...that is worth a damn that I could try to find in .470NE that isnt going to break my bank account?? Is there a reliable gun out there that is well made, and isnt going to cost me to the tune of a full blown safari??
I am headed back to Zim next year to do another ele, and would LOVE to have a crack at him with a SXS..

Give me some ideas, guys.. Ive never even considered a SXS until this last ele hunt.. now I find myself cruising the ARbay and several other WTB/FS out there, looking to see if I can pick up a great deal on a good, used SXS in .470NE..
Is 5 or 6K an insult on a used SXS? I'm not looking for a brand spanking new H&H or Westley Richards.. just a good, reliable rifle..

Lets hear some ideas!

Nearly any solid English made 470 double is going to cost $20,000 +.
I know of a nice, solid Jeffery boxlock 450/400 that can be had for $13,000 and that is the cheapest English double I've seen in a while.

pretty much what I thought after seeing them in that range time and time again!! It never hurt to ask though!

Ah well, I'd rather elephant hunt with a good bolt gun than to not hunt at all!!

There are German 500 NE's going for 8K if you look. It's do-able at that price range.

A Merkel .500NE is a pretty good deal at around 8K. Needs a good pad, but damn accurate double for the money. Good Ele caliber too.-Rob

Chapuis and Merkel, and the odd Krieghoff, too, and even a Heym once in a while, can be found for $8K-15K.

There is a Merkel 470 listed on GunsAmerica right now for $6,400, I doubt you could find a better buy. SEE GA Number: 920772045) Classified Ad

Bengo, thats a pretty good price.. now its starting to get in the right range!! I'm gonna check that 1 out!

Scotty Boy,

try www.gunsinternational.com

there are some good guns out there for way under 10K

The Four most important things in a double rifle are the following:

1. It FITS YOU AND SWINGS LIKE ITS PART OF YOU!
2. It doesnt double on you
3. It accurate and Regulates more than one load
4. You can afford it.
About 10 double rifles have passed through my hands the vast majority had problems. Accuracy at 50 yrds was the most common problem. Be careful. Shoot the gun before you buy it if at all possible. Deal with a reputable dealer or group and if you cant get it to shoot return it. You should expect a 2" group or better at 50 yrds 2 shots from each barrel. Make sure they dont cross. -Rob

Scottyboy,

Once you get past a 140.1 Merkel everything else is more. 5K or 6K would damn near be a pipe dream, unless you spent some serious time looking.

My advice would be to spend a little more and get one that fit good and you really liked. If you buy it right you will not lose any money, and my doubles all have out-paced my 401K as of lately.

Ken at Kebco had a Verney Carron in a 470 for under 10K. These are nice rifles, You can find the off K-gun for 8K to 11K they are OK, if you dont mind the combi-cocker. Then you have the Blaser, not a bad gun just really different! The few I've shot in a 375,500-416,500 all have been accurate.

My advice is to look in your price range, if you look at more expensive gun you will want a more expensive gun

Verney Carron, Chapuis, K-gun, Merkel-- If you feel like being different Blaser.

That where I'd start looking.

Ed

Just got done looking at all the sites:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti...m.asp?Item=125960719

Alex, is a pretty good guy to deal with and a Blaser 500 is not a bad rifle, just not my first pik.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/V...m.asp?Item=125860769

Great buy on a quality gun!

http://www.eurogunimports.com/Inventory.htm

I've spoke with Charles on a couple of times, always was helpful and might find you one are deal with what he has in stock!

Last I wanted to say, Adam Freeman (AFreeman-- post name on AR) has been getting some guns made in Europe, mainly Italy. They are top quality rifles, but well worth the price--PM him and I'm sure he will help you also.

Scottyboy, I know how you feel a double gets into your blood. I remember when I shopped for my first double! That was 3 doubles ago! I've had to sell 2 two to afford my new one, but I just ordered a FAMARS from Luxus Walnut in a 450/400 3". I cant wait for it to arrive.

Ed

great looking guns.. You are right though about just putting the pennies away til I can afford THE gun that I want..

Might have to pull a few pennies outta the 401K and put it into something that actually HOLDS some value these days!!

On the ele hunt last month, it was a great experience, but I kept finding myself daydreaming of doing it with a nice double in hand instead! Now with the upcoming trip in the works for next year for another one, I', getting that "itch" to find a double even worse than ever!

That one on Guns America is a great deal One Stop is very good to deal with.
I have a Merkel 470 NE for sale but would not even consider selling it at that price. I don't think it will last long at that price.

Would recommend a Merkel 470NE

What do you guys think about this one? I've heard about them before but don't really know anything about them:

http://www.gunsinternational.c...cfm?gun_id=100074457

I almost thought that was the 470 for me but it is a shotgun with rifle barrel sleeves in it and sights put on. Not what I would buy. Too good to be true catagory.

quote:

Originally posted by PoppaW:
I almost thought that was the 470 for me but it is a shotgun with rifle barrel sleeves in it and sights put on. Not what I would buy. Too good to be true catagory.

Agreed.. looks as cheap as it costs IMO..
Nope, not that one for sure!!

I've got a Merkel .500 just sitting around it that might be on interest to you.

Been a couple days since I have been on here and I could not resist reading this title/post.

Since Ed has brought up the guns we are having built, a will slightly elaborate for any one interested.

We provide a great deal of wood to the gun trade overseas. Because of these relationships we are at an advantage when we sat at the table with some of our pre-selected gun makers and requested that they build a few guns for us and to our specs.

The gun being built by Famars/Abbiatico and Salvinelli is pobably going to be the wisest investment for those that can.
These guns will start at $17,500. Of course they will have nice wood gratis, but upgrades are available, though the wood we are using as standard no gun company in the U.S. would sell for anything less than exhibition.

We are limited on the numbers we can have built. Most sold as SCI the first two days.
We have a few spots left and the only reason is because we have not approached too many people.

These guns will have engraving.
They will be regulated with Hornady and Federal ammo when applicable.

They will be worth more $ than what we are introducing these at and that will take about as long as it takes for the first one to go on the second hand market. The only comparable guns to these on the market, new or used, sell for well over $30,000.

PM or email if you want photos and all the details. They look VERY English with a faint whiff of fish and chips (for you Ed).

Please, contact us only if you are serious. We are limited as I stated above.