Does anyone have experience with "William Douglas" double rifles. I believe the're a British firm that's been trading until quite recently (and quite possibly still are) but can't find anything on the net. I've been offered an opportunity to purchase a boxlock double in 470NE but I'm yet to inspect the rifle. I'm told it's only 6-7 years old and in excellent condition.

I thought I'd do a little backgroud checking on this maker as I'm totally unfamiliar with them. All comments, opinions or thoughts on this maker or their rifles are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

RJW

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RJW,

I BELIEVE that "William Douglass" was a company set up (financed etc) in England by Cape Outfitters so that lower cost "English" 470 Nitro Double Rifles could be made but still called "English". The gunsmith in England who built them I think was called ?? Sargeant ??.

As to experience, we have a couple of them here in Australia, one of which I test fired to make sure it shot well and wrote a report on it for an overseas buyer (I get asked to do these when someone is looking at buying a gun).

It was a very easy gun to shoot and shot very well indeed. Balance was quite reasonable for a 470 Nitro (especially compared to some of the very heavy English ones that are around).

The pricing you listed for William Douglass 470's seems quite high from memory. I will see if the one I tested is still available if you want.

If you post your email address on this subject, I will email you the report I wrote.

Hope this helps.

500 Nitro
Australia

Nitro could I get that report also?

Bear Claw,

Post your email address and I'll email it to you.

500 Nitro
Australia

I had purchased a William Douglass double in 470 a couple of weeks ago, the deal fell through when another part of a conveluted trade didn't pan out I had the thing in my hot little hands for a couple of weeks, though, and here's what I was able to learn:
- they are made for the most part in Holland, and then finished in England, I'd imagine so they can be said to be made in England. I am led to understand that they are also regulated in England, too.
- Cape Outfitters is indeed the importer, but I have no idea about who put up what cash, etc.
- Caswell had a new one, cased, at the last Denver show for $11,500; I know he sold it for less than that. I think Westley Richards in Missouri has a used 470 that they are asking $9500 for.
- The fit and finish of the one I had was very good. The balance, weight, everything was first class in my book. The metal finishing was superb. The only flaws in my gun were that the checkering was not what I'd expect on a gun of this cost- a little rough around the edges- and that the front sling swivel, mounted on the bottom rib, appeared to have never been polished. Soldered on as a casting, or whatever.

Anyway, I am disgusted that I no longer own William Douglass 470 SN 11xx, but that's the way it goes....

Hi All,

I called Cape Outfitters a couple of months ago on a separate subject, but did ask why I hadn't been seeing an advertisement from them about the William and Douglass double rifles.

I was told that they were about 2 years behind in production, demand being so high.

It might take a while. Anyway, by what I've been asking and reading in these forums, I believe I'll go with a Searcy.

Regard,

coon

Just to set the record straight. The name Douglas
is anything but Englis! We are Scots! Clan Douglas stood & bled with William Wallace & Robert De Bruce fighting these invaders who stole our land. Please do not confuse us with those land grabbers to the south!

Scottish Hunting attire.

[ 06-08-2002, 18:08: Message edited by: Bear Claw ]

Bear claw,

That attire you claim is Scotch looks aweful English to me. My family is from Yorkshire.

Todd E

Lets get something straight here. Scotch is a whiskey you drink, SCOTS are a people who live in Scotland or are decendents. You can guess what I think of Englanders.

MAKATAK

Todd that is a painting of Sir Archibald Douglas at the battle of Haildon hill in 1333. If you notice he in wearing the Douglas "coat of Arms" displaying 3 Mullets (stars) for 3 crusades to the Holy Land & the Bleeding heart (of King Robert De Bruce). You can not get any more Scottish than Douglas my friend.

And just so we can be crystal clear on this.
Scotch is Whisky!

And I could use a pint and a "Low Flyer" about now!

Rusty
We band of borthers!

Bear claw,

My point is that he is wearing English style arm and surcoat. Most likely the armor was manufactured in England as well.

Todd E

I have shot and played with the William O. Douglas double rifles and seen them in service in Tanzania....I am quite impressed with them, they shoot well and balance perfectly for me..nice guns.

Listen up you dummys that photo of the dude in the armour was taken at the Alamo and has nothing to do with Englishmen or scots..anyone can see that! A little knowledge is a dangerous "thang"