GarBy,

Give the Sims Limb Saver pad a look and feel. Either will do well, the Sims is softer on recoil and holds up as well.

On my Searcy Deluxe .500 NE, I kept the original sight on it because with the larger bead, you will cover a lot of the target. I'm not familiar with the size and look of the Merkel bead, so you will have to experiment with that one.

As Butch put it to me, and those who have been in this situation may be able to attest; if the shit hits the fan and you are close to the game, you will be pointing the rifle, not aiming with sights. Sounds like accurate wisdom.

I don't use a recoil reducer in my .500 NE but it would be a considration if I needed to get a better balance. Again, your choice, but I don't feel that it's a necessity.

If I'm not mistaking, I saw that Redding was now making a .470 die. Look into that one. If not, go with the RCBS. Best price is through D&R Sports.

All the best,

Sam
eclemmons@hotmail.com

Well, after lingering in and out, mostly out, for the past couple of years, you good folks finally got to me.....I HAD to finally buy a double. Bought a new Merkel 470 NE. I know, it's not a Douglas, H&H, Westley Richards or the lot, but I'm VERY happy with its look and feel. Besides, new, I paid thru my local dealer, less than $7900, including the Governor's cut. That being said, I need some advice. For sure it needs a recoil pad...yes it kicks pretty well. And, I'm not sure if putting a mercury reducer in it is worth it. That's where you guys come in. I'm thinking about sending it to George at Champlin and having the following mods done:

New front site...the ivory one he lists on his site.
Pachmyr recoil pad.
Mercury recoil "stopper".

Any thoughts?

I also bought some Norma brass, already have the RL 15, 19, and 4831sc powders that seem to be good for this caliber as I reload for about 10 other rifles and handcannons. WHERE CAN I GET A SET OF DIES? By the way, the rifle was regulated for the Federal 500 gr. Sledgehammer. The target shows a 1 cm group at 50 meters...not bad.

That's all the rambling for now. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Gary B.

I had a Merkel 470 NE a while back and ended selling it because it seemed to fit this other guy so much, after I had put a nice hard Red recoil pad on it and changed the sights to NECG ones, that he insisted I let him have it. I believe that is all that is needed. If you take the mickeymouse plastic butt piece off it and look inside the stock, you'll see lead inside. You can get RCBS dies from Huntington's, but they're pricey--$200 +/-. I almost traded these dies to some ol' Ideeho cowboy and am glad I still have them.

Congradulations!

Glad the double gun bug is spreading!

As the newest member of the Double Rifle Shooters Society, I welcome you to our Merry Band of Brothers!

Glad to have you aboard. You are going to love it!

Thanks for the help. I had not checked Huntington. I saw the sights you mentioned in the Brownells catalog, but thought the idea of a light (ivory) front site was a good idea. How do the NECG sites compare to whats stock on the gun? Mickey Mouse butplate is appropriate....and it's not going to stay.

Keep the suggestions coming....I appreciate them.

Gary B.