Impossible to find used heym double rifle

[Russ16]

When one pops up you’re going to need to act quick. They’re also commanding a premium price because of the wait time/impatience you described. Unfortunately quality doubles can’t be mass produced or built quickly which aids in spiking demand and price.

For the money many used Heym’s are bringing, you can get into a very nice vintage British gun from one of the smaller makers or a trade gun. You can also spend a little more and have a beautiful vintage gun from one of the big London firms. I sold my Heym and jumped into British guns.

Steve Barnett has number of British guns available right now ranging from a little less to a little more than you’ll wind up paying for a Heym. Including coupe of two barrel sets with Ken Owens load data.

 

[mitch4570]

Thanks really looking for a heym.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

Ok, I'll bite - what would a new Heym .470 cost without case hardening or gold enlay and all. Just a working PH or slightly nicer with scroll work?

 

[mitch4570]

I am going to call this week I will post price if I can contact them.

 

[Rare Breed]

Here is the thing…when demand outpaces supply there no longer is a right price. Just economics…the person selling can demand whatever the market will bare. It becomes a question do you want the gun or not? For me, while Heym is certainly a great gun it certainly is not the holy grail any more than my Rigby DR is…I would look into other English DRs…you will not be disappointed

 

[mitch4570]

Suggestions?

 

[Rare Breed]

I think two great DRs although not English would be my top two choices for the money. Still German made like the Heym, Kreighoff, French made Chapuis. Both excellent guns

 

[mitch4570]

I have a Chapuis I like it. Still want a Heym.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

@Rare Breed Chapuis has been having major QC issues the last year or two. Several well known shops and longtime supporters of the brand have had to send some or all of their guns back.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

I went to the Berreta gallary in Highland Park and the Chapuis they had on the rack was rusting...in several places.

 

[mitch4570]

Good to know. Mine was made in 1980.

 

[mitch4570]

I take that back it was made on 2008

 

[SStomcat]

Suggestions?

Krieghoff Big 5, if it is good enough for many PH that I know hunt DG, it is good enough for me. The cocking device may not be for everyone's liking but in terms of build quality, sheer ruggedness, price vs quality, and variety of factory bullets that it regulates with, its worth a consideration.

 

[Olvast09]

I spent 18 months looking for a used 88B in .470 NE. I called Champlin, Griffin & Howe, Steve Barnett, and every Cabela’s Gun Library from Texas to Maine. The pattern was always the same: “We just sold one yesterday” or “That one is pending.” I finally learned that the true market for these is invisible, private sales between collectors, dealers calling their top ten clients before listing, and word-of-mouth at places like the DSC or SCI conventions.

 

[zephyr]

Was just cruising gunsinternational English Double Rifles ... LOTs of choices especially if you hand load ....
IMHO a Heym will not compare to a British Double Rifle

 

[mitch4570]

So how are they better?

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Was just cruising gunsinternational English Double Rifles ... LOTs of choices especially if you hand load ....
IMHO a Heym will not compare to a British Double Rifle

For sure the vibe and history of an English double is incomparable. I have a Lang in 280 Flanged and I have a Shikari on order and am paying the Rigby premium for just that reason.

But there are significant risks to buying any used rifle, and especially a used double rifle. Not to mention older rifles often have crazy stock dimensions. I'm not saying you're wrong -- just saying there are pluses and minuses to everything.

A Heym is going to be incomparably dependable, will shoot where you aim with factory ammunition, and if you order new will be stocked to your dimensions. They're like a Lexus -- maybe not the most premium brand. But they're as good or better mechanically than anything out there and will never, ever leave you by the side of the road.

 

[Russ16]

So how are they better?

At a certain point better is a matter of taste.

Take shotguns as an example. There is no doubt a modern over/under is superior form a mechanical and metallurgy standpoint to a classic British double. Just looking at the guns top competitors use proves that.

But a classic H&H Royal or Purdey or even second tier English maker has an elegance and feel that many prefer. I’m in that camp and own several including some that require very hard to source ammunition.

I think the same is true for double rifles. A Heym is a spectacular gun. And if I were in a situation where I was shooting a ton of rounds through a DR it would probably be my choice.

But as a client hunter who will probably use the gun a couple hunts a year, the classic design of a British gun appeals to me. I’m willing to do more work to source ammunition and find one that meets my needs. Admittedly I haven’t yet but I will one day. In the meantime I bought a Chapuis because it allows me to have a DR and keep saving for the right British gun.

So for me a classic British rifle is better. If they don’t appeal to you then it isn’t better for you.

 

[mitch4570]

At a certain point better is a matter of taste.

Take shotguns as an example. There is no doubt a modern over/under is superior form a mechanical and metallurgy standpoint to a classic British double. Just looking at the guns top competitors use proves that.

But a classic H&H Royal or Purdey or even second tier English maker has an elegance and feel that many prefer. I’m in that camp and own several including some that require very hard to source ammunition.

I think the same is true for double rifles. A Heym is a spectacular gun. And if I were in a situation where I was shooting a ton of rounds through a DR it would probably be my choice.

But as a client hunter who will probably use the gun a couple hunts a year, the classic design of a British gun appeals to me. I’m willing to do more work to source ammunition and find one that meets my needs. Admittedly I haven’t yet but I will one day. In the meantime I bought a Chapuis because it allows me to have a DR and keep saving for the right British gun.

So for me a classic British rifle is better. If they don’t appeal to you then it isn’t better for you.

I have a Chapuis 470 that regulates well. I will keep my open for a Heym. They get great review from everyone on this forum.
Thanks to everyone for the valuable feedback.

 

[Halligan1975]

That’s a Paso Robles gun

I recently handled this rifle and was impressed with it IF viewed throught the lense of it being a dressed-up Merkel.

With no offense meant to the seller, given the Rigby-ish pricing, it was a very hard no for me.