I am about to purchase my 1st double. Plan on 470 NE.
What are the 3 top most dependable brands?
I believe H&H and Rigby and maybe Purdy but need more experienced ones to help. My budget tops at around 30K.

You might want to jump down a few to the ‘Double Rifle’ forum just below.

Id add Wesley Richards to that count..but if I was planning on going to Africa and hunting Id go for a Searcy, it can be replaced if airlines smashes it, or the PU flips over or a buff or elephant stomps it..I wouldn't take a $30,000 double to Africa, but that's a personal decision..My many trips to Africa were with a Jefferys 450-400, or a Navy Arms in same, and a .470 Searcy..Searcys outshoot the rest, end of story..

quote:

Originally posted by huntnjim:
I believe H&H and Rigby and maybe Purdy but need more experienced ones to help. My budget tops at around 30K.

For those 3 brands, you'll probably need to put a 1 in front of that $30K.

I would vote for Heym as I have never had a problem with the 3 I have. A new one would be within your $30,000 budget. The Heym 98B is a Brittish "pattern" rifle and available fitted to you for about 20k "plain" and from there you can select wood, engraving, finish, etc upgrades.

What gbs said. Or a Verney Carron.

$30,000 may just be a deposit on some of those listed. Used market?

I've got 3 Searcy's. Wouldn't trade them for any other brand. call Butch.

30k?
searcy PH, and go hunting --
option it with scope base / red dot base / DR optiks

But, TBH, for your "first" double, get kodiak in 45/70 - and learn to shoot it, and the advantages and short comings of a double

in fact, do both, find you a kodiak, order a searcy

I am no expert. My only double is a VC Demas 470 I got last year by luck.

Unless I am very wealthy, I would do a LOT of Research.

Look at Champlins. They have a few H&H sitting around for a LONG time.

Be prepared to have that "investment" locked up and depreciating.

I personally would buy a Heym.

Having said that, PM me and I will introduce you to a guy in NZ who may sell his William Evans 450 NE (Webley action) for a lot less . Taking it out of NZ is easy. You just need the right permits at your end.

My Searcy 470 shoots like a dream. Highly recommended.