My new PH model .470 showed up yesterday.

30 March 2007, 04:49

Howdy,

About a year and half ago I traded my older .470 field grade in on a new PH model after shooting them at the Double gun world championships. I shot for Butch with my field grade and took 3rd. I liked the way they have rounded the bottom metal on the PH model and I also liked the wood work that the new shop was doing.

My old field grade was a very accurate rifle that I had put over 2,000 rounds through with only a few minor adjustments necessary. The rifle was still tight as a drum when I turned back into Butches shop in 2005. Not to mention I killed my first elephant and stood a very hairy buffalo charge with number one. So it was a big decision for me to trade it off. I had some attachments with the old girl.

I think Iâ€™ll be happy with number two..

Unfortunately itâ€™ll be awhile before I can shoot this rifle with my game arm and all.

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30 March 2007, 05:08

ROSCOE

Would you take a photo looking down the bore. I am curious how thick the barrel is at the end. Reason I ask is that my 470 Deluxe has heavier barrels than my 470 PH model. They were made several years appart. How much does this one weigh? Very nice rifle...I hope you make it to one of the DRSS events in TX...I would enjoy seeing it in person.

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30 March 2007, 05:54

surestrike

quote:
Originally posted by ROSCOE:
Would you take a photo looking down the bore. I am curious how thick the barrel is at the end. Reason I ask is that my 470 Deluxe has heavier barrels than my 470 PH model. They were made several years appart. How much does this one weigh? Very nice rifle...I hope you make it to one of the DRSS events in TX...I would enjoy seeing it in person.

She weighs 10.5 lbs I'll grab the camera hold on just a few seconds here.

Here you go.

30 March 2007, 09:47

RIP

Wow,
Thanks for the one-armed measuring and posting.

.595" muzzle diameter is mighty light, so the gun must balance between the hands like an Olde English/H&H. This should make 400 Nitro Express happy with Searcy, finally.

For comparison, my Merkel 470NE is .707" at each muzzle, "well-struck-identical," the total weight is about 10.75 lbs, and I am used to this clunker, that converges somewhere between 50 meters and infinity, depending on how I load it.

BTW, I am impressed by your technical precision even while fogged by oxycodone.

30 March 2007, 12:18

Rusty

Ya know if you'd just FedEx that new rifle to me with Saturday delivery, BobC, 400 NitroExpress and my ownself could take it to the range at 4 PM.

Or better yet, why don't you just throw it in a travel case and jump on a plane and come join us. If you can't shoot, at least you can watch us shoot it!

Rusty
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30 March 2007, 12:40

surestrike

Guys,

Thanks for the compliments I am quite happy with the wood as well. The character is very pleasing to me.

The inletting is good and the wood to metal fit and finish is very nice as well. Overall I am very happy with it.

RIP

This rifle does seem to have a very nice balance to it and feels very light and quick. It is much thinner at the muzzle than my previous Field Grade. Although all of these observations are preliminary only as I am unable to properly mount the rifle with my temporary handicap.

You should have seen me trying to do a one handed set up for the picture with calipers. Lets just say it took some imagination.

Rusty,

I'd love to join you guys. Maybe next time I'll let you and your band of miscreants deflower my new found object of appreciation.

This one I am saving for myself. The wait just makes the reward all the sweeter.

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30 March 2007, 21:01

RIP

surestrike,
Does it balance on the hinge pin of the action?
You can check that with one finger. Please do.
The wood is great.
I like the way the screw slots index.
I bet the spelling is correct on this one too.

It would be interesting to know what some H&H 470 NE "Royal" doubles had for their muzzle diameters, both pre-WW2 and post.

I believe the earlier ones were made with heavier and weaker steels, with lead content by the old gunsteel recipe, so they had to be pretty thin to be as light as desired for the balance effects.

Newer steels including "Krupp Stahl" are stronger and lighter, so the barrels may not be as thin as old ones, but achieve the desired balance and much greater strength.

I wonder if Butch Searcy has been copying the current H&H muzzle diameters? This would be an excellent question to put to 400 Nitro Express, since he is an afficianado of both gunmakers.

31 March 2007, 02:33

RIP

quote:
Originally posted by surestrike:
RIP,

I just checked it out. It balances directly on the hinge pin.

Greg

Great Searcy. New and improved.

They have to put lead in the butt of a Merkel to get it to do that.

I suppose a double does feel more lively if more of the actual weight is closer to the balance point.

Something about a lesser moment of inertia that is easier to twirl like a baton, or easier to correct the swing of it.

31 March 2007, 05:09

Jim Manion

VERY Nice!

quote:
Something about a lesser moment of inertia that is easier to twirl like a baton...

RIP-do you think baton twirling would help surestrike's recovery? Can you help him?

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31 March 2007, 06:40

RIP

Jim,
Good idea.

I can't help anymore than suggesting he get a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader to give him some coaching. Starting with her baton and working up to a Searcy double sounds like good rehab to me, Olivia Newton John singing "Let's Get Physical" in the background.

Of course he will be carrying the Searcy in his left hand while baton twirling with his right. At least he can club the girls off with his Searcy if the whole squad should decide to mob him again.

31 March 2007, 07:38

Jim Manion

RIP

If you write him a scrip, maybe his health insurance would pay for that! Take two cheerleaders and call me in the morning.

I think you are on to something here!

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31 March 2007, 09:48

surestrike

Ok she wrote it for me.

RX: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders (D.C.C's)
Sig: Take two D.C.C's BID for a minimum of ten days or until you can't stand it anymore or your baton breaks. (old man)

I wonder which pharmacy will fill it for me.

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07 April 2007, 10:50

surestrike

Jeff,

I got the half cast removed yesterday. So now I can share my wound with the world.

It is actually coming along very well. Thanks for asking.

And HEY you have a happy EASTER TOO!!!