Just placed my order with Butch for a 500 NE. I'll see him at teh Dallas show to be fit and pick out all the "I just can't live without that" options.

Any advise you guys have. This will be a PH model and will be a working mans rifle. ie to be used and used some more. It's my first double so I'm blind on what it the right choices but I trust Butch and his product peroid. ANy sugestions on sights. Stock options. I'm not really into engraving but I was thinking about getting some minimalistic classic engraving on it just for the fun of it. Since I'm facinated with lions I think a lion or something.

At 9500 it's not a fortune but still I would like to do it right. The gun will need to be shot adn it will be. I shoot a lot and this one will be no exception. My eyes are not thte greatest but I am not going to put a scope on a double. What barrel lengths, sight recomendations? any thing else. I appreciate all your help and that you all gave before.

Now I just have to be patient until it's ready. I don't do waiting very well but with Butche's quality and product I willlearn to wait and do it happily. I think I'll have to take this one to TZ in 07 with Pierre Von Tonder for 28 days. After reading about Rob's hunt I need to take a jumbo with it.

Well, advise away. I have until January to make final decisions. My deposit and order is simply to get me my spot on the calander before the SCI shows in Reno adn Dallas.

Once again, a new toy on the way. What a hobbie. Just love everything about it.

John

I waited about 15 monthes for my Searcy 500 to arrive in Australia-paperwork +++ both sides of the Pacific.It ,so far, has proved worth the wait.

When he gets going on it let me know, I'd be glad to stop by Butch's shop and get some pictures of it during the build stage. I'm there a couple of times a year just to shoot the breeze with him.

John - I've contemplated ordering one also and here are the options I see value in. I think your fixed on barrel length (maybe not).

1) long pistol grip (b/c that's the way a DR should be)
2) a grip cap (or trap grip cap) b/c the long grip needs to meet up with something to look "right".

I suppose you could look at extra sight leaves, but in a 500 I don't see the practicality of them and they (like these other options) seem to be a bit pricey from butch.

Other than that... I can't see what else is necessary.

Fritz:

Congrats on teh newest addition! Butch is stocking our .577 this week and sending it out for engraving hopefully next week.

Hopefully it'll be finished by SCI and Dallas - he wants to bring it to both.

If I can offer some suggestions, first and foremost I would recommend a wood upgrade. That is the "cheapest" way to upgrade a DR, according to Butch himself. For a few extra hundred you can get some nice fiddleback.

I personally like the trap, grip cap and stock medallion, so that's what Butch is putting on ours.

If your eyes are getting old like mine you might want to take a look at the NECG "fibre optic" front bead. Butch uses the NECG front sight and the beads are interchangable.

I replaced the std brass bead on my 375 bolt rifle with one of the "fibre optic" beads and it is much more visible. The bead is offered in three diameters and the middle size is every bit as visible as a much larger flip up night bead on my double rifle.

Go to nitroexpress.com and the double rifle forum for a discussion about five topics down or so on the sight choices for a Searcy.

500grs switched to one of the "fibre optic" beads and is in Zim right now trying it out on elephant. When he gets back you can ask him for his first hand impression of how it worked.

Hope this is helpful.

JPK

PS: Doesn't sound like your headed in this direction but I'd go with the std recoil pad rather than a leather covered pad. My rifle, which is a Thys sidelock, has a leather covered pad. I love leather covered pads on my shotguns, but find the leather on a rifle leads to the butt wanting to wander too much.

I like the sight sugestions. I saw one of those NECG sights on a tactical shotgun. It looked really easy to pick up. I plan on having only one fixed leaf rear sight. Sighted in at 75 yards. With the 500 that should keep it useable on body shots to 100 yds and for all effective uses spot on to 25 yards. Inside that I figure it will be right to point of aim except for sight to centerline of bore difference and will work just great on brain shots on elephant or buff or anything else for that matter.

I was thinking if there is any reason to have 22" barrels. I doubt velocity loss will amount to beans and I wonder if it would be any easier to point. The shorter sight plane does concern me but I still wonder if there would be any advantage to having 22" barrels. I will get to handle some of Butch's 24" guns before I have to decide and without the need for an action(boltand all that jass) it well may be perfect at 24"

Also what do you all think about the 500 vrs. the 470. I know the 470 is far more practical but if you have read any of my posts you will know I like big bores. That said is the 500 really necessary. I think I will go tht route (500NE) but if there is a good case for teh 470 I'll listen. BTW, cost of ammo or availability of components is not a valit argurment for one over the other IMO. Having better luch finding 470 in TZ is a good point however.

Keep it coming. I'm learning a lot here but see I still have a long way to go before I finalize the details of the gun. That's half the fun of getting a new gun made though anyway.

John

Fritz:

Regarding the length of the barrels, I would let Butch make the first call. For our .577 he's adding one inch to the barrels to help balance the entire gun. The barrels will be .25 inches.

Start with Butch's expertise, shoulder some of the different lengths and go from there. He WON'T steer you wrong.

Regarding the argument for a .500 over a .470: I think you answered it: "I like big bores." Join the club, my friend.

.470 is the .30-06 for DG DR in my opinion. You will see more .470s than anything else out there in the new rifles. (Federal Ammo made that happen when they produced their ammo for it and everyone started regulating with it.) I got my .500 NE because I wanted something bigger. I too love big bores and can't wait for the .577 to get finished. I'm not recoil sensitive so the difference from the .470 to .500 is nothing to me.

Both .470 and .500 will kill anything currently walking on this planet. BUT, when the stuff hits the fan the .500 will give you that little bit more should you need it. (99.9999999% of the people will never be under gunned with a .470). Heavier bullet, greater frontal area.

Fjold:

Love the bouncing boobs!

If you make it to butch's anytime from now until January, snap a few pics of Paul's .577! I'd love to see how it is progressing!

Thanks all. I think the best advise is to listen to Butch and I will. I liked him the moment I meet him 7 or 8 years ago and he knows his shit. So tell the master the caliber I want and what I what to do with it. ie hunt big nasties and let him decide the details. I have no doubt that he will do right by me and I will absolutely love the gun when I get it and it will fit and point like a fine shotgun.

Thanks,
John

I just ordered a Searcy too! I also ordered the PH in 500NE. I had a hard time deciding between the 470NE & 500NE - talked to Butch on the phone and he recommended the 500NE if I planned to do much elephant hunting. Plus, I already have a 416 Rigby and wanted to step up with the double. Estimated delivery time is 8 months. Butch said he regulates both (470 & 500) at 2150fps.

quote:

I just ordered a Searcy too!

Congrats! I'm sure you'll love it!

You might want to consider using the Pachmyer sporting clays pad. It is hard rubber on top that slides rather than catch on your clothes. It comes in the decelerator material. Good luck with your Searcy! I love mine!!!

Does anyone know how many Searcy doubles have so far been made ?side by sides ?

Great, the only personel touches I'm going to add is to upgrade the wood and to add some engraving. Not too much but enough just to class it up a bit.

Butch told me 8-9 months or so. I wanted to get teh order in before the sci shows as he says his delivery then goes way out after the orders fromthe shows. I have my money down and my spot reserved. I'm used to shoorint things like the 600 OK, 550 mag 500 A2, 505 gibbs, 475 Mbogo etc so I think I'm up for the 500 NE plus it is just enough different to have a bit of extra appeal. I'm hunting Elephant in 07 and this will be my gun of choice so teh 500 makes sense in that case as well.

John

quote:

Originally posted by velodog:
Does anyone know how many Searcy doubles have so far been made ?side by sides ?

I don't, but seems like Butch told me he was making about 50-guns/year. Maybe he can answer your question.

John,
good on the wood... by far the best way to improve butch's damn good design.

the grip trapdoor is excellent for carrying extra front sights!!! especially if you go fiber optic.. you'll want another in your hands in minutes.

have butch measure you for grip.. the long grip is fine for the 450 and down.. might be okay for the 470, but a 500 is going to "break your grip" in recoil, and i've got a healing scar from that experence in a big boy.

jeffe

What about the flip up night sight as an option? Butch said you didn't need it, but I thought it might be handy to have under low light conditions. I have one on my 416 and I find it very fast to acquire, however I have only used it at the range (done all of my hunting with a 1.5-5x Leupold scope).

quote:

Originally posted by fritz454:
Just placed my order with Butch for a 500 NE. I'll see him at teh Dallas show to be fit and pick out all the "I just can't live without that" options.

Any advise you guys have. This will be a PH model and will be a working mans rifle. ie to be used and used some more. It's my first double so I'm blind on what it the right choices but I trust Butch and his product peroid. ANy sugestions on sights. Stock options. I'm not really into engraving but I was thinking about getting some minimalistic classic engraving on it just for the fun of it. Since I'm facinated with lions I think a lion or something.

At 9500 it's not a fortune but still I would like to do it right. The gun will need to be shot adn it will be. I shoot a lot and this one will be no exception. My eyes are not thte greatest but I am not going to put a scope on a double. What barrel lengths, sight recomendations? any thing else. I appreciate all your help and that you all gave before.

Now I just have to be patient until it's ready. I don't do waiting very well but with Butche's quality and product I willlearn to wait and do it happily. I think I'll have to take this one to TZ in 07 with Pierre Von Tonder for 28 days. After reading about Rob's hunt I need to take a jumbo with it.

Well, advise away. I have until January to make final decisions. My deposit and order is simply to get me my spot on the calander before the SCI shows in Reno adn Dallas.

Once again, a new toy on the way. What a hobbie. Just love everything about it.

John

God i hate you

quote:

Originally posted by MHC_TX:
What about the flip up night sight as an option? Butch said you didn't need it, but I thought it might be handy to have under low light conditions. I have one on my 416 and I find it very fast to acquire, however I have only used it at the range (done all of my hunting with a 1.5-5x Leupold scope).

You can add the flip-up night sight later...

they cost $49.00 from NECG


or you can buy one from Butch for $95.00

Fritz454- One thing going for the .500 is you can build it pretty light as compared to a .470 due to needing less weight in the barrels. I'm having butch make me a set of barrels in n.500NE to fit my .470. Butch thinks he can get it down to 9.5lbs. It will kick hard but I'd much rather deal with that then carrying that extra weight when we go ELE hunting in 2007.-Rob

If your thinking flip up night sight for later than you need Butch to regulate the rifle for the same height brass bead or fibre optic since the flip up is only offered in one height.

The brass beads and fibre optic beads are offered in a variety of heights.(And bead diameters also)

As I mentioned in my earlier post, at the range I have found the middle size fibre optic much more visible than the flip up night sight, which is much larger (subtends about six or seven inches at 50yds). I haven't switched my double rifle from the flip up to a fibre optic since it has no hood and I worry about breaking it more than I worry about the brass bead and flip up combo.

My 375 has a hood and I swapped out the original solid hood for a new NECG hood that has oval holes milled in on each side to let the light in. This works well.

I carry a spare brass bead front sight in the grip grip cap of my double but my front sight, which was made by the German supplier to NECG, and which fits the NECG inserts, has a different method of securing the insert. Not nearly as quick and easy to change as my 375's NECG front sight inserts. Still field expedient, or maybe bakkie expedient, but not as quick as the NECG method.

Should mention here that I've seen two methods of securing the NECG inserts; one by spring loaded ball or piston (on my 375) one by allen screw, both easy and quick and the inserts fit either system but for the allen screw you need the allen wrench.

500 grs will be back from his Zim elephant hunt in three weeks, and like I said he's using the fibre optic. I'd definietly ask him how it worked. I will be back from my Zim trip in about a month and I'd be happy to share how the flip up and or the fibre optic sights worked.

JPK

[quote]Robgunbuilder
I'm having butch make me a set of barrels in .500NE to fit my .470.


Robingunbuider,
Just curious on your decision to up grade to the 500NE - did you wish you had "more gun" on your last elephant hunt? The reason I ask is I had a hard time deciding between the 470NE & the 500NE. I have ordered a 500NE too, mainly for elephant and buffalo hunting, plus I would like to take a hippo on land with it. I'm still not 100% sure and thought about switching my order to the 470NE - mainly because Northfork is going to offer the 470 in their cup points & flatnose solids. I would like to hear your opinion since you've been there & done that.
Thanks!

Rob, sounds like we'll have the same arsenal in camp in 07. A Searcy 500 NE and the 600OK. Well at least we can help each other out if ammo starts to run low. I will be asking Butch to keep it as light as he can. I'd go for 9 lbs if possible but 9.5 sounds about perfect and if it's doable that would work out really well

It was your elephant hunt post that got me to decide on the double. Always wanted one but could never see "why" but after reading what could have happened on your hunt last month I called Butch.

I'm sending him the deposit now to get on the calendar and he'll fit me in Dallas in Jan. I'll then have to make all the final decisions like sights and wood. I am definitely going to go up a grade or two on wood. Also have a bit more than the standard engraving. I think a lion on one side and an Elephant on the other. If I can I'll then add a buff on the bottom.

Either way I know I will shoot it a lot and get my money out of it.

Everyone else, I appreciate the sight ideas. This is where I am most unsure the way to go. I like peep sights. Always could use them really well and accurately but how would one look. Function is everything but hell it's got to look good too. Anyway between the help you guys are giving me and what Butch will have to say I'm confident I'll end up with a good useable, accurate set up that I will be able to see the sights. Hell if it's built right and knowing Butch it will be the sights are almost unnecessary as the gun will shoot where I point it

Since my hunt in 07 has gone from 21 days to 24 days and now it's a full 28 days AND I'm going to do a 14 day ranch hunt in RSA, most likely after TZ I have no reason to bitch about anything. I'm sure there are people that only dream about hunts like this one. I just got really luck on an investment I made and I'm about to semi retire so I have both the cash and the time. Wahoo.

I also will have some good friends along and that will add to the hunt in ways beyond the harvesting of game. It's all about good friends and to enjoy them and their company while you can. (I lost my best buddy of over 25 yrs to cancer a year ago).

Enough rambling. I'm going to love this double and of course; I'll post pictures when I get it. I will certainly take Fjold up on getting some pictures while Butch is working on it.

Martin, If you promise not to hate me I'll let you shoot it. . I'll also have to try out some of your bullets although as you know I have a pretty good selection but any excuse to shoot it more I'll take.

JPK, I will be talking at length to Dan when he gets back. He is one of the many people whose opinions I really value on here. He knows what he is talking about and pulls no punches. Also he is willing to share his experience which on elephant is extensive for today's Africa.

I've seen him shoot some absolutely incredible groups with the Bridger Solids with his Searcy 500 NE.

As always a wealth of info on this site. When I do retire I may just pull up a chair and watch this site from dawn to dusk. Lots of experience and good folks.

John

My 470 from Butch is 9 1/2 pounds. The 12 Ga barrels run 9 pounds 2 oz. I was disappointed first with that weight thinking it too heavy. However, it will be excellent for practice and much cheaper than shooting the 470 in practice.

Good point thumper. I will need to get a set of 12 ga barrels to go with it all. That's a must have.

My 450 No2 has 28" barrels. My 450/400 has 26" bbls. I have handled and shot other doubles with 27 and 28" bbls and I like them.
I would want at least 26" bbls on any big bore double. I Just like the extra length. It is all a matter of what you are used to.
I have several bolt rifles with 18" to 20" bbls and I like them too.
I shot 500Grains 500 Searcy, and it was a tack driver. I shot Clarks 500 Merkel, and it too shot very well.

Still I have yet to find a big bore double as sweet as my 450 No2.

Hopefully Butch will have a few barrel lengths for me to try out and swing about. I usually like short arrels but until you give it a go I'm keeping an open mind.

fritz454
I would definately get the 12 ga bbls. I sure wish I had them for my big bore double or even 20 ga for my 9,3x74R Chapuis.
Grt the bbl length that you like best.
Have you fired a 500?
Are you comming to the Dallas Safari Show? If so be sure and hook up with the DRSS.

Martin, If you promise not to hate me I'll let you shoot it. . I'll also have to try out some of your bullets although as you know I have a pretty good selection but any excuse to shoot it more I'll take.


My jackets for the .550 dont get here till this friday .. as do my .458 jackets and the .375 jacket wont make it for about two more weeks .

I think the shoot your doing might be over before the bullets get there i still needto finish up Ed's ... wana job..
This one at a time is goingto kill this company i need a kiln

Could i ask why you dont go 20 Ga 3 inch Or 10 Ga 3 1/2 inch instead of the normal 12 Ga..

On barrel length, my double has 26" barrels. Also I have found that while a 14 5/8" LOP is just right for a bolt gun I prefer 15" for my double-which is the same LOP I prefer on my shotguns. Even with the longer stock my double is a bit, maybe an inch, shorter than my 23" barreled bolt guns.

Hope this helps

JPK

JPK, my LOP is normally 15.25" on my bolt action rifles. If it is true that the LOP increases a bit on doubles Butch will need a super long piece of wood for mine.

Looks like another gun I'll have to leave to Jeff in my will. Where are the knuckle draggers around here. It can't be just me and Jeffeosso.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz454:
Looks like another gun I'll have to leave to Jeff in my will. Where are the knuckle draggers around here. It can't be just me and Jeffeosso.

I'm prepared to have it restocked and keep the original wood enshrined in your memory. Now, I just need to outlive you.

I've got a saw, and I know how to use it.

Hog Killer

quote:

Originally posted by Hog Killer:
I've got a saw, and I know how to use it.

Hog Killer

That just shows a clear lack of respect for the original wood that I carefully avoided in my post.

i had a searcy 500 sold it to my ph kinda as a gift.......i will be ordering another 500 soon.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz454:
JPK, my LOP is normally 15.25" on my bolt action rifles. If it is true that the LOP increases a bit on doubles Butch will need a super long piece of wood for mine.

Looks like another gun I'll have to leave to Jeff in my will. Where are the knuckle draggers around here. It can't be just me and Jeffeosso.

John,
these little fellas just don't know....

send him a one piece blank.. she should be able to make it long enough with a good pad!!!


Keith keeps threatening to chop down my rifles... not while i am holding it though!!!

jeffe

Blasphemy, Cut down one of my stock after I had the decency to go and croak. I will have to make a list of those and their "have saw will travel comments"

Now where are the offers to have your arms and shoulder altered to the proper length for the rifle to fit as is?

quote:

Originally posted by fritz454:
Now where are the offers to have your arms and shoulder altered to the proper length for the rifle to fit as is?

I'm thinking that kind of elective orthopedic surgery will cost me more than a double. I did see a program where some guy in China was getting his legs lengthened so he could be taller. Not for me.

I think the .470NE is fully capable of handling any game animal on earth. It certainly earned my respect on my last ELE hunt and I now know what it's like to just HAVE TO TURN a bull and caliber wise what it takes to do that! My major reason for the .500NE IS WEIGHT REDUCTION. You carry that gun far more than you shoot it and the less the gun weighs the better shape your in for a fight after 6-10 miles of tracking. A simple way to reduce the weight of my .470NE is the lighter barrels of the .500NE. Butch says he can shave a pound off the weight with those barrels. The added power of the .500NE is not a bad thing either. Having both .470NE doubles and now a .500NE Merkel, my opinion is the .470NE will be much easier for most people to shoot vs the .500NE. The .500NE hits a bit harder, but not enough to matter. Both will get the job flat done.-Rob