I am considering mounting a scope on my 375H&H Flanged Magnum. It is a H&H rifle.
Would appreciate feedback from scoped double rifle owners. Does your double rifle shoot to the same point of impact with the scope and open sights? Was the scope mounted later on and was it necessary to re-regulate the barrels?

Not sure what it might also do to the value of the gun itself!

Thanks for your thoughts

Reddy375

quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:
Not sure what it might also do to the value of the gun itself!
Reddy375

There are obviously a lot of unknown variables in this equation, but (as a rule of thumb) I would reccomend that you have H&H do the work if you decide to scope it.

The gun will always "letter" as such and work done by the maker is less likely to negatively impact the guns value.

I would definately have claw mounts installed.

I have 2 scopes for my 9,3x74R Chapuis.
I have my 450/400 scoped as well. Near as I can tel l the scopesw did not effect the regulation or accuracy of either rifle.

I have shot at least 2500 rounds throught scopes in the 9,3.

Only maybe 50 or 60 through the scope in the 400. It has not been scoped for very long, but it has taken a trotting coyote, running pig, lion, baboon, warthog, 2 good hits on a running giraffe, by me and a cape buff by my wife.

Scoping your 375 double will really enhance its ability as a hunting rifle.

If you do not want to send it to H&H I would let JJ perodeau at www.champlinarms.com do it.

He put claw mounts on my drilling and my British 450/400.

Perfect jobs both.

If it is a vintage gun, then you are ruining it by putting any kind of scope mounts on it. Better to sell it to someone who will keep it original and buy a new gun with mounts.

Although scope mounts do not always affect regulation, they often do. And on a vintage gun, they have a huge influence on value, and not in a positive direction.

Ready375, I actually agree with all three of the answers you've gotten so far, each for a different reason.

NEW_GUY is right, if you want to keep any of the collector value, and still mount a scope on your H&H, I'd send it to H&H for period mounts, and documentation!

NE 450 No2 is right as well if you just want the mounts done right, and are willing to forego the top collector value, and simply want to improve the rifle's usfulness, for hunting, and do not intend to ever sell the rifle.have JJ do the work.

500grains , is right as well! You could sell the rifle for it's top worth, and buy a rifle with the scope facility on it from the factory. As he also says, the mounting of a scope on a double doesn't always effect the regulation, but if it does, then far more work is involved, further devalueing the rifle's collector value.

Not really a place I'd like to be, myself, and I'd advise thinking before you do this, about selling, and buying something else. HOWEVER, I have done just what you are thinking about in the past, but my first use for a double rifle is hunting, and collecting second! DOUBLE RIFLES are the most expencive thing you could select as a collection! Ask me I know, as I have had to sell a collection of Westley Richards double rifles, and shotguns in the past, to raise money fast, and took a real bath, but that couldn't be helped at the time!

Last week there was (maybe, still is) a Merkel double in 9.3x74, NIB, with a factory mounted quality 30mm German 1x4 scope for $6100 on www.Gunbroker.com . Buy it and have the best of both worlds. A decent double that you don't have to worry about dinging up, and a true classic that'll appreciate as time passes.

if that merkel was from kebco i bought it

reddy:
The view I take might be considered strange to some, but I recognize that I am merely a short-term custodian of a vintage British double rifle, that has already outlasted one or two previous owners, and with proper care (and barring accidents) will outlast me as well, and several more owners with luck! I have a duty of care to keep it in good shape for future 'custodians', and to protect it from harm. I have simply paid a few grand for the privilege of taking care of it for a decade or two.

In no way can I console the notion that because I have paid for it, it is mine, and I can do what I like with it.

On the other hand, more Merkels, Chapuis, Kreighoffs, etc are being made every day, many leaving the factory with scopes already fitted. It is entirely appropriate to scope a modern mass-produced double IMHO, and when my eyes begin to fail and I need a scoped rifle to continue shooting, I will undoubtedly acquire one.

Perhaps I will need to 'pass on' one of my Brit doubles to a new willing 'custodian', in order to afford the scoped double. In that case I would be proud to know that, aside from a little honest wear in the bores, it would leave my care in as good a condition (or perhaps a little better!) as when it arrived.

I think Saint Peter might just have that question at the top of his list, as his finger hovers over the red button outside the Pearly Gates: "During your lifetime, son, have you buggered-up any vintage Brit or European double rifles? Answer truthfully, now...."

Marrakai,
What a great response!! I couldn't agree with you more. Use them,shoot them, maintain them but don't alter them, please.

Forty plus years ago I had a Gastinne Renette double boxlock ejector 9x57R with a scope in one of the excellent old quick detachable Miller mounts. These hook into the rear sight slot and no cuts or holes are needed in the rifle. I was still patient enough in those days to handload and used blunt softpoint Hornady 200 and 250 grain bullets. I first developed loads with the scope on the rifle and got them inside 3" at 100 yards, which was good enough for a woods rifle. Then on removing the scope the regulation went to h ... and I had to work up two more loads to work with the open sights. All four loads shot under 3" for six alternating barrel shots. However although the load development was not difficult in principle it was laborious and took a long time and was definitely a colossal PITA and, I think, was why I have never handloaded since.