I'm getting ready to go to Africa the last of May, & figured that I'd take my Chapuis 9.3 for some larger plains game - eland & hartebeest - but the PH told me to bring my Searcy 450/.400. So, even though I've had it over a year, I'd never shot it (I know, sounds kinda stupid). Well, I took it to the range this afternoon, along with the load that Butch regulated it with (82 grs. of IMR-4831 & the Woodleigh bullet) and shot some groups. WOW !!! I was impressed; the thing almost shot like a bolt gun. I don't has pics, but my two best groups were (1) two shots at 100 yds. (R & L) = 15/16" - yes, I said 15/16", and (2) four shots at 50 yds. (2R & 2L) = 1 7/16" (these groups were measured center-to-center). I believe that if I do my part, this rifle will come close to performing like a bolt rifle. The rifle is scoped with a Leupold VXIII 1.5X6 ..... I didn't try it without the scope, so when I do, I'll report on that.

How much better could it get?

Wonderful results.

WTG, Frank!

Thanks for the report!

Hopfully you have time to put a hundred rounds

or more through those tubes before trip day,

just to be sure to catch any quirks. Have a great

sojourn and return happily filled with tales of
adventure!

Holy Sh*t, Frank ... whatever other problems she may have, the Babe shoots! (And the operator does pretty good too )

Is that a 1.5-6x32 scope? Will be decent at lower light levels if so. Would make it a nice Leopard rifle.

How's the recoil of the 450/400 in comparison to a .470?

quote:

Originally posted by mstarling:

How's the recoil of the 450/400 in comparison to a .470?

IMO, Quite a bit less than a 470NE and not as sharp as the 375.

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:

quote:

Originally posted by mstarling:

How's the recoil of the 450/400 in comparison to a .470?

IMO, Quite a bit less than a 470NE and not as sharp as the 375.

Gee, really?

Ya, and could shoot it all day at the range unlike a 470.

Frank, now you know why the guys love those 450/400's... They sure are sweet to shoot, wouldn't you agree???

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Ya, and could shoot it all day at the range unlike a 470.

Come on, I was being a smart-ass. With the recoil (muzzle energy) between the 9.3 and the 375 H&H, why wouldn't the 450/400 be pleasant to shoot?

I have owned 3 of Butchs rifles and they all shot like that...Yes, he is a good friend of mine, but his guns shoot, end of story...My last 450-400 shoots 1/2 inch at 50 every time.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Ya, and could shoot it all day at the range unlike a 470.

Come on, I was being a smart-ass.

I know this, but its always good to have someone call themselves a smart-ass.

How much does it weigh and how long are the barrels? I've wanted one ever since I first read about them in this forum. Just a few more years of saving to go. LOL

Probably weighs around 10 1/4 lbs - 26" barrels. It points like a fine English rifle, & the weight is perfect.

That is exactly the double rifle that I want, however at the moment have kids in college so it isn't in the budget. The 450-400 just has a little more general usefulness than a .470 for me.