Any idea about this double ?

[Kevin375]

Last week, I have spoken with a man who wants to sell his double rifle on an auction website.
The gun is a Demas Azur in .577 Nitro express with side plates.

This brand no longer exists because Verney-Carron bought Demas around 20 years ago and it became l'Atelier Verney-Carron in 2008.

I haven't had the opportunity to try this double and it is already a second hand. Unfortunately, the owner doesn't know its historic ! He is not hunter and he bought it for fun and shot less than 10 rounds at the shooting range.
I think this rifle was used in Africa because the stock has some cracks and the steel shows it doesn't go out the factory.
He doesn't arrive to sell it because it's a left-handed gun and in the country, it's a very small niche market. The price has already been decreased by 1/3.
I asked about the regulation and he will try it with his gunsmith to know how it is.
Just to have an idea, I spoke with my gunsmith to get a quotation to build a new stock because I'm right handed.
I don't know if Demas in big calibers where durable ?
My other concern is about the single trigger that is not common at all on such caliber ? I know Westley-Richard has done it but they are not common. At least, it is a mechanical trigger and not an inertia one !

What is your guess ?

 

[grand veneur]

I just looked at it on NaturaBuy.

I don't like it; it gives me the impression of a serial-produced rifle. Besides, I would not trust a single trigger with that caliber.

On the other hand, 5000 Euros is not very expensive for a double rifle of this caliber, and maybe the price can even be negotiated down a bit.

You have to decide if you want a rifle like that. It is interesting to shoot with such rifles, but you don't need one nowadays for hunting heavy DG.

 

[MacJenkins]

If your plan is to restock it I would would be very surprised if you come out ahead.

 

[spike.t]

Not going to comment as I don't want to upset you

 

[Kevin375]

I just looked at it on NaturaBuy.

I don't like it; it gives me the impression of a serial-produced rifle. Besides, I would not trust a single trigger with that caliber.

On the other hand, 5000 Euros is not very expensive for a double rifle of this caliber, and maybe the price can even be negotiated down a bit.

You have to decide if you want a rifle like that. It is interesting to shoot with such rifles, but you don't need one nowadays for hunting heavy DG.

I had a bit the same feeling ! I don't know how old it is, but it doesn't seem finished like the V-C doubles made afterwards. The risk of a double discharge is my main concern with that single trigger and here is why I ask if someone knows how reliable is this trigger ?

I would say the rifle is more a pleasure than a real need. My .375 H&H mag and my .458 Lott are plenty enough for what I do. However, I would like to get a double rifles in Nitro express caliber since the time where a PH allowed me to use his Heym 88 in .470 Nitro express.