Folks,

I went to Champlin Firearms a couple of weeks ago and spent some time speaking with J.J. Perodeau about double rifles. Although I was clear that I wouldn't be purchasing anything, Mr. Perodeau spent quite a bit of time with me, even though the were getting ready for the Dallas and Vegas shows.

I also spoke again with Mr. Perodeau along with Tom Shaw (I think) as the SCI show. Both of them were very nice and helpful.

I don't know a bunch about doubles, but I was impressed with the Chapuis rifles that they sell. I was particularly taken with the lug mechanism on them. Instead of the lugs running down the center, between the two barrels, the Chapuis rifles have two sets of lugs, one under each barrel. Mr. Perodeau said that this adds strength against the lateral forces that occurs when a single barrel is shot. Mr. Perodeau felt that it was quite a strong design that was difficult to shoot off face.

What are some of the opinions regarding Chapuis of those participants here? The seem like a good working rifle at a good price. Any down side to them? Thoughts?

Take Care,

-Steve

Steve,

A very good friend of mine has a Chapuis PH1 in .470. Very good rifles, those! I had the pleasure of shooting it a couple times in Zimbabwe last November with a decent bushpig to show for it. For the money, I think they are tough to beat but there seems to be a wide variation in the pricing of them. I have seen the PH1's for 11.5k and 13K. I think my buddy got his for quite a bit less than either of those prices. That said, and never having handled a Searcy, those sure have a great reputation for around $7K USD.
Whatever your choice . . . shoot straight.

JohnTheGreek

Going from memory, here is what I saw double guns listed for at SCI in Las Vegas:

Chapuis $8995
Krieghoff $7995
Merkel $6800
Searcy $7000
Franconette $10,000
Rigby $20,000
Heym $11,000

After handling these various rifles, my personal preference was for Searcy or Rigby.

Steve,
The only thing I don't like about the Chapuis is the beavertail forearm.

In my dealings with JJ and George I have found them to be very honest about the condition of a rifle. JJ has done some excellent and reasonably priced work for me. On those rare occasions when I can get to Enid, an afternoon browsing through JJ's shop and ogling George's doubles in the walk in safe, have provided me with some wonderful memories!

I'm sure the Chapuis will serve you well!

Rusty
We band of brothers!

I like the Chapuis rifle and know Vincent Chapuis well. Herschel Chadick is the importer for the Chapuis rifles and they are wonderful. My PH 1 in 470 is great. I am going to delete the rear flip up sights and have a single shallow V leaf for 50m, it is less complicated. As a second choice I like the Kreighoff Big Five in 470NE.

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback!

Rusty: You know that was one of the things that I mentioned to Mr. Perodeau. I would like something slimmer. He said that, unfortunately, Chapuis does not offer a different forearm.

500grains: I spent quite a bit of time in the Rigby booth talking to Col. Bill Williamson (probably going to book a buff hunt in 2003 with Russ Broom through him, if Zim is still there by then ). Although I would love to have one, it is a bit out of
my price range. Looking over the rifles that were in various states of regulation was interesting.

All: What is the consensus on the lugs. Do they provide more strength than 'standard' lugs? Any other downside/upside to them versus similar price point doubles?

Thanks!!

-Steve

STEVE. I HAVE DONE SOME LOAD DEVELOPMENT WORK FOR A 470 CHAPUIS, AND I HAVE A 9.3x74R CHAPUIS THAT I HAVE SHOT ABOUT 600 TIMES. THE GUN IS STILL TIGHT AS A TICK ON A BIG EARED HOUND DOG. I HAVE THE PIVOT SCOPE MOUNTS AND THEY RETURN TO ZERO. MY BIG GUNS ARE BRITISH, BUT, A 470 NITRO CHAPUIS WITH A QUICK DETACH SCOPE SYSTEM WOULD BE HARD TO BEAT. I DO NOT THINK I WOULD EVER BUY ANY USED DOUBLE WITHOUT LETTING J.J. PERODEAU DO AN EXAM OF THE GUN. HE DOES FIRST RATE WORK. WHEN/IF MY EYES GET TO THE POINT THAT I CAN'T FUNCTION WITH EXPRESS SIGHTS I WILL HAVE HIM FIT SCOPE MOUNTS TO MY 450/400 3 1/4 NITRO EXPRESS. HERESY... BLASPHEME... YES I KNOW.. BUT MY .400 HAS LITTLE COLLECTOR VALUE AND THE HUNT MUST GO ON... YOU CAN DEPEND ON THE ADVICE FROM GEORGE CASWELL AN J.J. THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE. I DO NOT THINK I COULD EVER SCOPE MY 450No.2... AS HYPOCRISY CAN ONLY GO SO FAR... GOOD LUCK ON YOUR CHOICE OF DOUBLES... THEY ARE THE FINEST HUNTING RIFLES EVER... EVEN ELMER KIETH THOUGHT SO.

You should search the topic. This topic has been discussed repetitively.

You might want to think about the size of the thumb lever on the Chapius. It is too small for me but may be fine for you.