Italian doubles?

[Longwalker]

My only Italian double rifle is a Beretta Silver Sable O/U in 9.3x74R. It's the engraved/high grade version with nice wood. I wasn't happy with the regulation with the ammo I had available, so had it re-regulated by JJ Perodeau for Norma Oryx 285Gr. It shoots accurately, functions reliably, and handles like a good shotgun. I had to replace one firing pin. The replacement part was easy to obtain. I've only used it for two bears so far, but I like it.

 

[Longwalker]

I took the Beretta 9.3x74R for a sight-in session before I use it to hunt whitetail deer next week. I'm pretty proud of it right now. Those are three sets of 2-shots, Under barrel fired first, over barrel fired second, no crossing. Hand held resting fore end over front bag only, rear bag in photo was only for picture taking. I was moving the scope setting up between 2-shot groups until it was "just right". I've never seen another double that can shoot this well. 100 yd. target, Norma Oryx 285 gr. factory load.

 

[rookhawk]

I love my Italian shotguns, any thoughts on Italian doubles rifles?

Like the Spanish Double Rifles, they can vary greatly in quality.

My biggest objection to both countries is the same, they do not understand form and function the way the Brits, Germans, and Belgians do.

Some horrible things I see frequently on German (and Spanish) double rifles

High gloss finish inappropriate for hunting. Excessive burl at the wrist of the stock. Single triggers. English grips. Over Under large bore configurations. Beaver tail forends. Rimless largebore catridges. Drops at heel and comb that make iron sights impractical. Incorrect weights for the calibers.

 

[RLD]

Like the Spanish Double Rifles, they can vary greatly in quality.

My biggest objection to both countries is the same, they do not understand form and function the way the Brits, Germans, and Belgians do.

Some horrible things I see frequently on German (and Spanish) double rifles

High gloss finish inappropriate for hunting. Excessive burl at the wrist of the stock. Single triggers. English grips. Over Under large bore configurations. Beaver tail forends. Rimless largebore catridges. Drops at heel and comb that make iron sights impractical. Incorrect weights for the calibers.

I'm curious why you dislike the single trigger set up.

 

[rookhawk]

I'm curious why you dislike the single trigger set up.

It's wholly acceptable on a small bore rifle.

The whole point of a dangerous game double rifle is utter reliability and redundancy of almost all systems of the weapon. Single triggers are notoriously unreliable for a variety of reasons and they have no place on a dangerous game double rifle. Beyond my opinion, the market value of single trigger DG doubles supports my opinion.

 

[RLD]

It's wholly acceptable on a small bore rifle.

The whole point of a dangerous game double rifle is utter reliability and redundancy of almost all systems of the weapon. Single triggers are notoriously unreliable for a variety of reasons and they have no place on a dangerous game double rifle. Beyond my opinion, the market value of single trigger DG doubles supports my opinion.

I was not aware of the reliability issue. Appreciate your insight.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

It's wholly acceptable on a small bore rifle.

The whole point of a dangerous game double rifle is utter reliability and redundancy of almost all systems of the weapon. Single triggers are notoriously unreliable for a variety of reasons and they have no place on a dangerous game double rifle. Beyond my opinion, the market value of single trigger DG doubles supports my opinion.

But @rookhawk

The great Captain James Sutherland took a three figure sum of elephant with a .577 Nitro Express Westley Richards single trigger droplock ejector. He documents it never giving him a problem.

 

[Rare Breed]

Like the Spanish Double Rifles, they can vary greatly in quality.

My biggest objection to both countries is the same, they do not understand form and function the way the Brits, Germans, and Belgians do.

Some horrible things I see frequently on German (and Spanish) double rifles

High gloss finish inappropriate for hunting. Excessive burl at the wrist of the stock. Single triggers. English grips. Over Under large bore configurations. Beaver tail forends. Rimless largebore catridges. Drops at heel and comb that make iron sights impractical. Incorrect weights for the calibers.

spot on!!!

 

[steve white]

Having said all of the above, O/U rifles regulate easier than SXS. I have seen many shoot lights out. Does not mean that a Winchester O/U can act like it was never actually regulated, but I am thinking of a Borovnik for sale that had a test target of 3/4 inch at 100 meters, both barrels!!
My preference would be to have them scoped at low power and wide field of view, red dot, in NON DG calibers for driven hunts. I would not prefer to open a gun at the angle required for an O/U during a charge.

 

[Longwalker]

Completely agree with the desirability of a low power scope for driven hunt game. My scope above is a S&B with illuminated reticle and 1.5x at the low end. Works very well.
About the limitations of O/U double rifles and quick reloads, I have to respectfully disagree that the O/U is undesirable for quick reloads. I've shot many, many geese over decoys with a quick 3rd or 4th shot after the first volley from my various O/U shotguns. I just don't see the angle of opening as a real or measurable difference in ease or speed of reloading.

 

[Sarg]

But @rookhawk

The great Captain James Sutherland took a three figure sum of elephant with a .577 Nitro Express Westley Richards single trigger droplock ejector. He documents it never giving him a problem.

Yes & Andy Anderson, Stewart Granger & Elmer Keith, + many others.

I do admit I think having two triggers for two barrels is almost like having two separate rifles, just in case !

 

[Bejane]

I've tried looking online at the Perugini and Visini lockup on their doubles but cant see much. I see Corey Knowlton uses this make of double. He's not short of cash so he can afford any double out there.

What are everyones thoughts on P&V doubles and how their lockup systems compares to something like Hyem?

 

[steve white]

Yes & Andy Anderson, Stewart Granger & Elmer Keith, + many others.

I do admit I think having two triggers for two barrels is almost like having two separate rifles, just in case !

Andy Anderson--now there's a name I intended to look into for my safari book collection. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[PCC600]

Andy Anderson--now there's a name I intended to look into for my safari book collection. Thanks for reminding me.

Andy Anderson was a friend of James Sutherland’s and inherited his WR rifles including the famed 577NE single triggered drop lock which is now owned by WR .