Shot my first BIG double
A friend of mine bought an H&H 500NE back in 1990, took it to Africa and shot a real nice male lion and a Buff. Hasn't shot it since.
Last weekend he brought it to one of the Egg Shoots I run 5 times a year.
He only had 6 cartridges loaded for it.
The rifle was built in 1904 and somehow Elmer Keith was involved as it came with a box of cartridges that Elmer Keith loaded. I don't know the whole story on this.
Anyways, 1 gal water jug hung by a rope at 25 yds. I thought he had a dead on POI so I missed the first shot, held at 6 O'clock and nailed it on the second barrel.
Video here:
http://youtu.be/mWv3xUmCN6o(The fellow that made the video didn't realize it was a 500, hence the incorrect title)
I LOVE IT!
26 June 2011, 02:47
Cane RatYou're hooked now! Get out the checkbook.

Very elegant double.
I have a Shot Gun conversion to double 45-70......All I can afford right now.
But that H&H was a real thing of beauty! Every single detail was perfect. Screws that they didn't want you messing with have solid gold filling in the slots!
The engraving was perfect and just enough to not be garish. The fit of the wood and checkering and finish were perfect even after 105 years.
The rust blueing was amazing.
The leather and canvas case was just as great.
He paid $10K for it in 1990. Anyone know what it would be worth today?
26 June 2011, 02:59
Cane Ratquote:
He paid $10K for it in 1990. Anyone know what it would be worth today?

At least $75K to $100K, I would guess.
The lines on the vintage English doubles are so elegant and they are so well balanced, you can just see how much so even in the video you posted.
26 June 2011, 03:46
a.tinkererThose weren't screws, they were cocking indicators.
Gold line inline with barrels, hammers down.
Gold line at an angle to barrels, hammers cocked.
quote:
Originally posted by RoyB:
... Screws that they didn't want you messing with have solid gold filling in the slots!
Do a google search for Holland and Holland 500NE
You might be surprised at modern value of a 'between the wars' H&H 500 double.
Big bucks.
Cheers
Tinker
26 June 2011, 04:15
Bill/OregonLovely. Just lovely. I've had the privilege of handling an H&H double, but not the privilege of firing one.
Roy, you look natural with a 500 DR !
quote:
Those weren't screws, they were cocking indicators.
Gold line inline with barrels, hammers down.
Gold line at an angle to barrels, hammers cocked.
I had no idea! Now I'll have to borrow it again to check this out.....
