What kind of price range is he in with respect to mortal rifles like the 470 NE. How do they compare to a searcy or a merkel? Are they built off a shotgun action or something that he designed?

No one has answered your post, so, all I can say is that I own an M.K. Owen in 450 x 3 1/4. I cannot compare because I have not shot or owned either of the makes you mentioned. I really like my gun even though I haven't killed anything with it yet, and Ken Owen is a gem to deal with. I bought mine used. I would suspect the price order would be Merkel/Searcy/Owen but a lot would depend on the options that you got.
Peter.

Ken builds a nice rifle, but, last I heard, was only concentrating on the larger bores with his big frame (577 NE +). That could have changed though. re: price, you'll have to call him for a current price.

It is true from what I HEARD (I never handled one of his guns) that his guns (not the big boomers) are heavy for caliber?

577 depends what you mean by "heavy", but I believe that the concensus supports your view. My 450 weighed in at around 11 pounds, which I suspect many folks would call heavy. I have not lugged it around much, but, it shoots very well and is quite comfortable to shoot.
Peter.

I might have to retract my statement about the weight of my MK Owen double. I will weigh it later today (hopefully). When I bought it, there was considerable discussion about the weight. I did wack off about 1/2 inch from the stock to decrease the LOP.
Peter.

Thanks for the info everyone

Mims Reed had a couple of the Owen rifles in his booth two yrs ago. One was a 450NE 3 1/4", and the other was a 577NE 3". The work was very good IMO, but as stated above were very heavy for caliber. The 450NE 3 1/4" rifle was about what I would want in a 500NE 3" rifle,and I'd guess the 450NE rifle to be in the 12-12 1/2 lb range and the 577NE rifle was as heavy as an anvil!

When I commented on the excessive weight for the rifles I was told Mr. Owen makes them heavy by design, but, again, IMO, they are much too heavy for the chamberings, other wise, very well made.

Just my opinion, and not binding on anyone here!

The 577 NE and 600 NE are at weights common

for those calibers. Smaller calibers seem to be

made on the 577 NE frame, so those are "heavy"

for the caliber [most guys seem to say].

Ken Owen: (901)877-6853 is a very straight talker.

Anyone interested in his work will be benefited

greatly by calling him.

Closing the loop, my M.K. Owen in 450 x 3 1/4 weighs (on the bathroom scales) 13 pounds (including scope). So, heavy for caliber? Yes, probably, as I said I have not lugged it around. I figure that is what gun bearers are for! Is it comfortable to shoot? Yes!
Peter.

I have probably the least knowledge of anyone here -- but 12 pounds isn't really too bad, is it? (It's actually what was suggested for me for a SxS shotgun for passing shots, and it's what my AR10 weighs, which doesn't seem too bad -- and, it turns a 308 about into shooting a 22.)

Would the weight help w. the torque?

quote:

but 12 pounds isn't really too bad, is it?

12 pounds for a 450 NE is WAY too heavy in my opinion. I would think it should weigh around 10 lbs, but Will will say it should be 14 ozs.

(My Francotte .470 weighs exactly 11 lbs. It handles and balances like a dream and when shot, it does not feel as heavy as other .470s I have shot.)

quote:

Originally posted by 577NitroExpress:

quote:

but 12 pounds isn't really too bad, is it?

12 pounds for a 450 NE is WAY too heavy in my opinion. I would think it should weigh around 10 lbs, but Will will say it should be 14 ozs.

(My Francotte .470 weighs exactly 11 lbs. It handles and balances like a dream and when shot, it does not feel as heavy as other .470s I have shot.)

I agree with 577, 9.5-10 lbs is perfect for a 450 NE 3 1/4" double rifle, and shouldn't weigh more than 10.5 lbs loaded, and/or with scope!

IMO, the reason Owens builds them so heavy is, that makes them easier to regulate, because of the dampened recoil arch! That is fine for him, but is too heavy for his customers!

I have owned several .450 double rifles, of different chamberings, and not one of them weighed over 10.2 lbs, except for an early Pedersoli 45-70 double which weighs in at 11.6 lbs, and is not well ballanced at all, being very muzzle heavy.

I have a 450#1 Express, Westley Richards double rifle now that weighs in at just 4 oz over 9 lbs,loaded, with 28" barrels, and it balances like it is part of my body, and swings like a fine 20 ga shotgun!

12 lbs is too heavy for a 470NE double rifle, mine weighs 11 lbs loaded.

aaahhhhh the never ending weight argument ( not discussion) argument

each self established authority just KNOWS what the exact weight should be.

and unless you conform to their thinking you are wrong.

just more from those who refuse to have an open mind, be willing to learn and should know better.

a few years ago these self styled know it alls told me my 10 1/2 pound 577 would kill me

well it didn't and how would they know how a specific rifle would recoil when they never shot it ?

answer : they don't ! but their theoretic knowledge based on reading old books MUST prevail

well i would shoot that searcy against any 577. it was built by a master rifle builder.

quote:

Originally posted by ftondrus:
well i would shoot that searcy against any 577. it was built by a master rifle builder.

Talk about theoretic knowledge. Chill out a little. I do agree with you that weight is a personal issue not an historical issue.

Ken is focused on the 577-600s at the moment.He just finished one for a friend that is both!(a 600 with a extra set of 577 barrels)He built me and another friend 4 bore double sidelocks and we love them and his workmanship.They shoot great and his doubles are known for how well regulated they are.I am sure if he builds you a double,he can build it lighter if you want...He is a Great person and easy to talk too! Good Luck!

I've handled Safarikid's 4 bore and it certanily is a very fine rifle anyone would be proud to own! Owen builds a great rifle.