In the Market

[Wiley64]

I’m in the market for a double. I want a 450/400. How much money does this take assuming I want value, not looking to go over 20-30k. Would prefer new if that’s possible. Engraving would be nice. I am also willing to wait a year or more on the build. Where do I start?

 

[dogcat1]

I had a VC in that, very nice and under $22k.
Most others get pretty pricy.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Chapuis Elan side by side African Double Rifle - Chapuis USA

Take a look at the Chapuis Elan side by side double rifle, a premium African express available in .375 H&H, .450-400 NE, and .470 NE

chapuis-usa.com

I own an Elan Classic in 470 NE I absolutely love it and for the money couldn’t have done better. Are there better doubles? Absolutely. . But, to get much better for what I’m asking from it, I’d have to double the retail price and then some.

I’m only going to hunt an Ele, a couple buffalo and a hippo with it. If I were going to hunt Ele and buff every year? I’d be looking at a Heym.

 

[Andrew NOLA]

Champlin will have some 450/400s chapuis in August or September.

I just bought a 470 NE chapuis from him and it went immediately to JJ who cut it to 14&3/4 for me , adjusted the triggers to my request and checked regulation with hornady Barnes and federal and mounted a trijicon sro. It took him 2 weeks, which is a blur in gunsmith time. The 3 brands all regulated within an inch. With the work I am well less than 20 grand in it.

I have been so impressed with this rifle that I have a 450/400 chapuis on order with champlin

If you buy from him he guarantees it for life, which is why I bought it from him. His prices are fair as well.

“We feel so strong about these guns mechanically that we will take care of any problems for as long as you own it”​

I would go with a Heym as well if I was willing to wait for years to get one.

A kreighoff is also several years wait now as well as a USA broker told me today

Chapuis are available online if you do a quick search

Fwiw

 

[Andrew NOLA]

For what it’s worth I talked to Stephen at Gordon sons today. He says they will have a kreighoff in 500–416 in June 2027 for about 23,000.

 

[Russ16]

I love my Chapuis in 450/400. I got a good deal on it from a member here. But it is worth what the charge for a new one.

I think they are a great buy for the money.

 

[JPmbogo]

Champlin currently lists a new Chapuis in 450/400.

 

[Andrew NOLA]

I love George, but he’s not what I would call tech savvy. That rifles been sold for three weeks.

He has some more coming in August or September. He has good prices.

Gordie’s has a Craig off in 470 nitro express coming in in November December and they have a 450/400 coming in in about a year

Fwiiw

 

[JPmbogo]

Agreed. He also has a bad (or deliberate) habit/practice of listing his offerings two, three times or more on GI at the same time and then not removing same when sold. Unfortunately, he is not alone in that practice. For the record, I have done business with him over the years, and met him in person several years ago at a DSC convention. He must be getting along in years (as many of us!).

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

If you want to use Champlin, call them. Visit them. George and JJ are gracious with their time and knowledge.

 

[Andrew NOLA]

Totally agree with that. I’ve had nothing but excellent service from both George and from JJ. Great work, reasonable prices, fast turnaround. Couldn’t say nicer things about both of them.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’m in the market for a double. I want a 450/400. How much money does this take assuming I want value, not looking to go over 20-30k. Would prefer new if that’s possible. Engraving would be nice. I am also willing to wait a year or more on the build. Where do I start?

New in that price point will be Merkel, Rizini, Krieghoff, Chapuis, VC. I ranked them in the order I’d consider personally them. Some will put the K-Gun higher but I’m not a huge fan of their cocker.

For $20-30k you can likely find a decent vintage British made gun, and potentially a Heym but you’ll need to be quick when it pops up. Expand your budget and timeline slightly and a new Heym is also feasible. Good news is you don’t need to pay for it all at once and the longer timeline gives you longer to save.