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O/U Double Rifle?
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Being an old shotgun man, sporting clays and goose hunter, using Beretta and Browning superposed, I would like to have an "affordable" over/under rifle in 45-70 or similar cartridge. (Low side of buffalo and high side of lion.) Any suggestions? Thanks, Brian


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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Brian, just about all the European manufacturers offer O/U double rifles. They range from low-cost rifles from Russia, Turkey and the CZ Republic, up to higher-priced Heym, Verney Carron, Merkel, and some of the Ferlach makers. As with most things in life, it's all a matter of how much you want to spend.
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Thanks Biebs, Maybe even a Merkel. (I'm a bit of a cheap bugger.)
The Merkel's are pretty good, Right?
The cheap Turkey CZ O/U are rough but reliable, Right?

I will check out Ferlach makers, they are new to me.
Thanks again, Brian


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Brian, skip the Ferlach makers....they're usually pretty top-end. I once had a Merkel B3 Deluxe which was a nice rifle. Verney carron makes an O/U at around $4K or so.
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Brian, if you wanted to stay on the cheap side just to play around and see if you like them, keep an eye on this one.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896280866
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Biebs, I think that the Merkel or VC would be best for me. The $4,000 to $6,000 range is in my wheelhouse.
I want to step up from my current class of break open, single shot, big bores. I have put nice wood on them and love to hunt with them, but I would still like to own a decent double.

I am thrilled with $2,000-$3,000 O/U shotguns, so the Merkel and VC would be real "downtown" for me.

Thanks for your help.


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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That price range will get you a nice rifle.
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Awesome! Brian


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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Brian, you specifically mentioned an O/U rifle, yet no one has mentioned the Tikka Finn Classic 512 SD. I have one. It is a beautiful rifle, and I have several barrel sets for it. I would suggest that you check them out. One advantage of an O/U vs a SxS is that they can be regulated quite easily.
Just my $0.02!
On a different note, I shoot Skeet with O/U shotguns, and all my bird hunting has been with an O/U shotgun, but, an O/U double rifle handles completely differently than an O/U shotgun. They are much heavier! Also, O/U's typically are designed to be easily scoped. I have scopes on all my barrel sets. I think the heaviest caliber I have in the Tikka is a 9.3x74R
Peter.


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Posts: 10505 | Location: Jacksonville, Florida | Registered: 09 January 2004Reply With Quote
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I can second the Valmet 412/Tikka 512 as an option. Not as pretty as others, but a well made system. I have one with 12ga, 30-06, and .375 FL Mag (not factory) barrels.

Kreighoff made the Teck that is very nice, IMO, but also very German in style. I see those for fair prices in a wide variety of chamberings. There are a few Italian makers building them as well.

You will see FN and Browning O/U rifles as well, and they are priced well, but have a rep for poor regulation. That is second hand info, so take it as that.

Jeremy
 
Posts: 1480 | Location: Indiana | Registered: 28 January 2011Reply With Quote
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I don't know if Zoli is still offering its double rifles or not. But they made a good one based on their Z gun series. They are solid, reliable guns with an easily detachable trigger group. I plan on carrying my 450/400 again this coming brown bear season and used models occasionally pop up for sale around $5K


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
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Posts: 4187 | Location: Bristol Bay | Registered: 24 April 2004Reply With Quote
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And Chapuis makes a nice one in that price range also. They have a version with adjustable regulation, or they have the standard permanently regulated type.
 
Posts: 1720 | Location: Maryland | Registered: 17 January 2004Reply With Quote
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Peter and farbedo. I forgot about the excellent Valmet/Tikka. A friend had one in 9.3x74 years ago and I really liked it. Then it just fell off my radar. I will check it out. Thanks, brian


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Phil, I checked out the Zoli after your email. Very nice. Thanks.


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skl1, Yes the Chapius looks like a contender. Very nice. Thanks, Brian


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Griffin & Howe has a new Zoli O/U in 9.3x74R on their web site for $6.5K.
 
Posts: 83 | Location: Eastern USA | Registered: 08 December 2009Reply With Quote
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Thanks vangulik, Brian


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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The main complaint that comes up with over/under DG rifles is they don't open up enough to quickly reload in that they come up short, and they are hard to regulate..and this doesn't apply to shotguns, just double rifles apparantly. A any rate thats been the word for many years..Ive bought and sold a couple and actually shot one day at the range, thats been some years ago, and it was,infact, hard to open enough to get that lower barrel unloaded to loaded..so maybe their is something to that, it existed on that particular gun, it was a German 9.3x74 rimmed?? I think of some make that I don't even recall, a pretty and well balance little jewel that Id liked to have hunted elk with in the thick stuff in Northern Idaho..

Other than that, my take on the subject is I would prefer a side by side to start with and would rather spend a grand or two for the difference, knowing it will hold the value enough to balance out and make a profit An O/U double rifle is hard to sell..


Ray Atkinson
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208-731-4120

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Posts: 41763 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000Reply With Quote
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Didn't Heym have some over-unders a few years back in the 4K range? Seams I remember them in chambered in 30-30?


Mac

 
Posts: 1720 | Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Registered: 01 February 2007Reply With Quote
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you can find a used Merkle sice by side for under $7000 if you shop around, and Ive seen a few for $6000..They shoot good, optional calibers and imo much better DG rifle than any O/U..better resale option also.


Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120

rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
 
Posts: 41763 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000Reply With Quote
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Pretty sure I've seen photos and commentary from Xausa on here with a Kreighoff Teck O/U in .500 Nitro and maybe .375 (not sure on that, but I know he had multiple barrel sets for it). Several buffalo and at least one elephant if memory serves.

He got it in Germany and did quite well with it.

Maybe the O/U isn't traditional, but I doubt a practiced rifleman is any slower with one. It's what you know when the time comes IMO.

Jeremy
 
Posts: 1480 | Location: Indiana | Registered: 28 January 2011Reply With Quote
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quote:
Didn't Heym have some over-unders a few years back in the 4K range? Seams I remember them in chambered in 30-30?

Mac

Mac, $4k....isn't that about what you paid in sales tax for your Marcel Thys 577? Glad to see that you cruise the bottom rungs of the market on occasion! :-)
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Atkinson:
The main complaint that comes up with over/under DG rifles is they don't open up enough to quickly reload in that they come up short, and they are hard to regulate..and this doesn't apply to shotguns, just double rifles apparantly. A any rate thats been the word for many years..Ive bought and sold a couple and actually shot one day at the range, thats been some years ago, and it was,infact, hard to open enough to get that lower barrel unloaded to loaded..so maybe their is something to that, it existed on that particular gun, it was a German 9.3x74 rimmed?? I think of some make that I don't even recall, a pretty and well balance little jewel that Id liked to have hunted elk with in the thick stuff in Northern Idaho..

Other than that, my take on the subject is I would prefer a side by side to start with and would rather spend a grand or two for the difference, knowing it will hold the value enough to balance out and make a profit An O/U double rifle is hard to sell..


Ray, when I push the lever over on my Zoli 450/400 O&U, the barrels drops open far enough
that I can grab two rounds and drop them in just as fast as a SxS.
And a slight variation in regulation in elevation is much easier for a rifleman to deal with than a lateral variation . It can even be a benefit.


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
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Posts: 4187 | Location: Bristol Bay | Registered: 24 April 2004Reply With Quote
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I have two O/U's,375 H&H,458 Lott,I have not done much with the 375,the 458 has seen much more use,including big game in Africa,it's extremely accurate with different bullet weights,comes up better than my SxS's,I have three of those as well,two Heym's & a K gun,I like all my guns,the 458 Stopper will be the last one to go when the time comes to hang it all up,& may that be a long while away Big Grin


DRSS
 
Posts: 2277 | Location: MI | Registered: 20 March 2007Reply With Quote
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When the Zoli K gun in 450/400 was introduced at the SCI show in Las Vegas I ordered one at the same time as two Tanzanian PH's


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
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NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
 
Posts: 4187 | Location: Bristol Bay | Registered: 24 April 2004Reply With Quote
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Ray, I agree on the Merkel sxs. Also agree on the O/U resale value.
I am an old goose hunter and sporting clays man.(many thousands of O/U rounds) I can reload an o/u faster that a cat can lick its bum.
And, I really have a soft spot for an o/u. How ever, the more I dwell on it and the more I learn about it, the more I think that if a o/u doesn't drop out of the sky on my head, I will be likely be going for a sxs .500 NE. after all.


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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farbedo, Yes, That Kreighoff Teck O/O is very nice. I like it!
That "slow loading" thing on DG is mostly a myth as far as I am concerned. For dangerous game it doesn't mean anything to me. I'm too dumb to know the difference! Hell, I hunt cape buffalo with single shot. You can't fix Stupid! chuckle.


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McKay, Yes Heym did have a O/U and now the have a new nifty little O/U that is not yet on their web site. It's an aluminium frame job with a steel breach insert like the Blaser S2 had. It's priced right too for a saddle tramp like me!
I think it comes in 45-70. Don't tell the troops but the 45-70 will out perform the beloved 450-400 at close range with modern loads/bullets. But that is another story. I may post the figures on the big bore forum sometime.


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Bill73, Are both your 375 and 458 in the Brno Stopper? That is an interesting rifle! I never hear any comments on it. You must like. Please tell me more. Thanks Brian


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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Phil, Thanks for posting, I must not have been paying full attention! I didn't realize that the Zoli O/U came in 450/400.
Also, The variation in elevation is something I could get along with. I'm going to check out the Zoli site again. Thanks, Brian


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Posts: 3335 | Location: Kamloops, BC | Registered: 09 November 2015Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by Brian Canada:
Bill73, Are both your 375 and 458 in the Brno Stopper? That is an interesting rifle! I never hear any comments on it. You must like. Please tell me more. Thanks Brian


Brian,
The 458 has Stopper engraved on it,the 375? I dont recall,when I have it out ? I will check,both rifles have double triggers,solid ribs & I have had the top ribs machined to accept a red dot sight on both.


DRSS
 
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O/U Double Rifle

Military Intelligence

Deafening Silence

Definitely Maybe

Clearly Confused

And my all time favorite ...

Jumbo Shrimp!!!



Oh yeah, and that bit about loading an Over and Under gun as fast as a real Double Rifle ...

coffee


Cool
 
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Todd have a toddy Big Grin


DRSS
 
Posts: 2277 | Location: MI | Registered: 20 March 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Todd Williams:
O/U Double Rifle

Military Intelligence

Deafening Silence

Definitely Maybe

Clearly Confused

And my all time favorite ...

Jumbo Shrimp!!!



Oh yeah, and that bit about loading an Over and Under gun as fast as a real Double Rifle ...

coffee


Cool


you can add inaccurate blaser to your list Big Grin

Mike
 
Posts: 13145 | Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida | Registered: 22 July 2010Reply With Quote
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And 1,000 yard double rifle matches :-)
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by Biebs:
And 1,000 yard double rifle matches :-)


Give me an O&U every day !


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
 
Posts: 4187 | Location: Bristol Bay | Registered: 24 April 2004Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
quote:
Didn't Heym have some over-unders a few years back in the 4K range? Seams I remember them in chambered in 30-30?

Mac

Mac, $4k....isn't that about what you paid in sales tax for your Marcel Thys 577? Glad to see that you cruise the bottom rungs of the market on occasion! :-)


Big Grin


Mac

 
Posts: 1720 | Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Registered: 01 February 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Beretta682E:
quote:
Originally posted by Todd Williams:
O/U Double Rifle

Military Intelligence

Deafening Silence

Definitely Maybe

Clearly Confused

And my all time favorite ...

Jumbo Shrimp!!!



Oh yeah, and that bit about loading an Over and Under gun as fast as a real Double Rifle ...

coffee


Cool


you can add inaccurate blaser to your list Big Grin

Mike



I would like to see Todd go against a Blaser with his all powerful 500 NE,four shots @1000 yards lol beer


DRSS
 
Posts: 2277 | Location: MI | Registered: 20 March 2007Reply With Quote
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posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by Bill73:
quote:
Originally posted by Beretta682E:
quote:
Originally posted by Todd Williams:
O/U Double Rifle

Military Intelligence

Deafening Silence

Definitely Maybe

Clearly Confused

And my all time favorite ...

Jumbo Shrimp!!!



Oh yeah, and that bit about loading an Over and Under gun as fast as a real Double Rifle ...

coffee


Cool


you can add inaccurate blaser to your list Big Grin

Mike



I would like to see Todd go against a Blaser with his all powerful 500 NE,four shots @1000 yards lol beer



Why would anyone want to shoot dangerous game at 1,000 yards?

Why would anyone want to shoot a Blaser thingy?

Why would anyone stack two barrels on top of each other and call it a double rifle?

Why do some people think big foot is real?

All head scratchers for normal folk!

Cool
 
Posts: 8483 | Registered: 09 January 2011Reply With Quote
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I have 3 O/U double rifles. A 375 H&H, that Paul Jaeger made the barrels, to fit a 20 ga. Ruger red label. This gun is amazingly accurate, keeping all shots within 2.5" (combined) at 100 yards, with 3 different factory loads. I later picked up a set of 20 gauge barrels and had choke tubes installed, for it.

The other 2 are Sabatti 500ne O/Us, with 12 gauge barrels, for each. Dad and I purchased these, and sent them to Aaron Little for final regulation and some add ons. Accuracy is what you would expect from Aaron, and I have had no issues with function.

We had an elephant safari booked, but unfortunately, Dad passed away before we could go.

I have a few SxS doubles and these O/Us. I enjoy shooting them all, and can only wish I could give a safari report, on both O/U 500s.

Andy#3
 
Posts: 108 | Location: Idaho | Registered: 29 January 2013Reply With Quote
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