Well, finally, at last.....
My Searcy in .500 Nitro showed up. Sorry that the pictures don't do it justice but I'm horrible with a camera.

Droooool....that's nice.

Very nice!!!

Very nice Rickster!! She's a beaut!

Thanks for posting the photos. I will get my 500 out of the safe and fondle it for a while. Yours may be a clone or twin brother to mine.

Tom

Nice - congrats!

congratulations Rick. That is really nice & the case too!

Now there's a right proper DGR! :-)

I took it out after work and put a few rounds through it. I couldn't hit crap with it and then I figured out I had to keep my eyes open to hit something.
Actually, it shoots very well. I don't think I'm gonna be bench resting this one though. Even weighing at least 11 1/2 lbs, this is a definite step up from the .470 (which I can and do shoot off the bench). Not unpleasant and I didn't cry too much but will take a bunch of rounds to get used to for me. I like it!!! Todd, the load of 110 gr of IMR4831 for regulation, while it puts minor bulges in the cases, it shoots just fine and the bulges straighten right out.

Thanks guys.

ooohhhh

aaahhhh

Seriously, nut, that is beautiful. Wishing you many enjoyable safaris with her.

Very nice!
Bill

How lovely ..... Congrats now you have to change your signature in your profile

Great looking rifle, congrats. Hope to have one someday.

I'll try that load next week Rick.

Is that Butch's "Field Grade"? If so, man, you sure get a lot for your money. That's a really nice piece of wood.

Congratulations! Nice!

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
I don't think I'm gonna be bench resting this one though. Even weighing at least 11 1/2 lbs, this is a definite step up from the .470 (which I can and do shoot off the bench). Not unpleasant and I didn't cry too much but will take a bunch of rounds to get used to for me.

You must not be holding it the same way Todd holds his 500. Or you're just an unlucky dude (like me) to whom physics applies ....

Just messing with you, Todd. I now owe you two beers at DSC.

Yes, "brother" Williams, it is his field grade. And I think it is gorgeous.
Zephyr
Yes, sir I know I have to and will before the night is over.
Thanks guys. I am immenently pleased with the results. Hope I can learn to shoot this double and actually kill something with it. I have almost 6 weeks to get used to it. It doesn't hurt, but it definitely lets you know you pulled the trigger. It's great.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
I took it out after work and put a few rounds through it. I couldn't hit crap with it and then I figured out I had to keep my eyes open to hit something.
Actually, it shoots very well. I don't think I'm gonna be bench resting this one though. Even weighing at least 11 1/2 lbs, this is a definite step up from the .470 (which I can and do shoot off the bench). Not unpleasant and I didn't cry too much but will take a bunch of rounds to get used to for me. I like it!!! Todd, the load of 110 gr of IMR4831 for regulation, while it puts minor bulges in the cases, it shoots just fine and the bulges straighten right out.

Thanks guys.

Congratulations, on a very beautiful rifle, and excellent deal.

With a little practice and couple of mercury recoil reducers and a magnum past sissy pad and you will not be able to tell the difference shooting it from shooting your 470.


Best regards

Malek
Good shooting/hunting and God's best.

Gorgeous rifle!!

Lovely rifle; now you just need to order it's bigger brother: a 577NE

"It doesn't hurt, but it definitely lets you know you pulled the trigger".[/quote]

Take Todd's advice and find some Trail Boss and finish your shooting sessions with a reduced load if unable Trail Boss than a .410 a .22 or something with less recoil. You'll re-establish proper muscle memory and not carry forward any bad habits that might arise from the increased recoil.. The other thing that helps are shooting games using a shot timer, this will take your mind off of the recoil and on to the task at hand...
A good drill might be 4 targets at 30 20 15 10 yards at the sound of the timer shoot the 30 and 20 reload shoot the 15 than a single reload shoot the 10. You can also add a variation and move the targets about so you have to reload on the move.
Have fun

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Yes, "brother" Williams, it is his field grade. And I think it is gorgeous.
Zephyr
Yes, sir I know I have to and will before the night is over.
Thanks guys. I am immenently pleased with the results. Hope I can learn to shoot this double and actually kill something with it. I have almost 6 weeks to get used to it. It doesn't hurt, but it definitely lets you know you pulled the trigger. It's great.

Beautiful rifle Rickster.

Now about that recoil thing. I just love it when a squiddy Sailor gets to say "Suck it up Buttercup" to a jarhead Marine!!

Todd,
I am deeply offended that you would imply anything vaguely "sissy"! Wait a minute, I would have to have feelings first to be offended. Never mind.
It didn't hurt and didn't leave a mark but you know you shot it. No doubt whatsoever. I don't think it'll be that hard to get used to. Now if I could just get a 4.5 x 14 mounted on it......(that's a joke before the comments start rolling in)

Thanks Guys!

Nice and looks quite similar to the VC? Welcome to the .500 club.

Thanks fairgame. But with some of the hunt offers on AR I STILL can't go with the big boys.
I'm getting used to it. I keep shooting it a few rounds at a time and pretty soon, it will be just fine. It shoots very well, have hit everything I shot at so far. (actual objects, not just the hill they are on!)

Beautiful rifle Rick....Congrats.

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:

The other thing that helps are shooting games using a shot timer, this will take your mind off of the recoil and on to the task at hand...

Great idea!

Gentlemen, here is another of Butch’s fine doubles chambered for one of the best Nitro cartridges in existence! I have watched the Searcy rifles for some years and they have steadily improved over the years from a basic solid working double rifle to the very fine rifles of today. No person carrying a B. Searcy double rifle need hang his head in shame in any group where double rifles are displayed regardless of brand!

Congratulations Pagosawingnut! That is a beautiful rifle!

.......................................................................

For the money, I don't think you can beat it. It still is a working rifle, barren of engraving and made to fit me. 15 1/4" LOP, provisions for a Trijicon RMR, which I have put on it. Crisp triggers.......
I don't think the recoil is that much different than the .470, just something new and riveting.
Malek, I will not be putting recoil reducers in the stock, or using a magnum sissy pad on my shoulder.(I might be sorry but no)
And I forgot to add, Accurate. While I haven't had the chance to put it on paper yet, the Test Target that Butch sent to me shows 2 groups about 1 1/2" between the bullet holes.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
For the money, I don't think you can beat it. It still is a working rifle, barren of engraving and made to fit me. 15 1/4" LOP, provisions for a Trijicon RMR, which I have put on it. Crisp triggers.......
I don't think the recoil is that much different than the .470, just something new and riveting.

Bold point 1) I completely agree. Butch makes a fine rifle and even this field grade is a beautiful work art IMO. Easily nicer than a certain manufacturer that sells their PH model for 2 and a half times as much and finishes the metal with what appears to be steel wool!

Bold point 2) Told ya so! Even if you were shamed into it by a Squid!!

Would you post a photo of your rifle with the RMR installed? Also could explain or show how the sight mount is attached to the rib.

Sure Kestrel. It attaches behind the rear sight in milled in slots on both sides of the rib. It will be Monday though before I can get my camera back from my wife. She seems to think that she needs pictures of her great grand babies.
Todd, I said that about the recoil just for you. This thing kicks like a one eyed mule!!!! Alright, just kidding. I think the recoil is very similar to the lighter by a pound or more recoil in the Searcy .470 I have. I was expecting the push but since I haven't been able to shoot as much as normal (weather and shoulder surgery) I suspect I am just a bit out of practice and my shoulder isn't used to it. It will get used to it quickly.

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
Gentlemen, here is another of Butch’s fine doubles chambered for one of the best Nitro cartridges in existence! I have watched the Searcy rifles for some years and they have steadily improved over the years from a basic solid working double rifle to the very fine rifles of today.
No person carrying a B. Searcy double rifle need hang his head in shame in any group where double rifles are displayed regardless of brand!
Congratulations Pagosawingnut! That is a beautiful rifle!

.......................................................................

Funny that one of Butch's advocates feels the above needs to to asserted.
Would he have said this had the rifle been a Chapuis, V/C, Sidelock Merkel...?

Let me add, "And if you have a problem Butch will have you SEND IT BACK...
{As a good number of posters on this forum have had to do according to their own words...}

Nice. Can you take closeups of the front and rear sight?

Pago-

Looks outstanding and you are right the pics don't do it justice- I saw your butt stock last month in person.

Also ordered the provisions to mount a Trijicon RMR system. Got the RMR unit but the bases are backordered hopefully will be in my hand by time my rifle is done.

Enjoy.

bulldog,
Yes I can and will when I get my camera back, Monday. along with the trijicon mount.
D'Angelico fan,
Butch's service is, IMHO second to none. If there are problems with his rifles, he fixes them and makes them right. I recently bought a Remington Sendero in .300WM and had to send it back to Remington after only 5 rounds due to a tight chamber. No One is perfect. Bought an as new Chapuis in 9.3 x 74R and had to send it back as well because of a doubling issue. 2 of the Rugers I own had to be sent back to Ruger for issues that were definitely not up to snuff. I like the service, the friendly conversation and the quality of Butch's work.

quote:

Originally posted by D'Angelico Fan:
Funny that one of Butch's advocates feels the above needs to to asserted.
Would he have said this had the rifle been a Chapuis, V/C, Sidelock Merkel...?

Let me add, "And if you have a problem Butch will have you SEND IT BACK...
{As a good number of posters on this forum have had to do according to their own words...}

D’fan First let me make something very clear to you! I do not own, nor have I ever owned a B.Searcy double rifle. However I have known Butch for many years, and have seen and handled his rifles from his early BSS actioned 470NE doubles, till today’s rifles of all levels over 30 years later.

That being said I have owned about every name of double rifle from the UK, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Even one from Japan chambered for everything from 8mm to 577. To answer your question~ Yes HE would have said the same thing about Chapuis,V/C, or Merkel, all have improved over the years. The Searcy rifles are not Purdey, or H&H but they don’t pretend to be, Butch will tell you that himself.

I have zero dog in this fight you are trying your best to start! However I’ll not back up a step to stay out of it!

If you want to know what I think of Merkel, Chapuis, and VC,I can tell you that I have had two Merkels, one a 9.3X74R for over ten years, and the other a 470NE for eight or nine years, with not one problem and own five others today.

I also consider the VCs and Chapuis to be a very good rifle, and Heym to be top drawer as well. I don’t know how old you are but a suspect very young, Finding a need for a mentor to learn hand-loading doesn’t seem to indicate a long associeation with double rifls or in fact firearms of any type, but seemingly think yourself qualified to make snide remarks on ANY double rifle.

Suffice to say I’m not young nor new to double rifles having bought my first double rifle, most likely before you were born, in 1957, at the age of 21 yrs and have never been without at least one since and today I own seven doubles and I hand-load for them all.

SO! I guess you could say I just love double rifles, and I know a little about them, and any decently made double rifle is a better hunting rifle for dangerous game than any other type, but are fine hunting rifles for any type of hunting from jack rabbit to elephant for a person who understands them.

All I was saying in my post to the owner of his new rifle was, the quality has come up steadily over the years, and that he can be proud of his new rifle. What were you trying to do with that sarcastic post, rain on his parade?

quote:

Originally posted by D'Angelico Fan:

Funny that one of Butch's advocates feels the above needs to to asserted.
Would he have said this had the rifle been a Chapuis, V/C, Sidelock Merkel...?

Let me add, "And if you have a problem Butch will have you SEND IT BACK...
{As a good number of posters on this forum have had to do according to their own words...}

What does this even mean?

There's a ton of DR experience on this site. And there's a reason that Searcy is a well regarded maker here. Mine is a 06/07 model - no problems, but unlike some other brands, if one were to develop (or I just want something done), guess who answers my calls and emails me back directly?

These field guns (such as Pago's gun) are absolutely the best value in a DR today, particularly considering the wood and warranty.

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:

I have zero dog in this fight you are trying your best to start! However I’ll not back up a step to stay out of it!

Well said Mac!

Now that is a rifle!