Are there any big game double rifles for under 5k?

quote:

---

wiltznucs

---

had a thread about one he had built but no idea how much it cost.

Check out the Baikal over/unders
They go up to 30-06
They were imported by Remington for a while
I have one that is a 12 gauge/30-06 combo
The factory sights are shite and it is near impossible to scope it but I put on some Lyman sights (peep) for the rear and I love it
I can get handloaded 200 grain bullets poa around two inches at 100 yards
I also use a chiappa 12 gauge barrel inserts for poa at 25 yards with pistol rounds

I was talking about something like in a 375 H&H

Ah yea you're gonna have to pay for that.

What are you intending to shoot at?

Ok I just looked up Sabatti and found quite a few nice looking ones! Thanks

quote:

---

All the ones I find are extremely expensive.

---

So, here’s the scoop...

Well made doubles are expensive. Regulating two barrels to pattern appropriately is an art. You’re gonna pay for it.

When it comes to double rifles you have the legendary British makes like Holland & Holland, Rigby, Westley Richards and the like. New guns start at $60,000 and in most cases a well appointed gun will exceed $100,000. These are heirloom pieces and clearly not for everyone. Truly bespoke, you will shoot at their proving grounds and will have the tape measure taken to you. The LOP, palm swell, cheek piece and every detail built specifically for you. You’ll even pick the engraving, lumber, checkering, etc. A year or more later you’ll get your gun.

You can buy used ones at a discount; but, keep in mind they are truly bespoke and may not fit you as well as the person the gun was tailored to.

Then you have everyone else. Ranging from French, German, Italian and even some American made guns. These can range anywhere from $12,000 to $50,000.

A bargain when compared to their British counterparts; but, still a bit spendy.

Some examples in this group are Heym and Merkel from Germany, Verney Carron or Chapuis from France, Sabbati from Italy or Searcy here in the States. Blaser makes a popular model too.

I’ll caution you against the Sabbati. They have a terrible reputation; especially the guns imported by Cabelas a decade or so ago.

I went with the Heym 89B for an upcoming trip to Africa. I also tried out Merkel and Chapuis. Didn’t care for the Merkel, it’s clear when handling it that it’s just their side by side shotgun retrofitted to accept rifle cartridges. Feels clunky and the barrel profile is way too large. The Chapuis is a very nice gun at a good value. I chose the Heym because I felt like the additional cost got you a better fit and finish and a action that closes tight like a bank vault.

The Heym is well regarded as being tough as nails and of high quality. Many of Africa’s most notable PH’s use them. I figure if they are willing to bet their lives on them it’s good enough for me.

I visited Heym’s Dallas location last year and shot many of their models before settling on the 450-400 Nitro Express aka 400 Jeffery. Got measured up, choose the lumber and engraving. So I got a very “British” bespoke experience if you will. My understanding is my double gun should be here in the coming months.

So the answer to your question is this... Are there doubles under $5K? Surely there are; but, my expectations of the gun would be quite low and you are likely looking at a used gun. If you do find one; especially an old British double be sure to have it looked over by a gunsmith. In many cases the bargain bin doubles have some real issues. Many were made for obsolete black powder cartridges which may not be commercially available. Some have major integrity issues and I’d really rather not put a cartridge the size of a candlestick in one.

If not interested in a true big game double, there are also some very cheaply made Russian guns available in cartridges like 45/70 out there too. They can be found very inexpensively.

Best of luck...

Excellent and informative post!!

Kinda on topic.

Drilling is the correct term for the multi barrel -caliber riffles shotgun combos (2 to 4 barrel). Typically chambered with 1 shotgun 20g-12g, 2 riffles 8mm is common, and a 22lr

They're mostly German, European made and yes, they're notoriously expensive. They're Some of the most beautiful guns IMHO.