Finally got to do it!
Going for Zimbabwe on the 18th, and I've been practicing plenty. My friend'll shoot a .375, I'll be shooting a .30-06. Well, my friend's been there before and he's kinda big bore addicted so he not only has a Merkel .470 double but also a .505 Gibbs, both of which I got to shoot last weekend.

Alas, I liked neither....
However, the .470 was less bad and the results speak for themselves:



Granted, two shots only, and the distance was but 25 meters (28yds), but first time offhand I daresay I'm da man!
And despite the recoil the shootist is happy.



I think the only photo of me with a broader grin is the one where I had just shot my first moose.

About this time you start to question "How much could I get on my 30-06 on a trade-in????? The big doubles are addicting.

You must be 20 ft tall (about 6 meters) and weigh 800 pounds (about 375 kilograms) because that don't look big enough to be a 470 NE.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
You must be 20 ft tall (about 6 meters) and weigh 800 pounds (about 375 kilograms) because that don't look big enough to be a 470 NE.

+1

I think that be a wide angle lens....

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
You must be 20 ft tall (about 6 meters) and weigh 800 pounds (about 375 kilograms) because that don't look big enough to be a 470 NE.

My first impression as well!

However that is pritty good shooting even if it is a 30-06, but amazing if it is a 470NE.

183cm/69kg = 6ft/152lbs.

It's a Merkel double in .470, 24" barrels - slim build, I suppose? Dunno, haven't ever seen another one.
It was heavy, though, my friend appreciated it @ 4kg+, i.e. 8.8lbs or more. I'd say the weight is close to his .375 which weights in @ 5kg = 11 lbs.

The round black stickers on the target are 16mm (5/8") in diameter so that also verifies the caliber.
I didn't measure the target, but the outer rings I think are 12.5mm = 0.5" and the bull's eye 25mm = 1".

- Lars

I've shot neither the 470 nor the 505 gibbs but from what I understand theses are listed as dangerous game stoppers. Meaning a well placed 375 H&H would take down a Cape but if he's coming at you with all intents to punch your ticket then your only hope is a big bore I've also heard the 505 described as being just a little better to send then receive None the less you had your cherry popped as it were

Come on, Bill.....can't you see it's one of those 6# 470's you been wishing somebody would make?...why do you think it thumped him so bad?

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
SCI
DSC

Update:
I checked the Merkel website. The gun weights app. 4.6kg, i.e. approx. 10.5 lbs.

- Lars