My much awaited Bradshaw double in 500 NE arrived yesterday. Initial impressions are high. I have not gotten to fire it or take pics (sorry), but will tomorrow.

Bailey did a great job and it looks wonderful. Well worth the wait. Fit and finish are above expectations.





























Went to the range today. Ran about 18 rounds through it. First 4-6 were just to get a feel for the triggers and recoil. I was pleasantly pleased with the feel and manageability of the recoil. It was easier to handle than my Lott for certain.

The sights need to be adjusted for me, as it is about 4-5 inches high. Easy fix.


As for accuracy, it is certainly within the rifle to do better than I can currently do. This rifle is a noticeable step up from my last double (450-400).

I have some practice ahead of me, but I am excited to do it.

.

When did your order with BB get placed?

May the rifle serve you well, and then
those who possess it after you're gone!

My order and initial deposit was put down in 2011. Given the redesigns and upgraded changes Bailey implemented as the rifle was in progress, the timing was understandable. I think Bailey and I both would have expected a quicker turn, but I understand the delays.

In the end, I believe it will be worth the wait.

PICS Man, we need PICS!

Pics are posted. Range report will be coming later this week.

Very nice. Like the splinter forearm look. Good luck with it, hope it brings you many wonderful memories.

I enjoy seeing his guns out there in the wild. Thank you for posting pics. How long are the barrels? I think shorter barrels look more ballanced with a splinter fore end but this action type is much more than aesthetics.

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
I enjoy seeing his guns out there in the wild. Thank you for posting pics. How long are the barrels? I think shorter barrels look more ballanced with a splinter fore end but this action type is much more than aesthetics.

Barrels are 26" per my request. Weight is just over 11 lbs and LOP is 14.5" to front trigger.

Nice! My barrels will be 27"...I like the long look on a DR.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
Nice! My barrels will be 27"...I like the long look on a DR.

It balances quite nicely and the sights align very easily for me.

Good for you....mine should be coming up shortly. I did the take-down version, with barrel sets in 500 NE and 450-400.

Sweet looking rifle. All things come....

Hell Yeah!!!!! Congrats on a beautiful rifle in the finest DR cartridge, IMHO.

Very nice looking rifle Sir! Thanks for posting
the pics as well as the order and delivery time.
It ain't easy to make a great rifle by hand. You
are fortunate to have yours now, and I want you
to kill plenty of game with it. What a wonderful
design!!!

Is that upgraded engraving on the receiver?

quote:

Originally posted by D R Hunter:
Very nice looking rifle Sir! Thanks for posting
the pics as well as the order and delivery time.
It ain't easy to make a great rifle by hand. You
are fortunate to have yours now, and I want you
to kill plenty of game with it. What a wonderful
design!!!

Is that upgraded engraving on the receiver?

I believe that is Bailey's standard engraving. I could be wrong, but I don't think I opted for any upgrade.

Congratulations on a beautiful rifle. Wish you and Bailey all the very best. Our hunting and shooting fraternity needs this gunmaker to become very successful!

I really wish I could have a take down model in 375 FL & 450 NE!

Glad to see it was worth the wait. I am very much looking forward to the range report.

Matt

.............................................................. Congratulations!

Bailey builds a fine double rifle, and is a fine engraver as well. That rifle will be a very sought after collector's item down the road, because of the quality, and low number of his rifle compared to makers who have been in business for 100 years!

Wish that was my rifle! Enjoy!

Nice figure on that wood!

That is just lovely!

Nice, With that type of action you should be able to have the most powerful 500 nitro out there.

quote:

Originally posted by srose:
Nice, With that type of action you should be able to have the most powerful 500 nitro out there.

I think the standard version will be sufficient for me.

First time I agree with shoot... Maybe he is in recovery?... Congratulations! You probably know how reassuring those pictures are to us in cue can't wait for the range report!

Beautiful rifle, thanks for posting and congratulations! I'm looking forward to the range report.

Beautiful rifle. Came close to ordering one myself last year.
How long did it take from the time you placed the order till it was in your hands?

quote:

Originally posted by Snowwolfe:
Beautiful rifle. Came close to ordering one myself last year.
How long did it take from the time you placed the order till it was in your hands?

I placed my order in the first bit of 2011. It has been longer than either Bailey or I thought it would be. But, as noted before, Bailey stayed in communication with me (probably more than he would have liked) during the process.

I think others will not have near the wait, due to his refinement of certain elements and improved designs.

No range report yet?

Lovely looking rifle. I really like the concept and wold like to handle one.

Cheers, Chris

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
No range report yet?

This weekend for sure. Wife is out of town on business, so I am in charge of my 14 month old son. Don't think he is ready for the range yet.

Good luck. At 14 mos. he does not realize how fortunate he will be to inherit that piece.

Range report added.

quote:

Originally posted by STGS:

Range report added.

Thanks for that STGS!!!

Looks good! At 50 yards offhand?

quote:

Originally posted by Norsk:
Looks good! At 50 yards offhand?

32 yds. I stepped it off at the range.