24 January 2011, 03:23
mdstewartShooting Merkel Double Rifles
Just thought this should be move to the Double Rifle forum. There's some good thoughts to be shared here. This thread was originally posted on the African Hunting Forum.
Mike
ghostbird
one of us
Posted 21 January 2011 13:45 Hide Post
I had a great time at the event, as I'm sure everyone did. Got to meet several AR Members. Thanks Mike for being a great host... it was a blast !
Andy
Here are some photos...
Posts: 203 | Location: North Alabama, USA | Registered: 14 February 2009 IP
Ignored post by ghostbird posted 21 January 2011 13:45 Show Post
Nemo .450
one of us
Posted 21 January 2011 14:03 Hide Post
I sure had a alot of fun. Great guns, great folks and great food!
I really enjoyed meeting all of y'all!
Thanks Mr. Andy for sharing the pics!
Thanks also to Mr. Stewart for hosting the event and giving us a great time!
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He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -- John 3:36
NRA Life Member
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DRSS - Waiting on "my" (pending payment) Taksdale .450 NE
Posts: 149 | Location: North-East Georgia | Registered: 12 November 2010 IP
Ignored post by Nemo .450 posted 21 January 2011 14:03 Show Post
mdstewart
one of us
Posted 22 January 2011 10:56 Hide Post
Andy, thanks for the great pictures. I had more fun than the law should allow. It was great meeting you and everyone else.
We threw alot of lead downrange, had some great fellowship, and got to try out a wide range of calibers.
Here's my take away from the event:
1) Shooting double rifles together brings out the best in everyone; civility, fellowship, alot of laughs and smiles, and sharing of wonderful stories.
2) The .450/400 is a pussycat in a 10.2lb gun; the .470 is very managable in an 11.2lb gun, and the .500 is not too bad in a 10.9lb gun.
If I were a PH, I'd definitely have the .500 (lighter to carry and a beast).
The .470 would be my personal choice for the biggest stuff.
However, I'm going with the .450/400; I'll use it for North American game as well as when I get to Africa.
3) Thierry Labat is one heck of a nice guy, an obvious accomplished PH, and a great shot with that .500 Merkel. I want him backing me up, for sure.
4) Nemo450 is a really nice young man, well-mannered, and what we need to see more of in our young folks. It is great to see such a young man enthralled with double rifles instead of rap music.
5) I met some really super AR folks who I know I can now call my friends.
Will (BoltTrash)Parks, Andy (Ghostbird) Cobb, Joshua (Nemo450), Wes Chapman from Accurate Innovations, Paul (PSmith) Smith, Levi and Don from Huntsville,
Alan Bunn, and Mark from Chattanooga Shooter's supply.
6) I have a great staff, loyal and fun folks to be around. Thanks Dan, Austin, Don Boutz, Michelle, and Chris.
7) I love Merkel double rifles. I think that the favorites were the 140-1 in 7x65R and the 160-1.2 in 8x75R. They are the sweetest handling rifles.
8) Paul Smith, I can't get your rifle out of my mind; it haunts me. PSmith's Merkel 160-2.2 in .500 is gorgeous. It is my dream gun.
I'm sure I have left something out. I'll leave it up to the rest to add their thoughts.
Mike
Posts: 205 | Location: Chattanooga, TN | Registered: 10 August 2010 IP
24 January 2011, 03:30
mdstewartTried to get it move to Double Rifle Forum, couldn't figure it out. My apologies. Mike
24 January 2011, 21:08
PSmithThe event at Mike's place in Chattanooga was great; it's a very nice sporting arms and fishing store. If anyone is in the Chattanooga area it is well worth the visit. My only regret was I missed the shooting.