Hi Guys:

Well I just got back from Cabelas, see post on African Forum. I ended up in the Gun Library at Cabelas, this is where the double rifles and the big buck long guns are.

In the middle of the floor was a Blaser setup. the salesman was outstanding. I picked up a Blaser Double Rifle and was I dunno, really impressed. I also handled a Merkel 470 NE and a Kreighoff 500 NE and just wished when I picked up a fine English Double at 25K+... out of my league.

I know there are some of you that pooh pooh Blasers on this forum but it seemed to have alot going for it.

Good Points IMHO.. I liked the way you can change the barrels in just a few minutes. You also could have two different calibers side by side, if you wanted. They regulate the barrels for what ever brand ammo and bullet weight you are going to use. Plus you get an American carrying case with removable wheel setup, you choice of scope mounts 30mm or one inch, your choice of scope rings or bottom mount, the quick detach setup is awsome, choice of pistol grip cover, beautiful leather sling and snap caps, all included in the price. I saw targets of a hair over one inch from both barrels, three different targets.. at 100 YARDS.... not 50. The way they regulate the barrels by using the front barrel cap or whatever it is called seems to work great. The wood was beautiful. The finish on the barrels is slick, and the engraving very nicely done.

Some Downers: The LOP was a bit long 14.5 inches. The barrels compared to a Merkel or Kreighoff are much bigger, aka wider. By comparison the Merkel and Kreighoff seem petite. The back sight seems to narrow. And they have the same cock, decock setup like a Kreighoff. This doesn't bother me as much as it does some others. There is a rubber molding is all I could think to call it, between the barrels on the bottom side.

The price was $8500.00 with all the goodies, It was I believe $2200.00 for another set of regulated barrels of your choice. The calibers were 375 H&H, 500/416 NE... and 470 NE.

Some thoughts, the Merkel was $9k seemed nice but had a plastic piece on the butt stock no recoil pad or anything. For $9K could at least made it steel...LOL.. The Kreighoff fit the best ballanced well... for about $8K....

The salesman almost had me, if he would of knocked off say $500 bucks I would of put the damn thing on my Cabelas credit card. Luckily my wife brought me to my senses and dragged me out...LOL

If I wasn't still waiting seven months later for my custom 458 Lott from AHR I would of walked out of there with some kind of double. I still want to see a Searcy in the flesh first.

But my mind keeps going back to that Blaser and those one inch bullet holes at 100 yards from a double.

Come on guys... give me your two cents or three..

Regards... Jim P.

[ 10-05-2003, 16:01: Message edited by: PAHunter ]

Throw that S2 away! Automatic safety will get you killed everytime.

Aleko

One of Butch Searcy's gunsmiths used to work at a local to me shop, so I always visit with him at the Searcy at the SCI Convention. They make some really nice double guns. I also examined the S2 at the last SCI show, and it doesn't compare well with the Searcy -- at least for me. I don't like those gadget safeties either.

Ray likes to say the German gunmakers over-engineer their designs, and I will hop on that bandwagon for the S2.

jim dodd

Hi Guys:

Over engineered huh... maybe. I never thought much about the automatic safety. I presume the safety is automatically set every time you break open the barrel...correct?

I hear very good things about Searcy Double Rifles, but I'll be damed if I could ever find one in PA to look at.

I guess I will keep looking. This means I will have to make another trip back to Cabelas.. ohh darn....LOL

Regards... Jim P.

Why couldn't a gunsmith disconnect the cocking safety like on other rifles?

I am a master Blaser dealer, they built the gun so the S2 automatic safety could not be defeated. I own a Krieghoff and a Chapuis. My next double will be a Heym 88B in .450 Nitro or .375 Flanged Magnum

Aleko

Hi JOHAN:

Geez... tell me how you really feel about Blasers...LOL

Thanks for your opinions so far. Is there anybody out there that likes the Blaser S2...??

Better yet did anybody ever use it in Africa hunting DG. The salesman told me Craig Boddington has one ordered, and is doing a hunting article on it. This should be interesting.

Even a Blaser Master Dealer doesn't shoot one..Thats why I come here, live and learn..

Regards..

Jim P.

[ 10-08-2003, 03:48: Message edited by: PAHunter ]

Blazer? 8.5k?

I'ld buy a searcy that fit me for that, guys, sorry....

4500, i'ld think about it
jeffe

The small frame Blasers are a different story, you really do not care if the rifle has an automatic safety( under 8x57 JRS). We will only carry the D 99. I am really glad Boddington is taking one to Africa maybe his PH will have one too .

Aleko

[ 10-07-2003, 05:51: Message edited by: Heritage Arms ]