Finally made it to the range with my new Searcy 500 NE. This was my first time shooting anything larger than a 375 H&H--much less a double. So I started with a couple 'sissy' loads to acclimate myself (90g IMR-4831, 450g Woodleigh). Wasn't nearly as much recoil as I expected. So, I moved up to the recommended regulated load (110g IMR-4831, 570g Woodleigh). Wow. THIS is shooting a big bore! Definitely noticed the recoil, but was pleasntly suprised at my ability to manage it. Video attached for the curious.

My first time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6lXKn4bpgE

A lot of times the anticipation is worse than the actual shooting of the gun. Now that you know you can handle it,it should be easier to keep on target. I hope you enjoy shooting it and welcome to the big bores. Be careful, it is known to become highly addictive!!

Is that a double? It broke open very easily. Mine is quite stiff compared with yours. Is that "underlever" handy? It seems it. My doubles are not Searcys BTW.
Peter?

quote:

Originally posted by mbundy:
Finally made it to the range with my new Searcy 500 NE. This was my first time shooting anything larger than a 375 H&H--much less a double. So I started with a couple 'sissy' loads to acclimate myself (90g IMR-4831, 450g Woodleigh). Wasn't nearly as much recoil as I expected. So, I moved up to the recommended regulated load (110g IMR-4831, 570g Woodleigh). Wow. THIS is shooting a big bore! Definitely noticed the recoil, but was pleasntly suprised at my ability to manage it. Video attached for the curious.

My first time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6lXKn4bpgE

.
Glad you finaley got to shoot your new toy. What did it weigh?
Bill

quote:

So I started with a couple 'sissy' loads

Dude, just pull your balls out of your wife's cookie jar and have at it. The recoil is NOT going to hunt you. Period. Just do not let it intimidate you. The recoil of a .500 is not that bad - just show it who's boss and make it your own.

Recoil only frightens - it does no injure....the shooter!

mbundy,

Congratulations on your new rifle. IT is amazing when watching yourself on video just how mild the recoil really is compared to what we tend to make it into in our minds.

I HATE the pictures some guys post of themselves with their "vicious man killer" big bore rifle in recoil with the muzzles straight up in the air. The one and only way that rifle got in that position is they put it there. Recoil from a sporting rifle simply won't do that.

A little piece of advice for you on your double. Don't be afraid to grasp the barrels with your weak hand. If you choke down and pinch grip the wood only on a splinter fore end like you are doing in the video it can cause some problems down the road.

First off you don't have as much area to grip so you don't have total control of the rifle. This causes several shooting problems. The main two being that with a weak fore end grip the rifle will come back into your shoulder harder. Second it is very hard on your fore end latch as it will take all of the force of recoil.

Wrap those fingers around the metal of the barrel and hold the rifle in a strong front grip. It really makes a difference in controllability, recoil reduction at the shoulder and fingers, and it decreases wear and tear on your rifle.

Enjoy that rifle it'll serve you well for years to come.