New to Double rifles. Where should a lefty start?

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matthewj042

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There is a ton of information/knowledge in this forum and its a lot to digest! I'm turning 40 this year and as a present to myself I've decided I want to purchase a double rifle. I'm looking for beginner tips on how/where to begin the search for a LH double. (Or can a lefty shoot RH models as well?). I don't want a showroom piece, looking for something more utilitarian.

-What websites/vendors/importers do I need to familiarize myself with? Used vs New?

-Best caliber? Caliber to stay away from? Ease of finding ammo

-Aftermarket sights? Needed?

-What other big factors am I overlooking?

I want to use said rifle on my second safari (date TBD) for buff, but this is my first step in planning my next big adventure! Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction. Glad I stubbled across the form and can't wait to see your advice!
 
Well, I am a fellow lefty. I bought mine, a Heym 88B in .500NE from gunsinternational.com. It has taken 3 elephants and 2 buffalo so far. The previous owner had fired 6 rounds from it prior to selling so it was a deal for me.

I use Trijicon 1MOA sights on it.



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Champlins has a couple left hand doubles one is a 470 Chapuis for $10,500 if it is still available.
 
I dont know if this spanish firm would export to the US, but if they do I think this looks like a really nice double rifle for a lefty, 9500 euro sounds quite reasonable considering that it is a highly embellished true sidelock double rifle that includes a leather gun case and spare locks. It also has a decent riflescope and in swing mounts so easy to exchange for another scope by simply buying new rings.

 
Taking all your factors into account, you can’t go wrong with a Heym Model 89B in either .470 Nitro Express or .500 Nitro Express.
 
Tanks said:
Well, I am a fellow lefty. I bought mine, a Heym 88B in .500NE from gunsinternational.com. It has taken 3 elephants and 2 buffalo so far. The previous owner had fired 6 rounds from it prior to selling so it was a deal for me.

I use Trijicon 1MOA sights on it.



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full
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What a sweet set up! Thanks for sharing
 
Hunter-Habib said:
Taking all your factors into account, you can’t go wrong with a Heym Model 89B in either .470 Nitro Express or .500 Nitro Express.
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Thanks for the tip. Can you purchase these stateside? On quick glance looks like a German manufacturer. I did request catalog to do some homework.
 
matthewj042 said:
Thanks for the tip. Can you purchase these stateside? On quick glance looks like a German manufacturer. I did request catalog to do some homework.
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There is an importer. Go to heymusa.com for more info and contact information.
 
Tanks said:
Well, I am a fellow lefty. I bought mine, a Heym 88B in .500NE from gunsinternational.com. It has taken 3 elephants and 2 buffalo so far. The previous owner had fired 6 rounds from it prior to selling so it was a deal for me.

I use Trijicon 1MOA sights on it.



full
full
Click to expand...
BEAUTIFUL pictures!
 
matthewj042 said:
Thanks for the tip. Can you purchase these stateside? On quick glance looks like a German manufacturer. I did request catalog to do some homework.
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The pleasure is mine. has a very competent agent in the United States by the name of Mr. Chris Sells. He can easily accommodate you.
 
wvfred said:
That's the one.It has a stock repair but depending on the crack that was fixed as there are no pictures of the repair.
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It sold in April. I visited Champlin for the first time while enroute to the Tulsa gun show and was hoping to handle it as I am a lefty also. They said it had shipped earlier that week. I did handle the lefty in 375 h&h.
 
wvfred said:
Champlins has a couple left hand doubles one is a 470 Chapuis for $10,500 if it is still available.
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This is absolutely where you should start. This is below market value. Hyme used will start at $18K. The Chapuis is in the perfect caliber 470 they will fit it to your LOP and has proper weight and it should have a lifetime guarantee. I have owned 8 DRs. you will not see a DR in left hand with this quality with this price
 
I took my largest buff with my Chapuis DR
 
Sorry to say this DR will probably be gone before you decide. You’re new so you don’t realize this is George Caswell an incredibly well respected seller. Although they no longer have a partnership JJ Perideau the best DR gunsmith still does George’s work so this is the best option. I am just shocked it is still available but then again not many left handed shooters. My son Hunter Hodnett is one and I have bought all his left handed rifles for him
 
Rare Breed said:
Sorry to say this DR will probably be gone before you decide. You’re new so you don’t realize this is George Caswell an incredibly well respected seller. Although they no longer have a partnership JJ Perideau the best DR gunsmith still does George’s work so this is the best option. I am just shocked it is still available but then again not many left handed shooters. My son Hunter Hodnett is one and I have bought all his left handed rifles for him
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It's gone, sold in April. I wasn't in the market for it but wanted to see it in person, especially the great wood!
 
Also left handed. I have narrowed my search to either a Heym 88B or a Chapuis.
Champlins thinks highly of the Chapuis.
The Heym has an accuracy guarantee.
I like the looks of Chapuis better.
I all ready load the 450-400NE so the caliber will be 450-400 NE.
Although I have been eyeing that 470 listed above.
 
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