Is there any reason to choose this over 450/400?

It seems like there are more deals on these 500/416's than any other modern rifle caliber.

I really like the Krieghoff, like the Heym but the used market on Heyms isn't much different than the new market.

Kreighoffs don't seem to hold their value.

I want more of an all around caliber than a 470 or 500.

I have a K in 450-400; best caliber overall. But if you can get a 416 for a good price, why not? It is not a traditional cartridge but that doesn't mean it is bad. Not sure about brass and dies.
Lots of 500-416s on the market; someone bought it is and who knows? Kicked too much (lot more than a 400) but then again, it flings the 400 grain bullet a lot faster; unnecessarily in my opinion. A 40 cal, 400 at 2050 fps or so is enough.
Krieghoffs sell for less, new and used, because they are more efficiently and robustly, designed for less hand work, and manufactured; Heyms are still hand made with high German labor rates. Krieghoffs use one frame and everything goes on that from 30 to 500; modern design, steel; efficiency; I know, not the forte of Double rifles but it is a real thing. That is why and you pay for that..

There is a 470 NE on Guns International for a good price in Krieghoff.

I am still researching double rifles. I have not owned one in about 15 years and it was a Blaser S-2.

I don't think I would own another Blaser as they are not attractive, and really heavy.

The Krieghoff is attractive to me. The Merkel is not as attractive.

Does the Merkel have the decocker feature?

Nope.

My take is that the nostalgia of old killed it, but it is superior in many ways. As a one and done hunting option for all the game Africa has to offer, it is very compelling.

Faster than the others if you want, just as powerful, if you need, and fits into the stopper category, if just.

If I found a good deal on one, I'd get it. It's never going to have brass issues and bullets are widely available.

Just my thoughts.

Jeremy

I have a Krieghoff 500-416,it is an excellent firearm,I bought it new,have done Africa once with it,one buff to it's credit,it's the equivalent of a 416 Rigby in a double rifle,the safety is no issue at all & I would say safer than traditional safeties,it's a thumper of a big bore,my gun is regulated with Woody's 410 grs soft & solid @ about 2350 fps,for heavy game I use Woodleighs or North forks in the 400 grain range,for plains game? I use 300 gr TSX'S going about 2600 fps,to me it's a very efficient cartridge.

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:
My take is that the nostalgia of old killed it, but it is superior in many ways. As a one and done hunting option for all the game Africa has to offer, it is very compelling.

Jeremy

very well said.

quote:

It seems like there are more deals on these 500/416's than any other modern rifle caliber.

This sentence should speak volumes about the rifle in question: lots of deals because they are not in demand, not popular, and not widely wanted; all to show that when it's time to sell you will take a big loss. If you are in love with the brand and caliber and will keep it for a lifetime, buy away. However, if you are going to use it for a couple of years, hunt in Africa a time or two, and then put it up for sale, well, that's a misteak in my opinion.
Cal

Thanks all,

Not sure. If someone made with a plastic stock and black nitrate covered stainless that would be my first pick!

Joking!

If I can get a Krieghoff for $6000-7500 in the next 8 or 10 months, and we can hunt Africa in the next year or two I'll take it.

Before Bass Pro bought Cabelas, I think it could have been done. Might be another $1500 more than that.

But I'll probably just take my bolt rifle and spend the money on trophy fees.

you should be able to find a KGun
Classic in your price range

or a Searcy
or a Blaser for even less

I find the recoil of the 500/416 to be on par with the 470, so if you're not going to scope the 500/416 (to take advantage of the flatter trajectory,) then you might as well be shooting a 470.

I would argue that the 450/400 is a better all-around choice than the 500/416.

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:
I find the recoil of the 500/416 to be on par with the 470, so if you're not going to scope the 500/416 (to take advantage of the flatter trajectory,) then you might as well be shooting a 470.

I would argue that the 450/400 is a better all-around choice than the 500/416.

This exactly, shot one a couple times that was just set up with iron's no scope. Did not really get the point. Now if you scoped it and shot good out to 200-250 that would be cool.

The 500-416 is a great round,it's also a newcomer,the 450-400 is a great round,lots of history behind it,I do not compare the two because I do not think they are both in the same class of cartridges,there is a difference of almost a 1000lbs/ft energy in the favor of the faster round which is the 500-416,I have both,I like them both,but hunting dangerous game?I prefer to carry the 500-416.

Big W -- W
I may have what you are looking for.
A Classic Big 5 Krieghoff in 450 - 400 NE 3 in.
Send me a PM and maybe we can connect.

Thanks,
Tetonka

DRSS

I owned a 500/416 and it is a great caliber. Provides plenty of stopping power and more range than needed in most dangerous game situations. The Krieghoff Classic is a great gun with some very nice features. I used mine to kill an elephant without any drama. I did put two more in just to make certain. The 500/416 in a nearly perfect dangerous game caliber with light recoil, good knockdown power and flat trajectory. Plus a great selection of 416 bullets to load with.

With a 20 bore barrel, ammo and dies. https://www.gunsinternational....cfm?gun_id=101405189