The Accurate Reloading Forums
Ratty old English doubles

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/55410796

16 December 2003, 06:51
500grains
Ratty old English doubles
While there are certainly a few fine old English doubles out there, the bulk of what I see are very ratty specimens in questionable condition. For example, look at this heap for $19,450:






16 December 2003, 08:02
N E 450 No2
500grains
Check with dealers like www.champlinarms.com
and www.westleyrichards.com
You should be able to find a good 450/400 for under $10,000.
The bigger calibers will be a bit more. The 470,s usualy being the most expensive. If you want something bigger than the 400's look at the 450's and the 475 No2.
16 December 2003, 09:03
500grains
450no2,

I have seen some nice 450-400's made by WR for $8K. But I am not confident that a 450-400 will even kill an elk, never mind a buffalo.

The best I could do on a 476 Jeffery was $12K, and it was rather ratty.

For the cost conscious, clearly a new double is the way to go, not to mention the advantage of having a warranty.
16 December 2003, 10:01
N E 450 No2
Nothing wrong with the new made doubles at all. I just like the British Doubles best. Check out the 450 3 1/4 Gibbs at Champlin's. I haven't handled this particular rifle, but I have handled several other Gibbs. All were very nice.
16 December 2003, 11:59
NitroX
Quote:

While there are certainly a few fine old English doubles out there, the bulk of what I see are very ratty specimens in questionable condition. For example, look at this heap for $19,450:








True enough at that over the top price, but if the price was right, wouldn't a rough old piece that was "re-conditionable" and which turned out to be a 'shooter' be a bargain.

I assume that rifle is a Holland & Holland?
16 December 2003, 12:30
JudgeG
It's a Holland & Holland Sidelock in .465/450, I believe. Medallion Grade, I suspect.
16 December 2003, 18:56
mbogo375
It appears to be a Dominion Grade H&H sidelock. From the barrel diameter it is likely not one of the smaller cartridges (maybe a 500/465?). It could be nicely restored if the bores are good and it is sound mechanically. The downside is the shortened stock with the spacer.

This is what it could look like after reblacking the barrels and judicious refinishing of the stock. Makes for a nicer looking rifle.


Jim
16 December 2003, 18:58
Mickey1
465/450?? Who is selling this for $19,000? It must be a private sale with the seller having no clue as to value.
17 December 2003, 00:42
JudgeG
Holland & Holland Dominion Grade Sidelock .500-450 3 1/4" $19,450



Double Rifle Nitro Express



26" SxS chopper-lump barrels with folding twilight front bead, hand-filed



quarter rib, 1 standing and 2 folding express sights, 14 5/8"pull from DT to



pad with 1/2" extension. Figured walnut stock with trapdoor PG cap, lever-



release splinter forend, beaded pancake cheekpiece, top tang extended



over comb, and vacant silver oval. Border-engraved receiver with hand



detachable locks, double Purdey underbolts, bushed firing pins, Greener



crossbolt and gold-line cocking indicators. Proofed for 70gr cordite and



480gr bullets. Weight: 10lbs, 2oz. 90%blue, traces casehardening colors.



Perfect bores



www.hallowellco.com



I was wrong above, can you believe that ????
17 December 2003, 01:40
Marrakai
Personally, I love that 1/2-inch extension. Means I can rip it out and chuck it away, and the gun will most likely fit me!

Any Holland detachable sidelock in .465 with perfect bores is damn near worth its weight in gold these days.