Those thinking about buying a first double rifle

[franzfmdavis]

I choose #4 from rare breed's suggestion, OR

#5 you get an agent that knows his field and finds you a vintage Birmingham extractor gun for similar budget (or ejector if you'll stretch your budget) Or #6 buy an absolutely top notch magazine rifle that makes angels weep for less money.

$20k gets you a so-so double rifle, $15k gets you a magazine rifle that is top 1%.

I will put it more bluntly: hire @rookhawk to find you the right double!

 

[549]

Rare Breed, rookhawk & Mtn_Infantry,

I'm looking at something along the lines of a .375 Flanged Magnum or .450-400 3" NE, as the only DG it might ever be used for would be Cape Buffalo. However, since said hunt would likely be a one-time thing, I would probably play it safe and take a scoped bolt gun. Plus I figure those chamberings would give some more flexibility.

I doubt I need a 470 NE for a Buff hunt, and it wouldn't be legal for our dangerous corn/soybean infused Ohio Whitetails. Although, a .450 3 1/4" NE or .500 NE actually would be, as well as a .458 WM/Lott. I digress.

The smart thing would be to buy either the Chapuis or Krieghoff in .375 Flanged that Champlin has due to caliber, price, and knowing that they're GTG. The Chapuis in .375 H&H makes even more sense as I wouldn't be locked into uber expensive and/or hard to find ammo or reloading. I can do the latter, FWIW. I am aware of the potential issues of a rimless, high pressure cartridge in a DR that could come with the H&H.

They have a Chapuis in .450-400 also. FWIW, the 375 Krieghoff catches my eye of those options.

However, a vintage Birmingham gun is what calls to me. I truly don't care whose name is on it, or that it's that fancy. I'd wouldn't mind finding a solid Army & Navy DR. Of course there are the risks that come with a vintage gun, and I'm not at all familiar with the process of finding someone to vet it, getting a seller to allow it, and then actually getting it done.

 

[549]

I choose #4 from rare breed's suggestion, OR

#5 you get an agent that knows his field and finds you a vintage Birmingham extractor gun for similar budget (or ejector if you'll stretch your budget) Or #6 buy an absolutely top notch magazine rifle that makes angels weep for less money.

$20k gets you a so-so double rifle, $15k gets you a magazine rifle that is top 1%.

You speak the truth. And I've said something similar to myself many times.

ETA: There are a couple very nice bolt guns that are appealing that I've found listed with reputable dealers mentioned here. However, I doubt that they will scratch the itch.

 

[Rare Breed]

Looks like Chapuis took a pretty big price jump this year. $17k+ for a new 470, and $14-15k on a 450-400

Ouch!!!! I was looking at Champlain and I still see their current costs I am quoting

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Ouch!!!! I was looking at Champlain and I still see their current costs I am quoting

Yah, i was just on Chapuis website last week and saw the increase. Made my stomach churn. I’m curious if that was a reaction to the tariffs or just their price increase to combat their current backlog. Someone else might have a little more info than me

 

[Troubleshooter]

I'm definitely thinking about it.

If I'm looking on Guns International, and hitting the websites of the various sellers with listings, am I pretty much seeing what's out there other than word of mouth or local gun shows?

If you like to play long-shots, look for live auctions and especially estate auctions / estate sales. Double rifles may rarely appear at these but when they do, many of the bidders will likely not fully appreciate what is being offered. And I suspect that they will be more commonly offered in the coming years.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Don’t forget if the OP doesn’t buy quick all of these makers are about to get hit with Tariffs

Only if he buys a new one. Used ones that are already in-country have no associated tariffs. And should be less expensive compared to new.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Only if he buys a new one. Used ones that are already in-country have no associated tariffs. And should be less expensive compared to new.

Yes, but if the price of New goes up, so does the price of used ones. Supply vs Demand