I have owned and used a number of small bore doubles. My German built 8x57R was used for hog culling and deer hunting here in central Texas for 10 years or more. My Watson Brothers 400/360 probably also fits into the small bore class. I built a 32-20 double on a .410 frame many years ago for a friend and he took turkey with it. Along with these, I have a Bernardelli 303 and am finishing (slowly) a drop lock 303 Westley. I've also hunted locally with several 333R Jeffery's through the years and would love to find another to add to my collection.

My current favourite rifle is a Heym 80B in 7x57R, its prints both barrels within an inch at 100yrds.

Long, long ago I almost bought a double 22 Savage (22 Hi-Power, 22/3000). Didn't but it was bought by someone I knew. Used it once on a hunt to shoot an Axis deer. Lovely little rifle, with hammers, unfortunately I do not remember the maker. I just fired the one shot with it! The guy who bought it also had some chamber inserts so you could shoot 22 LR through it as well.

I called a guy about a Merkel double in 7x57R for sale that I really wanted. I have a drilling with that caliber rifle and the wife has a Merkel single shot in 7x57R. He was holding it for someone but offered a slightly used Merkel in 30-06 at a price I could not turn down. It shoots great and the wife has claimed it as her plains game rifle for our next trip to Africa.

Sharps45-90,
Have you ever seen, shot, or owned a .45-90 double rifle?? If so, your opinions on it would interest me.

The 2.4 inch brass holds enough powder to make things interesting; 96% of the capacity of the .458 Win Mag.

My .45-70 DR has an appointment to have the chambers extended to .45-90 and be re regulated for 450 grain bullets at 2150 fps.

Has anyone ever seen a double rifle in caliber 7.62X54 Russian? I think it would be a good one for all but the biggest bears.

I'm new to the double rifle game. I've been watching for a Merkel 141 in either 7x 57R or 8 x 57 JRS. After several years of watching, I finally found an 8 x 57 at the price I wanted to pay, when I had the scratch in hand.
Should be in next week.

Wayne, you'll grow to love the 8x57....it's a great round.

When it comes to small-bore double rifles the .303 is to die for. Nothing compares in grace, elegance, or performance.

They are like Lays potato chips - you can't just have one.











Curl

Roscoe,
thanks for sharing your magnificent collection with us!! Although you have caused me to commit the sins of lust and envy.

I THINK YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, BANG ON!!
I have a friend who has you beat, however, he just bought my fully engraved H&H DOMINION...putting him at 6!!...and he has some bolt guns, and single shot Brits as well!!
You have a great collection and some very high quality doubles!!
I wish I were younger....
Cheers,

I wish I was filthy rich. I would have the biggest double collection in the world.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by crshelton:
Sharps45-90,
Have you ever seen, shot, or owned a .45-90 double rifle?? If so, your opinions on it would interest me.

The 2.4 inch brass holds enough powder to make things interesting; 96% of the capacity of the .458 Win Mag.

My .45-70 DR has an appointment to have the chambers extended to .45-90 and be re regulated for 450 grain bullets at 2150 fps.

Sorry CR, I tried to PM you on this but obviously my opinions about certain other matters have offended you. Nevertheless, I feel duty bound to warn you that trying to achieve those velocities in a db with a 2.4-inch case may not be a good idea.

Admittedly, double rifles have been made in 458WM but that was probably more to meet cartridge availability 50 years ago than optimum pressure in such rifles. I suppose if you not only had the chambers extended to .45-90 but the throat extended significantly, too, you might get away with it, loading very-long, long-COL cartridges. However, the Brits' preferred answer to these problems was much-longer cases not stuffed with too much powder, such as the .450 Nitro Express and, even better, the longer .450 NE No. 2.

quote:

Originally posted by nopride2:
I wish I was filthy rich. I would have the biggest double collection in the world.

Dave

I think that if that were true, you would soon be broke just like most who wish the same thing! Me included.
It's the same for me, though I have owned several name brand doubles over the years, I now have only seven double rifles, but like you I wish I could just shop till I find one I want and simply write a check without worrying about the long term effect on my family.
Would be nice for a while though!
............................................ MacD37

Hell Mac, broke is a way of life. I to have owned and sold a bunch of doubles. Down to five now.

Dave

I'm getting ready to sell most of my gun collection including a NIB Remington 45/70 double rifle made in the USSR & very few imported with the Remington name. It has a very smart way of regulating the barrels yourself which I'm suprised others didn't copy. I can't seem to list it in the classsifieds probably because I have been active on the site.

Speaking of small caliber doubles: Does anyone remember the cute little double in 17 HMR when it was first introduced about 17 or 18 years ago at the SCI show in Reno? It was in the white at somebody's booth and there was something really cool about it. I wonder how many of those were made? Seems like a really fun tiny rifle.

Roscoe are your 303s mostly regulated for the 215 RN? Be Well, Packy.

quote:

Originally posted by packrattusnongratus:
Roscoe are your 303s mostly regulated for the 215 RN? Be Well, Packy.

Yes. There was a great preference for the 215 grain load.

The latest of my double 303 rifles is the Webley & Scott. To my knowledge, it was made in 1937, making it a very late pre-WW2 double rifle and one of the last produced by W&S.

In 1937 the standard .303 load was the Mk VII load, so naturally, that's what the W&S was proofed for. Have a look:



But even though it was proofed for the Mk VII round, it was regulated for the 215 grain load. It says so right on the barrel:




The rifle still has its hang tag with it, which tells its regulation specifically:







Just this past weekend I had the Purdey out for a few rounds down the tube. These are fantastic rifles and a joy to shoot.

Thanks for all the kind comments!

Curl

Agreed on everything 303 Roscoe, beautiful collection Sir, my 303 reads 38 gr Rifleite, MAX, it regulates beautifully with 41gr RL-15 under the 215gr Woodleighs at 2163 fps, have only shot a few deer and pigs with the rifle, but have been told by several that load was a giant killer, and has been used successfully on very large game, moose, big bear, heavy African antelope etc, etc..............I need to take that little double for a walk this season.

Another fan of the .303 and delighted to see your doubles, Roscoe. I traded a .350 Rigby No2 double for an H&H Grade 2 .303 finished in 1897. As with Jerry's, mine reads 38 gr Rifleite, but at some point was regulated for a lighter bullet than the 215. JJ Perodeau re-regulated for a 215 gr Woodleigh with IMR 4350 to produce about 2130 fps. The rifle can now take a reflex sight, butted up against the back sight as a recoil stop. It's out for sale as I rationalize my holdings.

Regards, Tim

A 22Hornet would be a fun Prairie Dog shooter!!

I have always liked the Connecticut Shotgun 22LR & MAG doubles, but NOT the price!! I thinkthose are built around the WIN 21 actions?

I would pay dearly for one of the three J&L WILKINS sets built under the supervision of the late Chris Soyza in 22LR with second set of 410 shotgun bbls, cased!! They are hidden away with happy owners!!

Cheers,

Here, 470Eddy, are pix of my Bailey Bradshaw in 22 K-hornet and with an extra 410 set of barrels. Used a 60 gr Nosler partition on the young warthog.

Regards, Tim

Tim,

Now that is COOL!! WELL DONE!!
Actually it probably makes more sense to have a centerfire so you can reload for doubles....a 22LR or Mag are pretty limited to just choosing what shoots in your rifle...as true with conventional rifles and pistols with same caliber!!
Cheers,

Tim! Ya just kill'n me! Nice setup!You can call me jealous!

I saw a Marcel Thys .348 Win double once. Always regret not buying it.

The .348 Win or even a .33 WCF always seemed like a great medium bore double.

doubles that I have had on loan at one time or another were the 22 L.R., 30-40 Krag, 25-35, and 250-3000..all were awesome, and I used the 25-35 on deer and Javalina and the 22 on Javalina.

Doubles Ive owned have been more than a few 450-400 3" and 3.25", and a 470 NE, as I chose them for buffalo etc,

I never could talk myself into buying a lesser caliber in a double, but have lusted over a number of small caliber doubles..