Is there a definitive book on double barreled rifles? The different types of locks, pro and con, manufacturer v manufacturer, etc.? Something in the same vein as Jim Carmichael's book, "The Complete Rifle"?

hacksawtom,
There is no such book as yet, that I know of. I have looked high and low, and the closest to it is:

The Hammerless Double Rifle from Design through Construction by Alexander Gray
ISBN: 1-879356-28-7

This book covers the basics, but is not an indepth comparison of the various makers. That might take several volumes.

This can be a hobby for the rest of your life.

Have you scrolled through this for basic vocabulary?:

www.hallowellco.com/abbrevia.htm

Then, W. W. Greener's The Gun and its Development

The table of contents of Alexander Gray's book:
Chapters
1. The Double Rifle
2. Specifications
3. Manufacturing
4. Regulating The Double Rifle
5. The Barrels
6. The Action
7. The Lock
8. The Ejector
9. The Furniture
10. The Stock
11. The Sights
12. The Art
13. The Finish
14. The Cartridge
15. Application
16. Evaluation
17. Maintenance

And for the best practical guide to reloading:

Shooting the British Double Rifle A Modern Guide for Load Development and Use Second Edition
by Graeme Wright.

[ 12-07-2003, 10:26: Message edited by: RIP ]

Thx much, Rip. There's a bunch on all other rifles and for all my research, I couldn't come up with "the book". Now I know why. Happy Holidays.

Hacksaw,

I've got The Hammerless Double Rifle. Not a great book, only a decent reference. Double rifles and drillings were once my idols, shot a few head with a double rifle and regular drilling, but not any more. Tons of fun, but way too much $ and time (especially time!) to make them work for me, I might try again when the kids are gone.

I think the best bet is to get your hands on as many Double Gun Journals as you can and read the articles on double rifles. Austin's "Sporting Rifle" (think that's the name) has some decent information as well.

Good luck!