OK probably a dumb question....but whats the deal with the cost of a double? Sure there is an extra barrel, but other than that they have fewer moving parts, they only need to be reasonably accurate out to 100 yrds....why aren't they priced somewhere along the lines of most other actions? It seems that there should be a double out there that the "average" guy could afford?????

quote:

Originally posted by BCJames:
OK probably a dumb question....but whats the deal with the cost of a double? Sure there is an extra barrel, but other than that they have fewer moving parts, they only need to be reasonably accurate out to 100 yrds....why aren't they priced somewhere along the lines of most other actions? It seems that there should be a double out there that the "average" guy could afford?????

What are you complaining about, you've got Sabatti's and if you want to sink lower, Baikal's.

"Only needs to be reasonably accurate". Well, if you want low standards, buy a Baikal. I won't accept a gun that doesn't shoot accurately, DR or Bolt Action.

Less moving parts ? More and need to be better fitted to work and more importantly STAY working.

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From day one, the comparatively higher costs of double guns/double rifles has been attributed to fact that more labor, skilled specific labor, was needed to make one. Generally speaking, it is easier to make a single barrel rifle, whether single shot, bolt action, or semi-auto., requiring less hand labor time, than to make a double rifle. An over under double rifle takes most time, with side by side next in line. Guns with two or more barrels require the most labor time to make, thus raising costs. One aspect of that labor was the regulation of both barrels to shoot parallel to infinity; not to shoot wide or, worse yet, to cross fire over distance, as some people think they do. Now, naturally, these kinds of labor costs have increased significantly through time, to the point where it is getting to point where only the well to do can afford to own fruits of such labor, especially on top quality best British doubles. Modern day high tech. machinery, unheard of in earlier days of double gun making, specifically CNC controlled machinery, has in recent years come to assist in decreasing hand labor costs, replacing it to some degree, by allowing for remarkably precision machining of double rifle parts, lowering overall costs of manufacturing double rifles--using modern technology to replace labor. Clearly, those who love double rifles, are willing to pay what you consider as extreme. Additionally, I must admit, a mystic has grown around the double rifle, allowing for a price premium, as long as enough potential buyers were willing to pay it, to make it profitable to manufacture them. From what you are saying, perhaps you can't afford a double rifle; if so, you are not alone, so if that is the case, I suggest a Daisy.

Kebco had posted a good video of the Verney-Carron family building a double. If you do a search you may be able to find it and get a better idea about the work and skills involved. If I find it I will post the link.

quote:

Originally posted by CCMDoc:
Kebco had posted a good video of the Verney-Carron family building a double. If you do a search you may be able to find it and get a better idea about the work and skills involved. If I find it I will post the link.

Here is one I have posted before but I believe there may be a newer and longer one.

Found it. These are both good videos.

Thanks Cane Rat.
Those videos say more than words can conjure or capture.

quote:

Originally posted by CCMDoc:
Thanks Cane Rat.
Those videos say more than words can conjure or capture.

Amazing the amount of handwork and craftsmanship that goes into them.

Simply stunning! However, I think the question has some validity, i.e. do the double rifles demand such a premium over their bolt-action companions?

Maybe it's just supply and demand. Just like the ammo companies charge such a premium for the larger double-rifle ammunition, compared to the smaller calibers.

It is the change in relative value of skills over the last 100 plus years. If you look at the old catalogs you will see Webley single barrel shotguns going for about 8GBP or less & box lock double rifles around 90 GBP and the Sidelocks up to 200 GBP. In those days engraving complex patterns was not expensive as engraving was a common skill used in printing shops. Today the labour costs of many of those skills are real premium while the basic functional machining skills are the least expensive. Top grade engraving would probably cost 50% of a H&H or Purdy Double rifle today.

I see it as the cost of art & jewelry for men!

quote:

Originally posted by BCJames:
It seems that there should be a double out there that the "average" guy could afford?????

Average guy would never go look for a double rifle since he doesn't NEED one! Anything else is just superfluous

quote:

Originally posted by mouse93:

Average guy would never go look for a double rifle since he doesn't NEED one! Anything else is just superfluous

If it was only about "needs", there wood be a lot more room in my gun safe

Proving (missing) the point...forget the "needs" - it is just the point of asking those questions that makes you above average - therefore a decent DRSS candidate - it is just how it all starts

For half the cost of a double, buy a gorgeous cape gun. Then if you really want to then add an insert to the shotgun side and make it a double rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by Mssgn:
For half the cost of a double, buy a gorgeous cape gun. Then if you really want to then add an insert to the shotgun side and make it a double rifle.

How about just buying a double rifle drilling, with the two barrels side by side being rifles, and the bottom barrel in the center a shot barrel that throw that insert away!

When I find a drilling I can afford - I'll buy it!

Some things are just too wonderful for words and if my father were king, I would know exactly what to get him for his birthday.

How to make a double, H&H

Going to an auction next week. There are 2 drillings listed. One is a sxs 16 gauge with an 8 mm barrel. The other is a side by side 8mm with a 16 gauge barrel.....

Now it is just a question of whether either goes for a price I can afford....