Today Todd Williams, Rusty Knight and I met at the range to shoot, ogle and generally enjoy playing with some double rifles. While we wish the weather would have been a little more cooperative, it was a typical summer morning in Houston. Always good to spend good time with good people regardless of the weather.

A pretty impressive array of firepower on the rack, from left to right:

Hollis .450/.400

Lang .400/.360

Manton .450/.400

Holland .500/.465

Boswell .500

Searcy .577

Verney Carron .500

Chapuis 9.3x74R



Yes, it's true. If you look close it is Todd Williams shooting a Blaser. He did ask to wash his hands afterwards.

Mike

I am sure you had a very enjoyable outing! I've
attended a few similiar get-togethers and each
time came away smiling for the rest of the day
and into bed!

Had a great time with Mike and got to meet Todd!
It is always a blessing to shoot with friends!
I'm very happy to report that I got to shoot Mike's Holland and Holland 500/465.

By Rusty

"...Mike's Holland and Holland 500/465."

A treasure, no doubt, says I...

In the lower right corner of the second photo there appears to be some dangerous critter just coming into view. It appears to be coming past the photographer and charging Todd. Did he see it in time to stop the charge? Is he OK?

Mike and Rusty,

Guys, I had a great time. Thanks for bringing out those vintage doubles. Mucho fun!! I enjoyed the shooting and the company very much. You fellas have some nice and very good shooting rifles. Lots of history in those guns.

Very nice to meet you Rusty and put a face to the AR handle!! Hope we get to do it again some time.

I offered Mike a significant bribe to not post that pic with me and the Blaser! It's one of those "Moped" type things ya know!!! Unfortunately, his ethics prevented him from taking the dirty money. At least he didn't get a picture of me riding in his Ford truck! That would have truly been devastating to my rep!

Cheers boys!

OK Todd, tell us what you really think about the Blaser.

I will say after I shot one, I was hooked.

They are one of the most accurate, most reliable, most versitle rifles on the Planet.

What other rifle can go from 223 to 416 Rem Mag, including, 17 Mag, 22LR, 22 Mag, and 28 Ga shotgun???

Personally I have used the 22LR and the 28Ga shotgun quite a bit...

A very impressive lineup of doubles. Looks like you guy's had a lot of fun.

That photo really shows the difference in forend styling, shape and length between the classic British double and the American/European interperetation.

Thanks for posting

quote:

Originally posted by Rhodes:
That photo really shows the difference in forend styling, shape and length between the classic British double and the American/European interperetation.

We were discussing the same thing at the range. Even on American and European doubles that sport a "splinter", like the VC and Searcy in the picture, they are twice the size or better than the true British splinter forends. Would be nice if some modern maker decided to really start putting a proper splinter forend on their rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Rhodes:
That photo really shows the difference in forend styling, shape and length between the classic British double and the American/European interperetation.

We were discussing the same thing at the range. Even on American and European doubles that sport a "splinter", like the VC and Searcy in the picture, they are twice the size or better than the true British splinter forends. Would be nice if some modern maker decided to really start putting a proper splinter forend on their rifles.

Yep, I completely agree. It was starkly obvious yesterday as to which rifles felt and balanced better in the hands. The vintage English guns were svelte and simply a pleasure to shoot, hold, and admire. I was also impressed with how well they are regulated. With all three shooters shooting into the same targets, with the same rifles and loads, we had one ragged hole more often than not. Those are some fine shooting rifles Mike and Rusty own.

Also, yesterday was the first time I've tried the Doctor Optic sight with a double. Rusty has it on his 450/400. That really is a nice set up. It's not traditional but once the eyes start to go, like mine have, it sure makes shooting accurately a lot easier.

I am moving to Houston in December after 15 years of being an expat in the UK. I hope to join you guys at the range sometime!

Cheers from over here,

Cole

Cole,
We will be glad to have you "among us"! Give us a shout when you get to town.

quote:

Originally posted by BwanaCole:
I am moving to Houston in December after 15 years of being an expat in the UK. I hope to join you guys at the range sometime!

We have just one rule, the new guy buys the drinks afterwards.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Today Todd Williams, Rusty Knight and I met at the range to shoot, ogle and generally enjoy playing with some double rifles. While we wish the weather would have been a little more cooperative, it was a typical summer morning in Houston. Always good to spend good time with good people regardless of the weather.


A pretty impressive array of firepower on the rack, from left to right:

Hollis .450/.400

Lang .400/.360

Manton .450/.400

Holland .500/.465

Boswell .500

Searcy .577

Verney Carron .500

Chapuis 9.3x74R



Yes, it's true. If you look close it is Todd Williams shooting a Blaser. He did ask to wash his hands afterwards.

3 old Dagga Boys out for a day at the range shooting double rifles. It just doesn't get much better than that. I wish I could have been there to join you!

Todd, Oh Poor Todd. The shame. I always thought that you quibbled a bit too hard about the Blasers and now to see a picture of you coming out of the closet........ And I bet the other guys pretended that it belonged to them to further your point.
Seriously, it looked like one hell of a range trip. Wish I could have been there.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Todd, Oh Poor Todd. The shame. I always thought that you quibbled a bit too hard about the Blasers and now to see a picture of you coming out of the closet........ And I bet the other guys pretended that it belonged to them to further your point.
Seriously, it looked like one hell of a range trip. Wish I could have been there.

What are friends for Rickster? I figured I'd let Jines give you boys some fodder to play with! Just remember though, one of these days soon, all that reloading gear is gonna be bought and paid for in full!

Just for the record, Todd shot it . . . but I did not say he enjoyed it.

He did refuse to engage in a speed shooting competition with it though, double versus Blaser.

He didn't want to lose the competition I suspect. Yes Todd, I know that the crap will hit the fan before too long. It's a good thing we all take this in good humor. We'll get you broke in yet.

Wish I coulda met up with you guys. Looks like you had a great time.

Looks like tons o fun!

Rusty you and my dad could have been identical twins back when he was your age! The resemblance is shocking!

Thanks, Surestrike! I don't know if I should thank you or apologize to your dad!

Todd you traitor, shame on you.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by retreever:
Todd you traitor, shame on you.

Mike

What? For shooting the Blaser?

Rest assured all, I'm no convert! My opinion of the Blaser rifles has not changed!

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:

quote:

Originally posted by retreever:
Todd you traitor, shame on you.

Mike

What? For shooting the Blaser?

Rest assured all, I'm no convert! My opinion of the Blaser rifles has not changed!

Next thing you know he will be changing his AR handle to "straight pull"..