Current (2021 - Covid Era) small caliber double rifle options?

Sid Post

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Where should one be looking for a SxS double rifle in a 7mm or .30 caliber rifle that isn't an expensive new build? I'm not really interested in a new Chapuis even though companies like Larkin and Moore generally stock double barrel set new builds in the $13K~14K range.

I'm really thinking about something like a Simpson or Merkel, older Austrian/German builds or, more classic British options. Ideally, I'm looking for something in 30-30 but, 303 British, an older 7x57R (or similar) or, an 8x57 variant would be worth further consideration. Perhaps I'm also overlooking some British caliber designations in the Pre- and Post-war periods that are hidden gems escaping me at the moment. I really need to stay in the under $10K range with $7K'ish being more realistic.

Would a drilling be a better option for a more budget-friendly option? My other random "off-the-wall" thought is something along the lines of a smooth-bore 28 Gauge shooting small slugs or a large buckshot load (either singly or stacked like .410 shotgun loads with 3 Buck balls stacked).

I have a hard limit of 200 yards at the extreme with most of my hunting area being in the 30yd~100yd range. My quarry, besides evil drink cans and containers, are feral hogs in East Texas, USA, livestock killing dogs and, possibly deer near tree cover.

I periodically check Guns International, Champlin, a few sites like this but, I'm not really seeing much. Perhaps my expectations are not realistic but, there are probably people like myself who have a rifle or two that are now not viable for their original purpose either due to travel restrictions, changing game laws, or Covid influenced economic or health impacts.

Hmmm ... perhaps a 28 gauge SxS shotgun is a viable alternative. Am I having a lockdown-influenced mental lapse!

:ROFLMAO:
 
Look for a good O/U which is a much better option for a small bore double, a lot cheaper than a sxs as well
 

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You could probably find something on www.egun.de and import it for less than what you are talking about.
 
Small bore Blaser, Merkel, Heym, Sauer, Krieghoff doubles are usually pretty cheap.
 
Drilling is a great choice for multi calibre gun, have a look at a Blaser BD14, it ticks a lot of boxes. Not sure how it fits in your budget. In Europe you can get them for about that much.
 
Drillings are not cheap....regulation can also be a bummer....small caliber you may want better acuracy further out. Drillings where designed for sitting in a stand and taking shots and different game at close range....
 

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That is not under the 10k range op mentioned 7-10k range........
 
Yes, a bit spendy for me right now. If I was shopping in the mid-teens, I'd be looking at a Heym or V-C. I know V-C doesn't get much love on this forum but, the one I have is really nice.

With French O/U options running $4K in the calibers I'm interested in, I'd be hard-pressed to spend ~$14K on a SxS. That $10K difference would provide a lot of hunting and opportunities at species I'd have to pass on if I spent all my money on the rifle.

To me, that's a bit like buying a sportscar (or some mid-life crisis vehicle) but, not having enough money left over to put gas in it and drive to nice places.

Now, to look into the German O/U options for comparison.
 
That Merkel @Muskox posted looked like a fine weapon.
 
That is not under the 10k range op mentioned 7-10k range........

Well, the basic one is 10247USD at the current exchange rate so almost there. But this is in Europe not USA, then again it includes 19%VAT.
 
Where should one be looking for a SxS double rifle in a 7mm or .30 caliber rifle that isn't an expensive new build? I'm not really interested in a new Chapuis even though companies like Larkin and Moore generally stock double barrel set new builds in the $13K~14K range.

I'm really thinking about something like a Simpson or Merkel, older Austrian/German builds or, more classic British options. Ideally, I'm looking for something in 30-30 but, 303 British, an older 7x57R (or similar) or, an 8x57 variant would be worth further consideration. Perhaps I'm also overlooking some British caliber designations in the Pre- and Post-war periods that are hidden gems escaping me at the moment. I really need to stay in the under $10K range with $7K'ish being more realistic.

Would a drilling be a better option for a more budget-friendly option? My other random "off-the-wall" thought is something along the lines of a smooth-bore 28 Gauge shooting small slugs or a large buckshot load (either singly or stacked like .410 shotgun loads with 3 Buck balls stacked).

I have a hard limit of 200 yards at the extreme with most of my hunting area being in the 30yd~100yd range. My quarry, besides evil drink cans and containers, are feral hogs in East Texas, USA, livestock killing dogs and, possibly deer near tree cover.

I periodically check Guns International, Champlin, a few sites like this but, I'm not really seeing much. Perhaps my expectations are not realistic but, there are probably people like myself who have a rifle or two that are now not viable for their original purpose either due to travel restrictions, changing game laws, or Covid influenced economic or health impacts.

Hmmm ... perhaps a 28 gauge SxS shotgun is a viable alternative. Am I having a lockdown-influenced mental lapse!

:ROFLMAO:
Good morning @Sid Post
Perhaps , this shall fit your requirements acceptably well ?
The price range falls within your required budget ( and only a little above your preferred budget ) . It is an extremely common calibre and it is a Dumoulin .

PS : I know that some gentlemen do not trust rimless calibre cases to extract properly in break action weapons , but I assure you that those days are long behind us ( especially when we are talking about a Dumoulin ) .
 

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If you want economic and usable, consider Baikal IZH-94 30-06, for example. Not pretty, but usable.
 
A lot of used 9.3x74r in Europe that are sxs. Look at the french websites or use Google with the search term "9.3x74r express juxtapose" for examples. Or on Egun in German. F.A.I.R. italy makes an affordable sxs in 9.3x74r
 
Here you go. Not mine and no connection to seller. Sorry I forgot you’re looking for a SXS
 
Good morning @Sid Post
Perhaps , this shall fit your requirements acceptably well ?
The price range falls within your required budget ( and only a little above your preferred budget ) . It is an extremely common calibre and it is a Dumoulin .

PS : I know that some gentlemen do not trust rimless calibre cases to extract properly in break action weapons , but I assure you that those days are long behind us ( especially when we are talking about a Dumoulin ) .

That 30-06 rifle and a 308W are both options I've been considering Guns International along with a V-C O/U rifle.
 
A lot of used 9.3x74r in Europe that are sxs. Look at the french websites or use Google with the search term "9.3x74r express juxtapose" for examples. Or on Egun in German. F.A.I.R. italy makes an affordable sxs in 9.3x74r
Yes, I'm looking at an Angelo Zoli Double Rifle on-line in 308 Winchester for ~$3500USD. I'm a little hesitant to get a beltless and rimless DR but, this one looks interesting to me.

I'm still thinking about a French 30-30 but, it looks like a 303 Brit might be a little better option for me. I have a 9.3x74R double now but, I really want something smaller and more common so, that is what has me thinking about a 30-30 here in Texas. Those EU-based 7mm's are attractive as well but, ammunition is harder to source and more expensive so something like a 30-30 or 303 Brit is pretty attractive to me. I would be seriously tempted by a 7x57R though as I really love my 6.5x55 (6.5 Swede) and 7 Mauser bolt action rifles.
 
How much does a Chapuis X4 cost in the US? In France they go for +-4k and are available in 8x57jrs, 30-06 and 9.3x74r, and they are some sweet looking SxS doubles.
 

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