Current base price and lead time for different brand double rifles?

[Noah Hutchens]

Forgot to add I’m also getting extended top and bottom tangs as well.

 

[High Country Hunts]

Hello! I’m at the point where I am going to be ordering my first custom double rifle in 470 NE the very near future and I’m looking to see if the good folks on here have a good idea on the various manufacturers current base price for one in 470 NE and average lead times? I believe I have found the bespoke maker for me and have received a quote and time line but would just want an all around time/price comparison to the rest of the higher volume makers.

I’m not going to be interested in a used rifle as this I have decided to be my true heirloom to my son, so new is the way I want it. Looking in the all in sub ~$50,000 mark.


PS, My build is going to have multiple barrel sets, 470NE, 7x57r and 20 Gauge. After extensive research I believe the 470NE a good all around dangerous game double cartridge(plus easy factory ammo availability) and then I love the 7x57r which I assume could handle almost everything other than the dangerous game, plus 20 Gauge barrels just for fun. Would y’all consider this a good all around coverage? I don’t want to be foolishly blinded by my own preconceived notions before ordering.


Thanks everyone!

7x57r barrels are not made to the breech face of .470NE.
It would be like linking the titanic anchor chain to a canoe.
Interesting thought though.

 

[DLSJR]

Bailey Bradshaw builds beautiful guns. You chose well

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Forgot to add I’m also getting extended top and bottom tangs as well.

I personally love the extended top straps up over the nose of the stock, on doubles and bolt guns.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

I also think that Bailey Bradshaw guns are gorgeous, albeit not really a double rifle, not really a falling block or rising block for that matter, something unique all to themselves. He’s been making them for some time now and not sure why they haven’t taken off. They are cool guns for sure, but also one I’d want to own and run for a bit before leaping into an embellished, three-barreled set. Maybe even post inquiries for reports from those who have owned and if any hands on impressions here and over on the **NOT**PERMITTED**. That’s just me…but sometimes the world rewards the bold.

 

[358 Norma]

What was the caliber of your extra barrel set/initial rifle? Was it made after you already had the rifle or during initial production of the rifle? If the former, what was the lead time on the barrels?



I have not fired either of those, I have fired 375 H&H, 416 Rigby(in my new to me Merkel double) and a 458 WM in a light Ruger no 1. I’m a large guy ~240lbs so neither of them really affected me recoil wise(obviously I feel it but it doesn’t hurt or isn’t unpleasant for 10 rounds in a row). I’m guessing the 470 would be a good amount greater than the 458 in recoil? What would a good comparison to the .450/400 be?

I feel that the 470 Nitro doesn't recoil as bad as some people say it does. My Remington 870 Police magnum shooting 3in slugs recoils more! I have a Chapuis 470 Nitro that I can fire 20rds in a day practicing and it doesn't even leave me bruised. Just pull it in to your shoulder tightly and hold firmly on the forend and roll with the recoil, don't fight it!

 

[Noah Hutchens]

I feel that the 470 Nitro doesn't recoil as bad as some people say it does. My Remington 870 Police magnum shooting 3in slugs recoils more! I have a Chapuis 470 Nitro that I can fire 20rds in a day practicing and it doesn't even leave me bruised. Just pull it in to your shoulder tightly and hold firmly on the forend and roll with the recoil, don't fight it!

Thanks for the input! I’m not very recoil shy but start to get nervous in the big bores. I’ve shot 3 in 12 gauge slugs and it compares pretty well to my Merkel 416 rigby.

I would love to shoot a 577 or 600 one day and see how shy I really am

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Thanks for the input! I’m not very recoil shy but start to get nervous in the big bores. I’ve shot 3 in 12 gauge slugs and it compares pretty well to my Merkel 416 rigby.

I would love to shoot a 577 or 600 one day and see how shy I really am

I’m the same. I haven’t shot a 577 or 600, but am of the camp that 470 hits me different than a 500. I have a lot of rounds through my most recent 500 89b and love it. I’ve had a few higher volume days, over 40 rounds in a session, one with smidge over 50 and last weekend I sent 62 down range over a few hours along with some additional 375 Flange and handful of 505 Gibbs on top of that. My 500 fits me wonderfully and is 12.5lbs, just pleasure to shoot.
the last 470 that I had and shot (excluding the recent 89b that I imported with this 500 and passed along to another forum member) fit me well, but was a little on the light side at 10.5lbs. It beat the hell out of me. And while I am recoil tolerant, it just wasn’t of a weight and with 24” barrels, where it was smart to shoot 25-40 rounds through multiple days a week without leaving its mark on me.

This was from a week where I shot 3-4 times and over 20+ rounds each time. The last sesson I must have had a hematoma formed in my shoulder that got a bit squished and angry. The bruise just creeped down my bicep over the course of a week…right up until I left for Zim with my then new 450NE. Never shot that 470 again. I don’t ever hardly bruise at all. Like now, even with lots of 500 down range on days with 505…nothing even remotely close to that…no color at all actually.

All that said, every time I start find logic to adding a 577NE and how it seems super smart…I go run some hot 600gr through the 505 Gibbs…and it reminds me that the 500NE is my sweet spot for modestly big gun.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Thanks for the input! I’m not very recoil shy but start to get nervous in the big bores. I’ve shot 3 in 12 gauge slugs and it compares pretty well to my Merkel 416 rigby.

I would love to shoot a 577 or 600 one day and see how shy I really am

If you are close to DFW, you should reach out to @Hornedfrogbbq He has the cutest little 22 Hornet Bailey Bradshaw. Not sure he’s shot it much yet, but something to look over.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

I just caught up on this thread. Bailey actually has my .22 Hornet to give it a tune up. Super nice guy. The rifle is amazing and the wood on it is up there with the prettiest I own.

 

[50Gunner]

Sir,

I have no idea on build times, have always bought used double rifles, have also never been provided with load data/regulation loads for any, never had any issue quickly developing accurate regulation loads, simply looked at water tables then picked a powder and the bullets I wanted to use.

All that said, and if you're dead set on a three barrel set, I think this trifecta would be unbeatable for what you want.

375 Flanged Magnum, 300gr A-Frames or North Fork SS bullets at 2400 fps would make a grand first hit round on all game you'd hit first with a soft point bullet, back those softs with the excellent North Fork or CEB #13 300gr flat nosed solids and you're set for anything that walks.

Your 20 gauge shotgun and 7x57r barrels would fit that frame size much better, you may get lucky and get to use the very same forend [loaded with stout ejectors of course] for all three.

175gr regulation loads for the 7x57r at 2400 fps would keep you on point with regulation and trajectories as well, 175gr North Fork SS's or A-frames there too, all day long and three times on Sunday.

A good solid accurate first hit to the vitals on buffalo or any other plains game animal short of Ele/Rhino/Hippo from a 375 Flanged Magnum and any of the mentioned 300gr softs would be excellent, you will be backed by PH's on all these hunts anyway, a bad hit from ANY cartridge, regardless or size/power level will do nothing but cause a wounded, potentially more dangerous and possible lost animal.

I'd forget the 470 for what you want to build.

 

[Philip Glass]

I totally agree with this and hadn’t seen your post yet
Now… I can handle the .470 just fine BUT… the .450/400 is just easy and handles wonderfully.
Plus it’s a hell of a lot easier to carry on a march tracking game too.
I’ve hunted with both and taken Elephant with both

Excellent!

 

[Philip Glass]

What was the caliber of your extra barrel set/initial rifle? Was it made after you already had the rifle or during initial production of the rifle? If the former, what was the lead time on the barrels?



I have not fired either of those, I have fired 375 H&H, 416 Rigby(in my new to me Merkel double) and a 458 WM in a light Ruger no 1. I’m a large guy ~240lbs so neither of them really affected me recoil wise(obviously I feel it but it doesn’t hurt or isn’t unpleasant for 10 rounds in a row). I’m guessing the 470 would be a good amount greater than the 458 in recoil? What would a good comparison to the .450/400 be?

I bought .470 first. I can shoot it fine but the repetition of sighting in an optic from the bench was a bit much for my neck (major issues). In other words shooting open sight and just a few rounds ahead of time for practice is no prob. So I ordered the .450/400. They messed up the order and sent a barrel with extractors and the reorder never made it by the time I needed it for my safari so I cancelled it. Then the next year I tried again and something like 6 months later I got it. Then the rifle has to be sent off to Kreighoff in PA to be fitted to the barrels.
The difference in recoil between the .470 and the .450/400 is absolutely shocking. I really believe that from the bench the .450/400 kicks less than my .375!

 

[318AE]

You need to buy a lifetime supply of that exact ammo before it goes obsolete, otherwise your brand new double rifle is nothing but a Wall hanger.

Happy to pick up some of those wall hangers if anyone here didn’t buy a lifetime supply of ammo with their new double. At a wall hanger price of course

 

[Adam Stevens]

I just saw while looking for some 7x57 ammo, on prophet river up here in Alberta. Has a FAIR double. 9.3x74r, 7x57r and 20 ga barrels.

The triple setup made me think of you

 

[318AE]

have always bought used double rifles, have also never been provided with load data/regulation loads for any, never had any issue quickly developing accurate regulation loads, simply looked at water tables then picked a powder and the bullets I wanted to use.

100% agree. There are some easy to find ratios to rom cordite to available powders that can get you started in the right direction. Uncanny how well they can regulate just at the right muzzle velocity. There are some here that would try and convince you there are only a few people in the country that can do this…

 

[Noah Hutchens]

I just saw while looking for some 7x57 ammo, on prophet river up here in Alberta. Has a FAIR double. 9.3x74r, 7x57r and 20 ga barrels.

The triple setup made me think of you

That’s awesome, I used to have a FAIR double in 30-06 and I loved it. I sold it to go on my first Safari

 

[rookhawk]

Happy to pick up some of those wall hangers if anyone here didn’t buy a lifetime supply of ammo with their new double. At a wall hanger price of course

I’ve bought several at the wall hanger price. No test target and proven load, its a wholesale bargain.

 

[50Gunner]

100% agree. There are some easy to find ratios to rom cordite to available powders that can get you started in the right direction. Uncanny how well they can regulate just at the right muzzle velocity. There are some here that would try and convince you there are only a few people in the country that can do this…

318AE:

Indeed, have referred back many times over the decades to the wise words of my old handler, advisor, Bossman:

"Never fail to start at the start"

I treat each barrel of a double rifle like it's a completely different weapon, because it is ; ]

 

[Beck]

Do you figure a 450/400 or 500 NE is better than a 470? I picked 470 because I know it has easily accessible factory ammunition.

I think you're correct to stick with .470, but I have one double rifle... I am not an expert