Entry level double

19 December 2018, 21:55

458dia

Entry level double

Hello everyone,
I am looking on buying an entry level double rifle this spring in 450/400.
What is an acceptable starter double? Searcy, Chapuis, Sabatti?

I would like to be a bit economical because the rest of my cash is going for my sons shotgun either this year or next.

Thank you

19 December 2018, 22:11

dpcd

I have all of those and also a Kriegoff in 450-400. I think you could get any of them for less than 10K now, used, as the market is soft. I don't think they make the sabatti any more, so get one of the others first. Look at Merkel too.

19 December 2018, 23:23

Biebs

Here's a Sabatti in 450/400 for $5K if you want a true beguinner's DR.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/785817423

Krieghoff Classic 30R Blaser
Stevens 044-1/2 218 Bee
Ruger #1A 7-08
Rem 700 7-08
Tikka t3x lite 6.5 creedmo
Tikka TAC A1 6.5 creedmo
Win 1885 300H&H. 223Rem
Merkel K1 7 Rem mag
CCFR

20 December 2018, 00:31

dpcd

Ok, Biebs deal is good and I'm sure he worked out any bugs in it; if there were any; I owned 3 and all performed perfectly.

20 December 2018, 02:35

Dutch44

Look around guns international and you may find a great buy on an English double in an affordable price.

20 December 2018, 02:46

MJines

I would focus on the Chapius.

A Sabatti will always suffer from being a Sabatti if and when you decide to sell it. A Krieghoff would be fine, but resale will likewise suffer due to the cocking lever (which I actually like). Merkel makes an inferior double compared to the Chapius.

Who you get the rifle from matters too. Get a Chapius from JJ Perodeau and you know you are dealing with someone you can trust if something needs tweaked or taken care of down the line.

20 December 2018, 03:29

Use Enough Gun

My Searcy 450-400 has been a dream and very accurate. I've shot 4 out of my 6 Cape Buffalo with it. Butch is there, if you need him for anything.

By the way, mine was bought from one of the Cabela's fine gun rooms many years back (previously owned) and Butch has stood behind that rifle even though I was not the original owner. FYI, he loads my 450-400 and 375 H&H Flanged ammo for me at a reasonable price.

I bought the 375 H&H Flanged directly from him because he stands behind his rifles 100%.

20 December 2018, 03:31

tomahawker

All the above sound advice. I’ll say a Sabatti can be found for the least investment. I picked up a 470 for 3500 bucks and she shoots good. Also conversions can be found for less than 5k. That’s what I started on. Be warned, it kinda snowballs. I’m up to 5 doubles and lookin for more!

20 December 2018, 22:33

custombolt

458dia

If you can swing it, the Wannenmacher Tulsa show is in spring. Nothing beats handling a rifle before you buy. Wear comfortable shoes as I've heard it is gi-normous.

http://www.tulsaarmsshow.com/

Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.

20 December 2018, 23:41

Colin Masters

https://www.gunsinternational....cfm?gun_id=101096981 Charles Osborne .450/400 3 1/4”.

https://www.gunsinternational....cfm?gun_id=101033540 Hollis .450/400 3”

I love both of these rifles.

21 December 2018, 00:31

dpcd

All depends on his budget.
The Tulsa show is ten acres of tables; over 3000 of them. You have to keep moving because if you stop at each table only ten seconds, it will take you over 8 hours to see it. It is a March or Die thing. So, move past all the new stuff and concentrate only on the collectables. Don't see many DRs there though but I have seen a bit of everything. Never know.

21 December 2018, 19:02

458dia

Thank you all for your replies it is appreciated.

Double BC I have been looking at the Searcy. Colin Masters I did not need to see that Hollis, that is a beautiful rifle. I have shot one of those Remington 45/70 doubles and it barked but didn't feel right. Again thank you all and keep the advice coming I believe that others would like to jump into the double game also.

Cheers,

Jordon

25 December 2018, 23:25

custombolt

Jordan,

Any major show can be a great experience alone and even if you don't find a double to buy (as mentioned by dpcd for that Tulsa show), talking with vendors can offer some direction to other dealers outside the show, possibly in your neck of the woods.
The thing about double rifles is that there is a big gap between $1,000 and $5,000 for SXS doubles. So, happy hunting for the right one. Hope you find one that suits you.

Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.

29 December 2018, 02:31

cal pappas

Have you thought of a .500 bpe double with hammers and a Jones under lever? Most folks don't want the hammer guns and that has kept the price low. A .500 bpe with a 440-grain bullet will drop a buffalo and you can find an original starting at around 6,000$. The workmanship on the old rifles is second to none, they have stood the test of time, the engraving is more fine on the older rifles, and you may get lucky and find anazing original history on the rifle.
Cal

_______________________________

Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
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1998 Zimbabwe
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1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
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2013 South Africa
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2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
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2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
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______________________________

31 December 2018, 23:38

Atkinson

Doubles have been expensive, but I see them on the down trend these days, I suspect the problems and ridiculas pricing has effected the double market..

I would rather have a high grade bolt gun than a low grade double.

Entry level to me would be a lower priced no frills Searcy..or a good army navy or whatever that would take some shopping..but they are out there.

This is based on a rifle that is intended for hunting DG in Africa, if you just want one to play with, get a Sabboti, its the cheapest.

Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120

rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com

01 January 2019, 00:08

Dutch44

Listen to Cal. I love hammer doubles and have scarfed them up at auctions when no one else would bid on them. Superb quality and workmanship including accuacy.