Greetings all. I've recently joined the double rifle ranks, so I figured I would also join in the AR fun here as well while I'm at it and see if I can't make a few amigos here or there.

I've been a long time lurker and even have a few friends and colleagues who post here on AR, but I'll let them remain anonymous as it pertains to that. Most folks won't own up to being an acquaintance of mine anyway...can't say that I blame them.

After a few fitting sessions with Andrew Macfarlane of ADM I'm ready for the initiation ceremony next weekend at the range. My shooting form is just this side of terrible - a badge I wear proudly, thank you very much - so it should be entertaining at the least.

Merkel .470:







She's won't turn too many heads, but she will be a true working gun for me. No safe queens in my house.

Looking forward to getting in here and mixing it up with everyone. Oh, and please spare me the "Merkels always double" nonsense, I've read the thread already.

Congratulations on your new purchase and welcome aboard.

TJ, nice pickup....I like the casehardened action! The 470NE is the easiest double to find ammunition and components for, and is a bit easier to handle than a 500NE. One thing you'll find here on AR is that we're certainly not short on opinions :-) Welcome.

Welcome!
We'll tell you everything we know, and probably more.

Welcome. I was actually at Andrews place when he was fitting your extension.

Come aboard. I like the case colored look on the Merkels. Hope the rifle gives you many good memories.

Welcome aboard. I also like the case color look.

Cheers
Jim

Congratulations on a fine rifle..I agree with the above, the CCH really looks nice.

Congrats on a fine looking rifle.

Welcome aboard the DRSS! Looks good in the CCH finish. A good quality weapon!

TJ, velcome onboard...your Merkel is a well put together honest working double, precisely what you need in Africa..

I love the CCH too..

Welcome, Brother! Congratulations on your new double!

Welcome aboard the DRSS ship of fools! As you say you have been lurking here for sometime, you are aware of the little donnybrooks that come with the membership here. Don't let it worry you, we've all gone down the whipping line, and it is not as bad as it sometimes seems.

Also welcome to the Merkel brand as well, and good luck with your opening day at the double rifle firing line. Good looking case coloring
................................................................... Welcome

Welcome and congratulations on your new Merkel. A Merkel 470 was my first (and probably only due to financial constraints) double and I can't say I've been at all disappointed in it. Looking forward to your first range report!

Well my friend, I will be the first to ask all here the question that was asked when I got my first-----"who wants to get in the pool for how long until the 2nd" hahahahah

Nice new thumper!

Welcome aboard, you've done well in a Merkel; solid and accurate doubles. I've shot and sold a lot of Merkels over the years. If you have issues or just need some advice feel free to PM me. Congratulations

Welcome aboard!

Nice gun. Looking forward to seeing the results of your trip to the range.

Eric

TJ, there's someone in the Classifieds selling 470 components...a "starter kit".

Permission granted! But, you should have got a Blaser S2!
Peter

Beautiful rifle, good luck with it!

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
Permission granted! But, you should have got a Blaser S2!
Peter

................................................................

So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

With only a few hundred rounds between my 9.3X74r and my 470NE, I offer this ONLY as a new guy near your level of experience.

Expect to have fun! snap a lot of snap caps at home before Ya go, don't expect cloverleaves the first time around and STOP when you have had enough! Come home chompin' at the bit for next time. First time out I shot black paper plates at 25yds standing on my own 2 feet. Success brings confidence! Others here with infinitely more shootin' and huntin' with doubles than I will have their say, but it wasn't so long ago that I first shouldered the Elephant Gun! hahaha

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:
So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

Shooting a 470, especially for the first time, is like making love to a big woman. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride!

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:
So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

Shooting a 470, especially for the first time, is like making love to a big woman. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride!

So, how would you describe shooting my .600 and 4-bore?
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:
So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

Shooting a 470, especially for the first time, is like making love to a big woman. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride!

So, how would you describe shooting my .600 and 4-bore?
Cal

I don't know, but I could venture a few guesses...Getting a high colonic in Tijuana? Deep tissue massage from Janet Reno? Ice tub bath with Hillary Clinton?

Am I getting warmer here?

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:
So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

Shooting a 470, especially for the first time, is like making love to a big woman. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride!

So, how would you describe shooting my .600 and 4-bore?
Cal

I don't know, but I could venture a few guesses...Getting a high colonic in Tijuana? Deep tissue massage from Janet Reno? Ice tub bath with Hillary Clinton?

Am I getting warmer here?

Be careful about Janet Reno. Cal has a special fondness for her!

It sounds like you'll fit in well here.

Notice to all (forgive the hijack):
You mess with Janet, you mess with me.
Cal
PS. Welcome TJ, but are sure you want to be a part of this group?

And I'm still looking for admission to the group, I just need the DR.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:
So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

Shooting a 470, especially for the first time, is like making love to a big woman. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride!

So, how would you describe shooting my .600 and 4-bore?
Cal

Cal - I never dated women that large, so I cannot speak from experience - care to enlighten us?

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:
So what is my mindset here for the range visit on Saturday?

I ask because I really have never spent that much time at an actual range other than a last minute sight in or the like. Most of my shooting practice is at the deer lease or in the backyard of my east Texas property. I'd like to think that I'm methodical about it when I need to be, but perhaps I'm not.

Just try and hit the target? Focus on the fundamentals of body position and if I hit the target then great? Try not to break my nose? Do I keep a notebook of shots?

All of the above?

I bought a mouth guard for my next trip to the range.I am looking forward to shooting my 500NE again soon.

Don't worry Pard. there is some wheat with the chaff hahaha Just that the least innuendo brings out the virgin 10th grader in some here. Don't get me wrong, I had my first experience with a big woman in 1963 but she has lost weight and I have lost most of my good stuff below the navel from agent orange. It is just a bit easier for me to keep on the track of the OP. Solider on.

Permission granted; all ahead one third to the range.

Do let us know how your first outing with the new dr went.

Kind regards,

carpediem

Mindset? Get familiar with, and enjoy the gun. Get some idea of it's capabilities. Shoot a few rounds off hand. Shoot a few off sticks. This will give you a feel for the gun, it's weight, balance and recoil. Then shoot for regulation at presumably 50 yards or whatever range the test target shows.
Grip the gun firmly into the shoulder. Get a good cheek weld on the stock. A loose weld will NOT reduce the kick of the gun.
Just my 2 cents,
Peter

Welcome

Great caliber.
I have taken mine to Africa twice.
Works a treat on Buff.

Nitro