My first post on the DR forum.

I was browsing the Champlins Website and came across this Heym in the Gun Vault that has really caught my fancy.

HEYM 9.3x74R - 1939

What do you all think? I know Heym is considered one of the new make DR builders, but 1939? How would this compare to an English made double of the same era in build and value?

I personally think its beautiful rifle, even with the dings. I love the stock, engraving, and in this instance, I even like the case coloring.

The only negative might be the 9.3 caliber. But in my mind, with very little thought of an elephant hunt in my future, a 9.3 would be much more practical and shootable. Of course I’m probably just as likely to chase after elephant as I would be to plunk down $12,500 on a DR. That’s why we dream.

I also really like the rifle and you can't go wrong buying from George at Champlins. Go for it.

After hearing NE450#2's report on his 9.3 Chapuis in Africa this year and after shooting it and Bal's double at the DRSS hunt there are a lot of us looking for a deal on a 9.3 and I'm one of them! Put claw mounts and a scope on it and you are set to go!

F. W. Heym has been around for a long time and was making fine double guns long before 1939. Quality is usually excellent. This one looks like a good quality rifle.

The caliber isn't a negative in any way. Aren't many DR calibers as useful as 9.3X74R. Ask any serious DR guy who owns both medium and large bore DRs, and they'll tell you the mediums get more use. Mine sure does.

As to how it compares to a British rifle from the same period in build quality and value, well, they're different rifles really. The Germans built double rifles to a different formula than the British, and still do. Also, the British didn't build 9.3X74Rs, which the Germans introduced to compete with the .400/.360s. In my view, British build quality was better. A comparable British rifle would be, say, a boxlock Rigby .400/.350, or a Lang or Evans in .400/.360 Purdey. In similar condition, these rifles would bring $2000 to $5000 more than this Heym.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

I have been drooling over that one for a while in researching my first DR purchase in a couple years. If I had an extra 12K burning a hole in my pocket it would already be in my safe. Whoever gets it it a lucky bastard.

Louis

Thanks for all your comments. Especially 400, I've really enjoyed all your input and knowledge. I think part of the joy of owning a double would be the nostalgia and knowing the history as you do. That's why this particular gun interested me - old and yet "affordable."

As to the caliber, if you were to have just one double, would you be missing out by not having a bigger bore? I am sold on the utility of the 9.3, and would probably use it for everything.

A couple Champlins questions. Can you assume a gun sold by them has received the JJ once over?
And, can you haggle on this sort of thing? I suppose that might work better in person, or at the shows.

Anyways, thanks for feeding my fantasies.

Brian

For just one double, a 9.3X74R or .375 Flanged Magnum would probably make the most sense. The 9.3 is highly flexible, and a tough choice to beat. Factory ammo and brass are easy for the 9.3. Not so the .375.

No, don't assume J. J. has looked it over because he probably hasn't. He's that busy. If I were interested in it, I'd just ask him to give it a quick once over first, then a full evaluation if I got serious. On a used double, DON'T skip this step. Champlin stands behind what they sell, but it's still good to know about any potential problems.

Always haggle. How much George will move depends on the the gun, but he'll ususally deal some.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

Bloodnativ

If you are serious about that 9,3 call JJ and have him look it over. If you like what he says talk to George, have him put a hold on it, then go to Enid. His shop is on the Woodring Airport grounds, in a hanger just off the runnway. You can either drive or fly. If you fly you can wald to his shot from the terminal [ps they make a pretty good lunch].
You can shoot the rifle while you are there.
I would take several different kinds of factory ammo. Ask JJ for recomendations.

I really like the 9,3x74R.
Search some of my previous posts, I have taken quite a bit of different game with mine, from armidillos to elephants.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Bloodnativ

If you are serious about that 9,3 call JJ and have him look it over. If you like what he says talk to George, have him put a hold on it, then go to Enid. His shop is on the Woodring Airport grounds, in a hanger just off the runnway. You can either drive or fly. If you fly you can wald to his shot from the terminal [ps they make a pretty good lunch].
You can shoot the rifle while you are there.
I would take several different kinds of factory ammo. Ask JJ for recomendations.

I really like the 9,3x74R.
Search some of my previous posts, I have taken quite a bit of different game with mine, from armidillos to elephants.

I wish I could. I won't have the money to buy one 'til I get back from Afghanistan in 2008. Even then I don't think I would be able to afford 12K. Mine will be more along the lines of Chapuis (since it appears to be the least expensive) or maybe a used Kreigoff, Merkel, or some other entry level double. The closest I'm going to be able to get to something like that one (any time soon) will be to envy the lucky soul that finally gets it. Oh well, it's godd to have dreams.

Louis