I just bought my first REAL double rifle. Its for my first safari in 2012. Its a Sabatti 9.3x74R. You guys and others have clued me in on Sabatti's and that 9.3x74R is on the light side for DG, well at least thick skinned DG. Im satisfied, so far with the gun and caliber.

At least I thought I was satisfied. When I bought the Sabatti, I saw a Blazer in 500NE at what seems like a good price (under $10K) and its been calling me. The money is out of my "disposable" cash range; but doable without skipping any meals.

I picked the 9.3x74R with the idea that it would get used for more hunting here in the US while I was waiting to go to Afrika and thus keep me in practice. As with any BIG BORE, the 500NE is a specialized tool and would get used only on a special needs basis. Although I suppose I could use it for Bear or possibly Boar hunts.

By the time I add in ammo for familiarizing and practice, Im over $10K, and thats a lot of hunting here and Afrika that I can do with the 9.3x74R. I "need" the 500NE like I "need" ice cream for breakfast. I can live without it; but it sure would be sweeeeeeet.

Thoughts

Edelweiss, Although the Blaser S2 is a well-made and accurate DR, the engineering techniques they use to make them leave most DR guys alienated. The barrels themselves are contained in false "sleeves", so their heat doesn't affect each other. The "safety" is actually a device that puts the firing pin into battery. Unfortunately, it must be re-set after reloading...something DR guys feel adds unnecessary complication in a panic (charge) situation. I've bought a couple Blaser S2 rifles at below $8,000. They're rather difficult to resell, so make sure you REALLY want one.

If I was going to invest in an entry level .500 double, I would go with a Merkel or a Krieghoff. They will hold their value better and you won't be embarrassed carrying one around with other double rifle shooters.

The automatic safety feature on the S2 makes it a no go for me. I don't mind the cocking device system on it or the K-gun. But having to reset it every time the rifle is broken open can be dangerous.

Mike has it right I think. Go with the Merkel or Kreighoff. That said, I think you will love the 500NE. Need's got nothing to do with it!

To start with the 9.3x74 although on the light side will kill buffalo quite well it the first shot is properly placed and you have a PH to help you out if things go South..

If I was going to go to a larger double rifle I would go with a 450-400 and you can get that in a Sabatti or Merkel and save some money. it will kill anything including elephant quite well. Also the 450 N.E. and .470 are available..IMO, and based solely on my experience with the 500s I find they are too bulky, too heavy to pack all day in hot weather and too slow to mount and make snap shots and slow to retrieve from recoil..

I don't care for Blazers at all, much prefer the Searcy,Sabatti or a Merkel,in available double rifles and I would opt for a good used one, as doubles don't get shot much and most are in excellent condition. The larger the bore the less they have been used is pretty much a given it seems!

Shoot the heck out of your 9.3 and enjoy it. Proper bullets and placement will ALWAYS get the job done. The 500 is a fairly specialized rifle and that S2 may not be the best model for your needs. My Sabatti in 450NE is a real shooter so that may be a future option if you want a bigger caliber rifle that does not bust the bank account.

quote:

with the 500s I find they are too bulky, too heavy to pack all day in hot weather and too slow to mount and make snap shots and slow to retrieve from recoil..

:

Although they are heavier than a 450/400 or 450, I disagree with the point about being slow to mount, shoot and recover from, assuming proper technique.

For evidence to the contrary, see the thread titled "Recoil Recovery time and speed of ejectors" in the Double Rifle category. I think you'll find the second shot comes quickly and accurately in the video.

Whether they are too heavy depends on who you are. If some guy resembles a pack mule, they're fine. If not, they're heavy.

Twenty some-odd years ago the 9 and a half pound 375's were like boat anchors to me. Guess what they are now?

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Whether they are too heavy depends on who you are. If some guy resembles a pack mule, they're fine. If not, they're heavy.

Twenty some-odd years ago the 9 and a half pound 375's were like boat anchors to me. Guess what they are now?

This is true. However, see if you can mount a large calibre Double as fast as a 12ga Trap gun.

I have kicked the S2 deal around a bunch especially in a 500/416. There has always been something that has prevented it. I have shot 3 different S2 (a 375,500/416, and a 500)They all shot spot on and I could get over the looks, but that damn cocker. If you did not have to cock it everytime. Shoot one round and open it and that damn cocker comes flying back.

I'd go hunting with my 10K, the 9.3x74R will do wonders for pigs, deer, moose, large antelope, and even a buffalo or 2. The advice you got above is more than sound. If you buy a S2--by it at a good price $6500 or under, or be prepared to take a licking. Buy a nice Merkel, Kreighoff,Searcy..ect you can find them for around the same 9K-10K shoot them for 5-6 years and get the same that you paid for them...Hell you might even make a dollar or two, depending on the market.

Enjoy your new double!

Ed

Part of the reason I bought the 9.3x74R was because I figured it would "do" for everything, Ok on the light side for Buff and Elephant; but then I doubt I'll be hunting elephant anytime soon. I also figured I could get more "domestic" use out of it than a 470 etc, thus making me better prepared for DG.

That being said I have to admit some "cartridge envy" is the motivating force behind wanting the 500NE.

Edelweiss,

My own $0.02 is that a .500 is too specialized. It's only better than the 9.3x74 for elephant and (arguably) buffalo, and you hunt those with your feet. The problem is not how fast you can mount the rifle but how you feel after carrying it all day for several days. Allowing for the unavoidable fatigue and recoil factors, I suspect that you would be able to kill buffalo faster and better with the 9.3x74. The .500 is a stopping rifle, not a hunting rifle. Buffalo charges are extremely rare and that's one of the things your PH is good for.

Well I have a Blaser S2 in 500 NE. I have posted about it on the Double Rifles forum. I love the gun. I have a K gun in 500/416 and an M.K. Owen in 450 x 3 1/4 NE. When I go to Africa it will be the Blaser that goes with me!
I did not buy the gun to sell to someone else!
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Indy:
The .500 is a stopping rifle, not a hunting rifle.

I haven't had to stop a charge with my 500 yet, but I've sure done a lot of hunting with it!

If you want a good deal on a thumper and can use a Blaser, take a look at Cabela's "sale rack". They are offering a 470 Blaser with pivot scope mounts and a Swarovski 1.75X6 scope. The price is $8K. I believe it is at the Lehi, Utah store.