so given the problems with my current Sabatti im kicking around the idea of trying to come up with $10k and buying something else. I can get doubles made by Merkel or Chapuis for around $10k which is the most affordable next to the Sabatti double.
which would you pick? why?
thanks
-matt
Matt85,
My first double rifle was a Merkel SxS in .375 H&H, 23" extractor barrels and it had above average walnut.
It was a good looking rifle and accurate, especially the left barrel.
My complaint is that the right side barrel had a tight chamber, causing it to flatten primers with the factory ammunition it was supposedly regulated for, according to the factory paperwork (I bought it brand new).
Sometimes it would even burst a primer, causing the ragged primer metal to poke backward into the firing pin hole, thereby making it very difficult to open.
It was fixed by having it re-regulated to a 300 grain RN bullet at 2400 fps hand load.
I figure it was just a fluke and so I might consider another Merkel someday, except for the fact that Merkels are not available with longer barrels.
When they came out with it in .450/.400 NE 3",with ejectors, I almost bought one from James Wayne Firearms (he had several in stock to choose from in that caliber plus other calibers).
I just could not get past the 23" barrels.
The best balancing SxS rifles for my taste are virtually always 26" barreled ones.
But 25" would probably be tolerable, I think, 23" just does not do it for me.
The Chapuis is generally available with at least 25" barrels and ejectors are common on them as well.
Some of them have very sharp pistol grips, which I do not like at all, but they (Chapuis) are also available with a relaxed grip ("semi-pistol grip) which is to my liking (Merkel SxS rifles always have a beautiful semi-pistol grip).
If it were me, not wanting to spend over 10K, I'd get either a Chapuis or a Verney Carron (also a French made SxS rifle, similar to the Chapuis).
Not sure if you can get the VC new for 10K but used I bet you could.
My only double rifle today is a 40 year old Heym that I only paid $12,500. for because it is a .458 and that's not the best DR cartridge (high chamber pressure and rimless).
If willing to shop around for a couple years and to spend a bit over $10K at a moment's notice when you find it, you could probably find a used Heym or even some other used DR that would make anyone happy.
Best of luck,
Velo Dog.