Proper double rifle weight is a topic that is discussed from time to time on this forum. One group believes that double should weigh much less and another feels the English doubles are of "proper" weight.

I peruse the Double rifle advertisements on Guns International daily, looking for that special deal. Today I read something that I found interesting.

"Here is a tough-go-to-work double that will stay together at 12 lbs. 3 oz. Most English doubles in this caliber from this period are less than 11 lbs. and they do not stay on the face as long."

A question for the more experienced Double rifle shooters, is this fact or a sales pitch. It does seem to make sense as long as the weight is in the proper places.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeBurke:
Most English doubles in this caliber from this period are less than 11 lbs. and they do not stay on the face as long.

. . . because the English doubles less than 11 pounds actually get carried and used in the field while the 12 pound plus doubles get left at home on the rack because no one wants to lug them around.

Overall weight of the rifle has little to no bearing on it's ability to stay on face. Mostly because additional weight is mostly in areas it isn't necessary. Some of thatcweight could be in the wood. Barrel construction plays part; monoblock being heavier, chopperlump or shoelump can be lighter. Who knows.

More important is if it was fit on face and on the circle correctly. Other things like steel quality, bearing surface between bites, fit of and type of third bite play a much larger role. Overall weight is way way down on that list.

My 470 Evans weighs 10.75 lbs. After carrying it on 2 elephant hunts I wouldn't want it any heavier. I have personally shot it over 500 times and it's still tight on face.

Weight is less important than fit.

My .500 wieghed 10lb 10oz and was lovely to shoot.

My 500/450 I think 10lb 7oz.

Both fit and shoot very nicely.

Some heavier doubles I have handled do not fit and if they do are too heavy.

Cheers,

Chris

Thsi thread of mine from some ago might be of interest:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...001008741#9001008741
MacD had some good (IMHO) comments.
Peter

My 450NE weighs right at 10.25 lb. No heavier, please.

Did not see a caliber...sounds just right for a 577...

Not all British doubles weighed a "proper weight". I had one 450-400 3 1/4 that went 13lbs. 6 ounces. Nicely balanced, though. No recoil to speak of. I'm certain the new owner is pleased!

Dutch

My .475 weighs in at 10,6 lbs....I think that is proper for caliber..

My 500 K-gun comes in a touch over 11 pounds. Perfect for me. Wouldn't want it any lighter.

My VC 500NE is 10.25 lbs. No issues. Could be a touch lighter still IMO.

Hopefully my up coming 470NE comes in at just under 11lbs but as it is a customised double that is being built on the larger action this final exact weight will be dictated by balance.