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Originally posted by shootaway:

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Originally posted by Gatogordo:

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Originally posted by shootaway:

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Originally posted by Antlers:
I own both. Heym is nicer - better finish, fit, weight distribution - as you would expect, based on prices.

"better finish" "better fit" "better weight distribution" eh, yeah,ok

If you're so damn knowledgeable about the rifles in question, then why don't you add something to the discussion instead of acting the fool?

If you're not, then why don't you keep your mouth shut and maybe learn something from those who know something.

I don't like you.Stop stalking my posts and harassing me.

In every case where the choice between a Chapuis and a Heym double rife for any cartridge larger than 9.3x74 3" the Heym would get my vote if price was close to the same. However that is not the case with these two doubles.

Before we get into a shouting contest, let me say that I have never seen a Chapuis double that was not very well regulated, and accurate and with no problems I am aware of. The rifles fit me fine so for me the fit is not a problem.

The Heym is a quality double, by todays standards and of the two I have owned though that has been some years ago I had zero problem with either one.

Both are reliable in my opinion, and if either fits your body properly, and what you are interested in is reliability and accuracy, then the price is the only real difference between the two!

I say buy the one you like, and/or the one you can best afford!

In my case I could buy the Chapuis, but if I chose the Heym 89, I would have to sell two or three of the doubles I've owned a hunted for some years.

.......Pick your canoe and paddle on down stream!

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I've probably shot double rifles the least of anyone on here so I'll throw in my 2 cents.

Try the different rifles brands, find the one that you like and buy it.

Rusty, Mike, Jim and the bunch in Houston let me shoot a bunch of their guns about 10 years ago and someone let me try their Chapuis, I think in 470. That gun felt alive in my hands, it jumped to my shoulder, the sights fell in line perfectly for me and when I shot it, I don't remember any recoil. I put three bullets into an inch at 25 yards offhand and pulled one about an inch lower. It shot and felt better than just about any rifle that I've ever tried.

I got to shoot half a dozen doubles that day including some vintage English guns in different calibers but nothing felt as good as that Chapuis.

The only double that I have is a Remington/Baikal in 45.70 as a toy since I'd rather spend the money on more hunting trips than more guns.

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Originally posted by drongo:
Thinking of a new 450/400 and am leaning toward a Heym 89b. I can't help but notice that Chapuis are about 60% of the price. Which way to go?

Heym every time. Better quality all round.

Verney Carron would come in $5,000 less than a heym as well.

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Originally posted by drongo:
Thinking of a new 450/400 and am leaning toward a Heym 89b. I can't help but notice that Chapuis are about 60% of the price. Which way to go?

I recommend that you not only handle and shoot the rifles you're interested in, but that you also take the time to fully understand the standard features on each rifle...

What's included in the base price?

What's an extra-cost option?

You should also consider barrel construction, water table (bar) length, weight for caliber, balance, weight distribution (different than "balance"), design elements/influence, scale, proportions, lines, aesthetics and fit and finish.

When you factor in all of the variables above, it should become more clear as to why some rifles cost more and others cost less; there are reasons why a Sabatti costs less than a Chapuis, and a Holland costs more than a Merkel.

In the end, the most important factor is to understand what you are - or are not - paying for. Combine this information with what you want to spend, and you'll make the right decision for you.

You can't go wrong with the Chapuis or the HEYM, but there are differences between the two... and those differences are reflected in their prices.

I think if you can afford the 89b that is the way to go. There is no doubt that the Chapuis is a great rifle, but it is not the rifle the 89b is. If I could afford a Holland & Holland as opposed to my 88b, I would certainly have the Holland & Holland. Buy the best you can right now and enjoy your rifle. If you are tight in this respect you will probably be sorry later. The 89b will probably always a great investment.

I am no expert. Just shot a bunch of DRs with Sam 10 years ago.

Sam is the real expert on DRs in my limited experience. He owns about 10 at any time having sold & bought several. He has shot tens of thousands of rounds and has owned all the current common brands like VC, Chapuis, Merkel, Heym, Searcy , Sabatti etc.

Sam had issues with 2 VCs in 500 & 577. He went through the lot and has now settled on the Heym as the most reliable.

It is interesting that Sam was happy with his Sabatti and felt that they were under rated. After a few thousand round the gun fell apart.

I can't believe this has gone 2 pages. They are not even in the same league, Heym hands down. Just pick one up feel it, knock the barrels off and have a look, absolute precision. They are like best quality at a fraction of the price.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/648362480

Here is a heym for chapuis money. With the 20 gauge barrels it's the best deal on a used heym in a hot minute.

Mostly it depends on what your going to use a double rifle for..Most never see Dangerous Game as a matter of fact..

If I were hunting DG in Africa like I used to, Id have a good Jefferys box lock or an Army/Navy, they both served me well..If not an English gun the a Searcy, as they shoot fantastic, no minute of grapefruit with a Searcy, for a one shot safari, a Merkle would suit me, they shoot good and I have seen no prolems with them with my clients, they also point well..maybe a little tinney inside, but they work..
If I won the Lottery I buy a high dollar Holland and Holland or WR and be done with it..

Like I said, it just depends on how your going to use it, and how heavy your wallet is..Also lets not forget are really important feature is how it FITS YOU!!

I guess it all comes down to what you want for the price. Colin Masters has a Heym with shotgun barrels at a great price. My 88b ph had upgraded wood, a claw mounted scope with express sights and flip up night sight for the about the same price. The double rifle market is a difficult voyage to take. I guess, having owned classic British doubles in the past, I wish someone would come out with a modern recreation that we would look back 100 years from now as we now do the Jeffery doubles. The 89B could well be the Jeffery for the next generation.