Just recieved a copy of "Cabela's outfitter journal" and inside there is an add from New England Arms, they are showing a double rifle built by SIACE from Italy from $5000 and up ,thats almost with in reach for me any body knoe any thing about these rifles? calibers listed 9.3x74r,7x65r, 06,45-70,444,8x57r with or with out hammers

Dave, when they open up again,at CAPE OUTFITTERS, try them for a new Merkel 140E S/S double rifle chambered for 9.3X74R which is the best of the chamberings you list. These rifles come in a fitted lugage case,have auto select ejectors, cocking indicators, and shoot very well. The CAPE OUTFITTERS is in re-organization after the death of their president, but before they closed their websight they were selling the Merkel for $4695+ $15 shipping. I have one, and it is fast becoming my favorite double. It handles like a fine 410 shotgun, but needs a recoil pad, for the 9.3X74R. Pachmaier now makes the Declearator pad in "RED" like the old silvers pads on old doubles.

I don't know anything about the double you are asking about, and it may very well be worth the price asked for it, but I do know about the Merkel, it is a buy at full price, and a real buy at $4695! www.capeoutfitters.com Is the web site, and when they come back up, it would be a prudant idea to check them out! I think the MSRP from the importer is $6000 for this rifle, but like anything it can be had for less than MSRP, by shopping!

[ 07-11-2003, 17:37: Message edited by: MacD37 ]

I would like one in 8X75R with a good scope....

For just a little more you can find an English gun in one of the Rhoda configurations...I saw one awhile back for the asking of $5500. and it was bought for $5000. It was a 450-400 and was tight and had decent bores, it shot 2" at 50...

There are deals out there if your on top of them.

I'm with Ray, don't let your want of a new rifle get you to buy one that is not as a good of a bargain in the long run.

Their are alot of Merkels, Krieghoffs etc for sale used for much less than they cost new.

Dave, have you decided what caliber of double rifle you want. Is it primarialy for hunting in the USA or will it be your Africa DG rifle.?

Or do you want one of each.

Ne, Want one that I can use both places if lucky, I realy like the 450nitro and have looked at your
no-2. handled one 450/400, and one 465 real nice!!

For want I want and will more than likely buy I think the 9.3x74 would be hard to beat, i just saw the add in the mag and had never even heard of them and was just wondering. will be another year or two before I get serious about picking up a double,if i had the cash right now I would pick up the double 45-120 on hollowell's site that sercay did on the browning base.

Be carefull Dave and don't get hung with a black powder rifle, I know many that have...If you have never purchased doubles get someone to help you and not just any someone would be good advise...

The 450-400 is a wonderful caliber as attested by all who own them and they have all the power you need for DG IMO....your best choice and investment.

The 9.3x74 is barely enough gun for DG, although I have seen it kill Buffalo..I've always wanted a light lean 9.3x74 to play with and they are a pleasure to shoot and carry..Good USA caliber and would get you by in a pinch in Africa..

Dave
I agree with Ray 100% here. As I have both a 450/400 and a 9,3x74R. They are both excellent calibers. For use in Africa as well as use in the states the 450/400 [either the 3" or the 3 1/4"] is your best bet. Try to find a British double under 10 lbs. I can not think of a better elk, moose, or bear rifle for shots under 200 yards than a 400gr soft from a 450/400. I even killed two Alaskan caribou with mine. For use on deer and pigs I have had excellent success with 300gr .025jkt Hawks.
The 450/400 is not "too much gun" or to heavy to use as an all round rifle for woods hunting. It does less damage to the deer and pigs I shoot than a 308, and I have never had any animal run over 25 yards after being hit. I have a higher percentage of knock 'em down where they stand with the 400 than any other caliber.
Plenty of power and penetration for the African big stuff too.
I highly recommend a British 450/400 for your, or anyones, first double.