excellent advice and quick replies).

My question therefore for the smaller bore Krieghoff owners...what do you think of your rifles?!

The one aspect I'm wondering about is frame size, are the Classic doubles produced in a range of frame sizes or will a 9.3 be made on the same action used for 500 NE. I'm concerned it'll be heavy and lack the handling a double should have.

Let me know if I should be looking at other makers, Chapuis perhaps?.

 

[AZDAVE]

The smallest Krieghoff I have shot is my 500/416. They make a fine double. My 9.3x74 is a chapuis RGEX and is my favorite rifle I own. I would check out them and krieghoff.

 

[Matabele]

Dave, thanks for your reply. I appreciate it. I've approached Chapuis and am waiting to hear back from them. Can I ask what weight your Chapuis is, I've heard they are quite light for a 9.3...do you find the recoil manageable?

Any chance you could post some pictures of your doubles?

Thanks again!

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Matabele, Kreighoff make a fine double rifle, but I would also persist with Heym and ask for a price on their light frame double. It would make a very nice 9.3x74 platform and is excellent quality.

 

[Philip Glass]

I have .450/400 which I highly recommend and the .470 barrels as well. I have no experience with anything smaller.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I've also been looking at the 9.3 x 74R doubles, there are a lot of European guns that were used for boar shooting and have good handling and weight characteristics.

I have a Chapuis RGEX in 30-06, it is a very nice double. I have a Krieghoff Double in .500/416 NE but it is a larger and heavier gun. Chapius are making a new X4 model in 9.3 x 74R but I would worry that it is a little light at 6lbs but I have not held one or shot one.

I have not seen a Krieghoff in 9.3 x 74R for sale in the US or the UK. I would definitely consider another Krieghoff if I came across one.

I see a few double rifle come up on gun trader in the UK, not sure how easy it is to buy in Europe anymore as you will find a lot of 9.3x74R doubles for sale in Europe.

Here is another caliber I would consider:

Merkel 8X57 IRS Db 141 | GunTrader

Merkel 8X57 IRS Db 141 for sale. Contact the seller today via the contact form or phone.

www.guntrader.uk

I was hoping to shoot my 30-06 double for boar in Croatia later in the year but it is getting so difficult to travel with firearms in Europe from the UK, so many airlines have stopped carrying guns.

In the US market we see quite a few at a reasonable price, there are also many over and under options.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1104672241

Good luck in your search.

 

[AZDAVE]

@Matabele My chapuis weights 7lb 8oz loaded with my red dot on it.

They are a little lite but a balanced perfectly.

For me I find the recoil very easy to manage. Having said that I have been shooting big bore since my youth so take that with a grain of salt. I find the recoil similar to my Brno 602 in 375 H&H.

Here is a picture of my chapuis 9.3x74 on a bushbuck last year.

And a picture of my Krieghoff 500/416 with a bush pig from last year.

 

[Matabele]

Thank you for the replies everyone! Kevin, I did receive an email from Heym saying they were going to pass my query on to someone in their staff who could correspond in English. Hopefully I'll hear back.

UpNorth, could I ask for some suggestions of websites, dealers or auction houses in Europe to look? It may be worth the hassle of importing if the right gun shows up. I did spot that Merkel on GunTrader but I'm holding out for a 9.3, thanks though!

Lovely looking guns Dave! I imagine the bushpig didn't go far!

 

[steve white]

Well, you have already shot a 9.3--just in bolt action form. Expect exactly the same performance from the 9.3X74. A more modern gun may have scope mounting capabilities, whether or not you expect to utilize it NOW. There will come a day, if you live long enough, that a scope will be a requirement due to eyesight, so something to consider in the rifle set up.
I would try several guns IN PERSON if at all possible, and would focus more on the gun which fits you best and handles the best rather than weight or embellishment being a criteria. Then, if a deal comes up you will know what a certain model with standard drop at heel, etc. will feel like in hand.
Good luck!

 

[IvW]

In 9.3x74R double I would get in O/U not SxS.....

 

[Levubu]

My Krieghoff Classic is in 9.3x74R, in fact it‘s a 'Big Five‘ model which means it can accept bigger calibers as well. The rifle is very well balanced. I love it, you would be very happy with a 'Classic‘ in 9.3.

 

[Pondoro]

There is also another french double rifle, namely the Gaucher.. Dont know if they were ever imported to UK..but I own one in 9,3x74R and very pleased with it. The action is somewhat more massive than Chapuis and bolstered frame. Mine is very accurate with RWS 290 grain factory..

 

[SWS1]

Have a chat to Erwin at Krieghoff UK. Great guy, font of knowledge on them.

 

[BeeMaa]

This isn't everything from Heym, but it's a good start. Having so many frame sizes allows them to tailor the gun, not only to the cartridge but the hunter as well. This is a major reason they are at the top of the Continental manufacturers.

 

[Matabele]

Nice to see there are some smaller bore doubles out there and getting regular use!!

Thanks for the attachments BeeMaa, I have chased Heym up for a reply today. They do seem like a fantastic gun. Do they offer a standard stock option or is it all custom to your supplied dimensions do you know?

 

[BeeMaa]

Nice to see there are some smaller bore doubles out there and getting regular use!!

Thanks for the attachments BeeMaa, I have chased Heym up for a reply today. They do seem like a fantastic gun. Do they offer a standard stock option or is it all custom to your supplied dimensions do you know?

I don't own a double rifle and I'm unlikely to buy one in the future. The knowledge I've gleaned is from talking with other AH members and doing some light research. You would do much better talking to those who ACUTALLY know what they are talking about, like your local rep or contacting the factory directly.

Personally, I prefer the Krieghoff double because of the Combi-Cocking device that's very similar to the one used on Blaser rifles.

Good luck with your journey. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Matabele]

I will definitely report back, all the best gents!