http://www.westleyrichards.com...product.php?id=26181

I have been looking around for a pre war double in .450 3.25". I'm not overly concerned with ejectors. I spoke with Kevin at WR and he said there's slight frosting in the bores. The rifling is in good shape. He said the bores are borderline excellent. The barrel was chopped down from 28" to 25" and reregulated a few years ago by JJ. What are your thoughts on the rifle? Is it priced appropriately at $22,500?

http://www.champlinarms.com/De...StyleID=3&GunID=1639

I was also looking at this 500/450 from Champlin. It's has excellent bores and has also been reworked by JJ. Thoughts on the rifle? Thoughts on its price at $19,950?

Brett

I like the Hollis from Champlins. I can't comment on the price of either, but it certainly doesn't seem out of line.

I just hate that the A&N has been altered.

Either would be good.

Pick the one that fits you better and "feels" good in the hand
- especially the 11Lb gun which is almost 12lbs in weight so it
needs to be balanced for you or it will get heavy very quickly.

The rifle at WR is on the Webley

A&WC action I am almost positive.

A fine, FINE foundation.

Brett

IMHO Leonard guns and Army & Navy guns are 2 of the best doubles ever made...

I recommend you handle both of those doubles in person, and if possible shoot them. Then if one of them speaks to you buy it.

Either one of those guns are not "starter" doubles, they would do for the rest of your life...

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Brett

I recommend you handle both of those doubles in person, and if possible shoot
them. Then if one of them speaks to you buy it.

Either one of those guns are not "starter" doubles, they would do for the rest
of your life...

Wise words from an informed man.

I'm a past owner of the Hollis 500/450--sold it thru Champlin Firearms about 10 years ago and regreted it ever since. The gun shot very well. We took ele and plains game together in Zim. I was delighted to see it again at the store. It's like seeing an old friend.

I handled both at DSC. The Hollis is very heavy and didn't handle well to me. The A&N feels better but whoever chopped the barrels did a poor job joining the rib where it was cut, it is very noticeable.

I would keep looking if I had to have a 450.

Brett:
I saw the Hollis at Reno. If I didn't have the .450 no2 I would have bought it in a minute.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Brett



I recommend you handle both of those doubles in person, and if possible shoot them. Then if one of them speaks to you buy it.

Either one of those guns are not "starter" doubles, they would do for the rest of your life...

Excellent advise. I would lean heavily towards the Army & Navy. It is a Webley screw grip action and the 10 1/4 pound weight is great for a .450 3 1/4" If there is an issue with the muzzle that would be a bargaining point. Regardless of looks a rifle needs to shoot to point of aim with both barrels and fit you reasonably well.

Are the .450 3 1/4", .450 no.2, and 500/450 the only .458 double rifle offerings? My understanding is that the .450 no.2 takes filler when reloading. Are there any newances with loading the .450 3 1/4" or 500/450? How much would it take to repair the poor job joining the rib? I'm just wondering how much it would bring down the price. Thank you!

Brett

The 450 NE is a snap! No filler needed. The recipes I have for the 500/450NE use a foam filler. But I haven't done any of them yet!

By the time we have the spring shoot I'll have a batch ready!

quote:

Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
Are the .450 3 1/4", .450 no.2, and 500/450 the only .458 double rifle offerings? My understanding is that the .450 no.2 takes filler when reloading. Are there any newances with loading the .450 3 1/4" or 500/450? How much would it take to repair the poor job joining the rib? I'm just wondering how much it would bring down the price. Thank you!

Brett

They are the nitro .450s. They all need filler if using R-15 but the 450 3 1/4 and 500/450 don't with 4831s. The 450 no2 does with all powder.

Our own NE 450 No2 can help you with loads for that one.

quote:

Originally posted by 470Evans:
They are the nitro .450s. They all need filler if using R-15 but the 450 3 1/4 and 500/450 don't with 4831s. The 450 no2 does with all powder.

Our own NE 450 No2 can help you with loads for that one.

+ 1

Well said.

My suggestion would be to use 4831 without a filler
- I don't like fillers, preferring to fill the case.

Brett, both rifles reasonably priced. The guys are right, primarily it's how that rifle balances in your hands. If both feel the same in your hands I would go with the A&N in the 450/3.25, ammo and reloading goodies are easy to find. Yes, the barrels have been cut which does affect resale value but I know your not going to make it a safe queen anyway. The Hollis is 1-1.5 pounds too heavy IMO it would be a nice weight for a 500.

Thank you for the info guys. Any thoughts on how much fixing the rib would run/bring the price down on the A & N? I'm leaning towards that rifle anyway, but yes I want to handle them.

Brett