Double Rifles: .375 and Better

I plan on getting an O/U just to see what it is like. On the highest level of "theory" O/U are potentially more accurate than SXS due to the fact BBL regulation only has to compensate with one plane of motion as Ardent suggests, vertical. The top BBL recoils up and bottom bbl recoils more straight back or slightly downwards. This means that when shooting from field positions were the rifle is rested in a less than perfect manner (like leaning on the side of a tree) it has a lesser effect on were the bullets will hit. This is especially true of the bottom bbl (normally the front trigger) that recoils nearly straight back. Holding the rifle down hard on a rest vrs. letting it naturally rise on firing has much less effect on were the bullet exits the bbl. The recoil motion is really not much different than a bolt action rifle.

On a SXS the two BBLs recoil not only upwards but side ways as well. There are two plains of motion in an arc shape to deal with. The guns bbls are pointed together in a cross eyed manner to compensate for the side to side movement (as well as pointing low to compensate for vertical movement) If you take a SXS rifle and hold it down tightly on a rest, not not allowing it to swing with it's natural movement during recoil, the bbls will cross quite badly and shoot low. If you hold the right side against the side of a tree the right bbl will shoot left and the left may shoot normally.


So, if you want to have double rifle to scope and shoot longer distances off a rest a O/U is probably the best way to go.


Anyone confused yet?
 
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8x60R ammo

The rifle came to me with a fair amount of factory ammo. Made in Switzerland, I think. It also included the dies, shellholder and a prick to pry out the Berdan primer. I have reloaded some berdan cases. A bit of a pain, but not a big deal, given the small volume involved.

When delveoping ammo. One shoots the left and right barrels at different targets, and look for ammo that groups well AND TO THE SAME POINT OF AIM.

The latter is the challenge. I found the best load to be the Barnes X 180 gr. and VV N150. Power about the same as 30-06.

For plinking, I use the 32 Spl bullet. The barrels are .318 (the old, small 8mm) I also discovered I could make good Boxer primed brass by necking down the 444 Mralin case. it is bit short in the neck, but not a big deal for a rimmed case.

I have not hunted with this rifle. It is a hand-made work of art. Notice how the action screws are filed smooth and the slots cut horizontal. That is real engraving. A guy did that - along time ago. The trigger guard is horn or bone. One of the triggers is also a set trigger.

One thing that you notice about a hinged rifle is how much shorter and handier it is with out the 7" lost to the bolt.

DOUBLE8MMRIFLE4.jpg
 
Ganderite, I'm intrigued with your description of the triggers. Does that mean the one trigger fires both barrels and the other trigger sets it? Or does it mean that there is an individual trigger for each barrel but one sets?
 
Ardent said:
Well I just "committted" to becoming a double rifle owner, next year I'll have a .450-400 3" NE to show, mayyybe in time for a Northern spring doubles shoot if life goes really swell. No details til she's in my hands. ;)
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I hope it all works out and that rifle finds it's way to you. The 450-400 3" sounds like it's the cat's ass. It sure has regained popularity the last few years. If I were to be ordering a double just for African Buffalo that cartridge would be at the very top of the list.
 
For true quality, reliability, beauty and most importantly, accuracy a Chapuis is the answer.
http://www.chapuis-armes.com/

They are in the process of revamping their website and the English version is not up yet.

I have visited the plant several times and know René and Vincent very well. They built me a bespoken 28 las year that is wonderfull! They have three shooting tunnels to both regulate the guns and do the pressure certification required by European law. They have a 30,000 sq ft temperature and humidity controlled wood warehouse. Engravings can be done localy, in Belgum or Italy. It is all a mather of how much you want to wait and how much MORE you want to pay.

I have a friend now since retired and ill tha thas hunted EVERY African and South American game. His collection of mounts filled a large air conditionned barn. His collection was far superior to many that I have seen in the US or Europe. He used a Chapuis in the brush and a bolt action for longer shots. His wife shot a Sako Manlicher in 375 HH and also a Manlicher in 7x57. And she weighs in at 100 Lbs wet.

When I go again to South Africa next spring, I bring only my shotgun and use my friend's Steyer Manlicher in 30-06. It is very accurate with handloads shooting one inch at a measured 100 M. I shot a good sized Gnu, one shot with it. The Gnu did maybe 50 feet before dropping. I did a heart lung shot at a slight angle. I have always beleived in proper bullet placement and not power to effectively kill. I have used though my Sako 375HH on game as small as deer though........

Have a great week,
Henry;)
 
8 x60R triggers


The forward trigger fires one barrel. the rear trigger is a single set. It can be fired like an ordinary trigger - and has a nice 3 lb crisp let-off.

Or, it can be pushed forward to set it.
 
Got to keep that in mind, we have the frames. I've got a good stock of the posters from Safari Press and have got a guy working on a Buff silhouette!! And another good reson to put in the cables for a charging ??

Got to get an approximate date around the middle of June as I don't expect the bridge to be finished in time, ..........how many are interested in a trip to Yellowknife for the double shoot, bbq, fishing, maybe bear hunt (double rifles of course)??
 
Arctic said:
Got to keep that in mind, we have the frames. I've got a good stock of the posters from Safari Press and have got a guy working on a Buff silhouette!! And another good reson to put in the cables for a charging ??

Got to get an approximate date around the middle of June as I don't expect the bridge to be finished in time, ..........how many are interested in a trip to Yellowknife for the double shoot, bbq, fishing, maybe bear hunt (double rifles of course)??
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I'd be down for a Northern Doubles shoot, will motivate me to get the .450-400 home. I'm in High Level, and 'close' as such.
 
BU, if there's anything you need in components, give me a call, as I'm going out next week with the trailer for some hunting. I'll be picking up stock for lots of members and it's nothing to pick up a bit more. Over the winter, if you want to try casting for the .470, just let me know.

Hear they found another 40,000 last spring but had to sit on it until the WRRB decision was out!! ........Politics!!!!!
 
Ardent said:
That's grotesque, not my cuppa Joe. Seems perfect for some affluent big talkin' American, or an oil sheik looking to flinch and gut shoot a rhino. Interesting to see though, just a big good riddance from this corner!

(Not a real NE cal either...)
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Youre just jealous!!:p:D;)
 
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