I'm trying to talk myself into why I need a double rifle. I'd like to make a plains-game trip to Namibia in the next year or two for kudu, oryx and eland -- budget just won't allow a Cape buff at this time unless I just take a boring old bolt action .375. But to me, the atmosphere and romance of the hunt is where the biggest attraction lies. So I'm thinking maybe a Chapuis or even a Pedersoli Kodiak hammer double in 9.3 X 74R would give me that sense of tradition that I crave, reasonably useful to 200 yards (at least if scoped) and useful in North America as well. Anyone have any thoughts here?
Or may be I ought to just take a Sharps and a double .72 muzzleoader and try to squeeze out enough for a buff. Probably means hunting somewhere besides Namibia.

forget the pedersoli - for what they want for them today you can cover 90% of the cost for a decent regulated double. 9.3's are cheap when compared to the bigger bores. if you keep your eyes open you can probably pick up a used merkel or the like for about 4000

Given the cost of a new Pedersoli I would agree.

There is a .458 RCBS Pedersoli in the classifieds here at $3K.

The guys that did the "group buy" Chapuis deal seemed to get a good deal on this board.

Butch: I think when the Pedersolis were going for $2200 or so, they were a bargain, but agree that they are pushign it at current prices. I like the hammers, though -- very Victorian ...

To quote my ex-girlfriend - "Do it for the romance." The best reason is, because you want one.

Allout:

Why the change of screen names?

(I had to change my old one when it locked me out, never again allowing me to cause trible with that double secret identity.)

quote:

Originally posted by 577NitroExpress:
Allout:

Why the change of screen names?

(I had to change my old one when it locked me out, never again allowing me to cause trible with that double secret identity.)

I changed after the catastrophe regarding taking the safety off a rifle, I was fairly pissed and had them delete the account. It seems no one actually read the post before branding me an unsafe handler of firearms. But that is another beast which has hopefully died. Anyways, I just couldn't stay away. Too much useful information on here to let a few assholes get in the way.

Bill,

PM sent on the press and the Chapuis.

DO it! You will simply adore the caliber and the rifle.

Bill,

Got your PM. I'm afraid I did not understand the magnitude of your choice. If it literally is a double or NEVER hunting Buf ... go hunting with the CZ.

CZs are fine rifles. I've taken a 9,3x62 and a .416 Rigby to RSA plains game. Took the Rigby and Win M70 in .375 H&H to Tanzania for buf.

The buf was the most exciting and dramatic hunting experience I've ever had and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is addictive though ... and I may end up selling rifles to allow me to go again. (I'll keep the Chapuis though if at all possible, but the two .375s and the .470 NE may well go on the block.)

(Did a trip report on the African Hunting thread called "A Newbie in Tanzania.")

I love my 9.3x74R Krieghoff. Used it this year on bush buck in Mozambique. Used on road goats (white tails) last season and will likely do the same this year.

It's a great all around caliber, easy to load for, fun to shoot. I'm currently working up loads for mine using the Swift A Frame in 250 gr variety. I used the Norma factory 285 Oryx so far and found it completely satisfactory on the thin skinned game it has taken. The 250 Swift should offer me even better performance and will likely go to Africa again on a hunt for Eland.

Mine carries a Kahles 30mm 1.5-6 scope on a pivot mount (QD) and is very accurate. I have no problems taking shots to 200 yards with it.

Tony (450 No 2) has reported great things when using his 9.3 double.

Do it just because you want to , it's fun and you probably deserve it!!

Good luck.

Mike

Bill, once you get a 9.3X74R double rifle, you will wonder how you hunted without one before!

I have both Side by side, and O/U 9.3X74R doubles, and they are the most useful doubles in my collection.

Another lover of the 9.3x74. Mine is a Chapius. A delight to shoot, very accurate and points like your finger.

My 9.3 Merk shoots very good and is very light in between the hands. IMO it is the most versatile caliber double.

A nice 9.3 in MERKEL, CHAPIUS or BERETTA would be great for stalking close to game in Namibia then just save for the Buff straight after
OZHUNTER

Bill,

We are all your personal enablers. Buy the double. You have our permission.

Fellas: Really appreciate your encouragement. The 9.3 in a souble seems to be extremely practical for all but the biggest stuff, and it is certainly the most affordable double for the flexibility it represents, at least in the Chapuis. Cheapest I have seen a Chapuis Ugex new is $5,100. Anyone recall what the group buy guys got theirs for?
There is just nothing like a double, even though the only ones I have owned and shot have been the Pedersoli Kodiak muzzleloaders in .58 and .72. I know that an over-the-counter .375 H&H bolt gun is a better and more economical choice, but compared to any double it is just plain boring.

I bought an O/U Blaser Luxus in 9,3x74R after selling so many to friends I had to own one. It is one of my favourite rifles

Aleko

Bill,
i was in your shoes last year and i finally just went for it. i'm now the euphoric owner of a brand new, made for me 450/400 Searcy PH. sell what you can live without and borrow the rest, but by all means buy yourself a real double in the caliber you really want and can get the most use out of. you will be sooooooooo glad you did.

You all forgot the #1 rule of dedicated shooters....there is NEVER need to justify a new gun, you just need to WANT one!!!

I thought the group guys got their Chapuis for a little over $4000.

Or am I wrong?

BUY It!Everyone that buys a double rifle loves it,you never hear anyone say i hate my double
After a couple years go buy you allways see them go up in value like everything else.You will be glad you got it now......Whatever you decide have fun & be safe,Good Luck!

I believe the group buy price was $ 4050.

Hello, this is my first post on the forum, I have been visiting it for a while though.
Doubles in europe are most connected whith driven hunt due to the superb balance and quick second shot. But a Double owns more advantages than just the romantic aura. For example is it very quiet and easy to detach for travel. A german double in 9,3x74R is as "true" it gets for Namibia, the old german part of Africa. I don´t know the prices are on Merkel in America, but atleast here is it IMHO a wellmade and wellpriced alternative to chapuis. http://www.merkel-waffen.de/core.php?dat=Y29tcG9uZW50PW...JmFydGljbGVJRD00ODE= Sorry about the long link. I hope that helped you in some way.

Regards, Jonas.

Rifleboy/Sweden,
Welcome aboard!

I really enjoy my Pedersoli 45/70 Double, but I wished that I had known that Cabela's was going to offer them in 9.3x74 the next year. If I ever buy another double it will be a 9.3x74.

Sweden, now there is a country.
I remember fondly my Caprinus that came with lovely Indian buffalo leather case.
NeoCaprunus
Screw Axis (German, Italian, Jap) guns!

If you do consider the Chapuis, look at the RGEX model. It's nice to have ejectors and positioning your rifle so that when you break it open the spent cartridges fly into the trackers hands.

Jonas: Thanks for the link to the lovely Merkel, and welcome indeed to the best forum on the Net.
Wink: That's a neat trick, ejecting the brass into the tracker's hands. Reminds me of the fun I have had with a Martini trying to catch that big old .577-450 case in my shirt pocket when smartly ejected.

quote:

Originally posted by Allout:
To quote my ex-girlfriend - "Do it for the romance." The best reason is, because you want one.

-- And you let her get away? She sounds like a serious "keeper." Or is that "keep her" ???

quote:

budget just won't allow a Cape buff at this time unless I just take a boring old bolt action .375

Get a Finnclassic (Valmet) for the price of a good bolt rifle, you get a 9 lb double with ejectors, cut-rifled bbls by Lothar Walther, express sight, great detachable scope mount, and adjustable regulation (with optional side ribs). And for a few extra bucks, a set of 12 ga bbls with screw chokes. For a little more, you can get some game scene engraving, a little or a lot. We are the importer so we are biased, but we got into the game because I love the guns!

Come on guys, How about a 360 #2, weighing in at 8lbs. A fine English double with scop mounts.