Lets talk Drillings

[EDELWEISS]

I have had a "lust" for drillings almost as long as my Double Rifle lust, sadly though Ive never "pulled the trigger" to buy one. I think I want a "LITE" Drilling (my term), something like 20ga x 20ga over maybe 6.5x55 or 7x57, although I could be talked into another rifle chambering. Basically what I want is something that is really light enough to carry all day but still be useful on medium game in the Whitetail range. Im not usually a "pretty rifle" sorta guy, preferring working guns over safe queens; but for a drilling I think I want engraving or perhaps relief game scenes.

Talk to me....

 

[Red Leg]

Okay........ Soooo ....... buy one?

A couple of thoughts before you do. You won't find one in 6.5x55, but you can in 6.5x57R. The 7x57R is relatively common and the 7x65R less so. You will not find a 7x57. You also will have a hard time finding one in 20 bore over anything. I have handled perhaps two, and both of those were over .22 Savage. Standard is 16 bore. Makes a light and useful gun. The rifles above will weigh between 6.5 and 7.25 pounds without a scope. The only effective way to scope them is with claw mounts. Many that you find will have the bases in place, often without the scope (when our boys were looting - excuse me - liberating - their way across Germany, they didn't realize that the German hunter typically stored his scope separately from his drilling. Hence, a lot came home in duffle bags without scopes). There are a couple of guys in the States who can fit rings and a modern scope to the bases. You can find the occasional ultra-lite drilling with a dural (aluminum alloy) frame. Never got the point. Turns a perfectly balanced design into a viciously kicking little bitch - particularly with shotgun loads.

Guns international always has quite a few drillings listed. Just remember they are the equivalent of a high performance car - they are complicated - and way too many have seen the attention of shade tree American mechanics. I would estimate that half I pick up have some sort of induced issues with triggers, springs, or the barrel selectors. Doubling and tripling is an eye-crossing experience with a 6.5 lb weapon. Any damage whatsoever to any frame screw is a sure indicator of trouble.

Of course the Sine Qua Non of the tribe is the double rifle drilling. Mine has the clam shell lock and 9.3x74R x 9.3x74R over the shot barrel. It weighs just a bit less than eight pounds without the scope and is not for the faint of heart.

 

[EDELWEISS]

Okay........ Soooo ....... buy one?

A couple of thoughts before you do. You won't find one in 6.5x55, but you can in 6.5x57R. The 7x57R is relatively common and the 7x65R less so. You will not find a 7x57.

Are you saying NO to the 6.5x55 and 7x57 because they arent rimmied? I know Ive seen other rimless cartridges in post war drillings.

Yeah, Ive thought about a double rifle drilling, I also have some love for a DG cartridge drilling, perhaps something like the Luftwaffe gun in 9.3x74R; but I think a medium cartridge would get more use--and isnt that the point of a drilling after all?.

Theres a 20x20 Simson (Merkel) Drilling on gunbroker right now.

 

[Red Leg]

In my experience, not many. The Colt Sauer was marketed in the US in rimless rounds - they are also fairly hideous with huge beavertail forends and weigh a lot. Sort of like Americanizing a fine British game gun. Simson tried a few as well. But heck, if you see rimless drillings, then by all means get one. And you have already scratched the 20x20 itch. Look forward to seeing the one you get.

 

[EDELWEISS]

It may have been Colt Sauers, I never handled them, just saw listings. Thanks for the heads up though; I always figured a drilling should have a lively swing. If its a "log" why carry it...

 

[Ignatius of Antioch]

It may have been Colt Sauers, I never handled them, just saw listings. Thanks for the heads up though; I always figured a drilling should have a lively swing. If its a "log" why carry it...

I have had a "lust" for drillings almost as long as my Double Rifle lust, sadly though Ive never "pulled the trigger" to buy one. I think I want a "LITE" Drilling (my term), something like 20ga x 20ga over maybe 6.5x55 or 7x57, although I could be talked into another rifle chambering. Basically what I want is something that is really light enough to carry all day but still be useful on medium game in the Whitetail range. Im not usually a "pretty rifle" sorta guy, preferring working guns over safe queens; but for a drilling I think I want engraving or perhaps relief game scenes.

Talk to me....

I will eventually get a Merkel 96K. You can order a new one and chose 20 gauge or 12 gauge along with choices in caliber of .223 Rem., 243. Win., 7x57R, 7x65R, .308 Win., .30R Blaser, .30-06, 8x57IRS, 9,3x74R.

Games scenes of your choice or go scroll engraving only. You can also go with a nice case color finish too. Hard to beat if you have the cash. I'd love to see what Chapuis or Verney Carron could do in a drilling but as far as I know they done make them. Secretly, I also wish Sabatti would offer a "budget" drilling.

I'd love a rifle drilling two barrels of 9.3x74r over a single 20 or 12 gauge barrel, or also the opposite. Or 20x20 over a .450/.400!! So many choices.

 

[Longwalker]

I have a Krieghoff drilling in 16x16/7x57R. It has a dural aluminum frame. It is light, handy, versatile and deadly. It does not kick excessively, certainly not a "viciously kicking little bitch" but then I use standard one ounce upland game loads in the shotgun barrels. I just used it yesterday on a grouse hunt. Worked perfectly.
I have owned two others, both Sauers, both in 16x16/8x57R. I would not consider purchasing a drilling ( or any other hinge action firearm) in a rimless cartridge. That's what rimmed cartridges were designed for. They are MUCH easier to grasp when unloading in cold or wet conditions, or when in a hurry.
I have used a buddy's 12x12/7x65R Merkel drilling while hunting in Germany, it was effective, but not well balanced and handy like the 16 ga guns I have owned.
Modern drillings are made in 20 ga, and I would certainly suggest you check them out. I have not handled one, but expect that they may be the best chambering, along with 7x57R for a USA hunter.
I also have a Krieghoff .22 magnum rimfire insert in mine, makes it even more handy when doing "come what may" hunts on our trapline. I have used it for things like beaver and rabbits and grouse. With the Kahles 3-9 scope clicked in to the claw mounts it is accurate and effective on medium sized game to as far as I care to shoot.

 

[Red Leg]

I have a Krieghoff drilling in 16x16/7x57R. It has a dural aluminum frame. It is light, handy, versatile and deadly. It does not kick excessively, certainly not a "viciously kicking little bitch" but then I use standard one ounce upland game loads in the shotgun barrels. I just used it yesterday on a grouse hunt. Worked perfectly.
I have owned two others, both Sauers, both in 16x16/8x57R. I would not consider purchasing a drilling ( or any other hinge action firearm) in a rimless cartridge. That's what rimmed cartridges were designed for. They are MUCH easier to grasp when unloading in cold or wet conditions, or when in a hurry.
I have used a buddy's 12x12/7x65R Merkel drilling while hunting in Germany, it was effective, but not well balanced and handy like the 16 ga guns I have owned.
Modern drillings are made in 20 ga, and I would certainly suggest you check them out. I have not handled one, but expect that they may be the best chambering, along with 7x57R for a USA hunter.
I also have a Krieghoff .22 magnum rimfire insert in mine, makes it even more handy when doing "come what may" hunts on our trapline. I have used it for things like beaver and rabbits and grouse. With the Kahles 3-9 scope clicked in to the claw mounts it is accurate and effective on medium sized game to as far as I care to shoot.
View attachment 162330

Probably more critical sounding than I meant to be. Had a Meffert vierling for a while with a dural frame and fairly short stock. It was 16x16/8x57R (318)/.22 Hornet. Without scope, which is how I used it on drive hunts, it was very light and I wager would catch most people's attention when fired. If not carefully paying attention - like when a boar busted cover - I would put my thumb knuckle into my right eye with painful regularity. I finally sold the vicious little bitch. I too am a great believer in Einstecklaufe (insert barrels). I have either .22lr or .22 mag for each of mine. They create an incredibly versatile weapon.

 

[rookhawk]

The default drilling is 16x16x8mmJR

That is perfect, especially if you can find a 27" barrel.

20 bores cost more. Long barrels cost more yet in 20. Most 20s have small rifle cartridges as their trio.

Lots of exceptions but those are the guidelines.

 

[Peter Larsson]

This is what drillings are bers for:

Roedeerhunting with dogs.

 

[IvW]

I would love to have a BD14
7x57R/5.6×50R/20ga...

Small caliber could also be 22 Hornet or 222 Rem

Would be ideal stalking pg as well as night critter tiny ten rifle.......

 

[UpNorthMI]

After many years of searching for a drilling I finally opted for a drilling in 16x16/7x57R, it was fitted with a small quick detachable Swarovski scope and has been a pleasure to own, carry and hunt with. Mine has engraved game scenes.

7x57R is easy to find and offers a ton of options if you reload. It is more than ample for whitetail deer.

Good luck in your search.

 

[375er]

Okay........ Soooo ....... buy one?

A couple of thoughts before you do. You won't find one in 6.5x55, but you can in 6.5x57R. The 7x57R is relatively common and the 7x65R less so. You will not find a 7x57. You also will have a hard time finding one in 20 bore over anything. I have handled perhaps two, and both of those were over .22 Savage. Standard is 16 bore. Makes a light and useful gun. The rifles above will weigh between 6.5 and 7.25 pounds without a scope. The only effective way to scope them is with claw mounts. Many that you find will have the bases in place, often without the scope (when our boys were looting - excuse me - liberating - their way across Germany, they didn't realize that the German hunter typically stored his scope separately from his drilling. Hence, a lot came home in duffle bags without scopes). There are a couple of guys in the States who can fit rings and a modern scope to the bases. You can find the occasional ultra-lite drilling with a dural (aluminum alloy) frame. Never got the point. Turns a perfectly balanced design into a viciously kicking little bitch - particularly with shotgun loads.

Guns international always has quite a few drillings listed. Just remember they are the equivalent of a high performance car - they are complicated - and way too many have seen the attention of shade tree American mechanics. I would estimate that half I pick up have some sort of induced issues with triggers, springs, or the barrel selectors. Doubling and tripling is an eye-crossing experience with a 6.5 lb weapon. Any damage whatsoever to any frame screw is a sure indicator of trouble.

Of course the Sine Qua Non of the tribe is the double rifle drilling. Mine has the clam shell lock and 9.3x74R x 9.3x74R over the shot barrel. It weighs just a bit less than eight pounds without the scope and is not for the faint of heart.

Funny you mentioned "liberating" Red Leg. I have one that was given to my father from a friend who was a tank commander during the war. It is a 16x16x6.5x52r. Does not come out often but fun to shoot and well made with buffalo horn trigger guard and under-lever. In fact I might have to take it out and run some rounds through it.

 

[Excessexpress]

Have gone a little drilling crazy. 16G is excellent, though I have opted for 20 in case of supply issues.

With no chance of putting steel shot through them, I am working up the bits and pieces to load bismuth for the places it is required.

Bockdrilling are a whole other world when it comes to load regulation….

Only a Paradox or suppressor requirement could convince me to hunt most ground without a drilling.

 

[IvW]

Have gone a little drilling crazy. 16G is excellent, though I have opted for 20 in case of supply issues.

With no chance of putting steel shot through them, I am working up the bits and pieces to load bismuth for the places it is required.

Bockdrilling are a whole other world when it comes to load regulation….

Only a Paradox or suppressor requirement could convince me to hunt most ground without a drilling.

BD14 seems to have the regulation issue sorted for the Bockdrilling.
Same for other German combination rifles.
Older solid soldered barrel configurations I would immagine would be a nightmare

 

[Schroeder]

The BD14 is a very simple drilling to regulate. It is also very light (3.2kg), and very slim. Mine is in 20g x 7x65R x 22 Hornet. You can easily change loads and modify the regulation with minimal hassle. It’s also very accurate, and using the Blaser saddle mount is a bonus. Below target is one shot out of each rifle barrel stone cold.

 

[Excessexpress]

The BD 14 is all but the perfect Bockdrilling, I will get there one day…

 

[Muskox]

The BD 14 is all but the perfect Bockdrilling, I will get there one day…

I would not buy a BD14 that is more than a couple of years old. They had an abortion of time getting them to work, the first few generations sucked.

Drilling 101:
Dri = 3 so 3 barrels.
Vierlings have 4 = vier our four barrels.
Bockdrilling is a vertical drilling. To some people a Blaser d99 is a bock drilling. I do not believe it is, it is just backwards. Think over under shotgun. Or Bochflinte
Kugeldrilling is a all rifle barrel drilling
Doppenbuchsdrilling is a double rifle drilling.
You could also have a Doppenbuchsbockdrilling. Double rifle with 1 shotgun barrel in the over under configuration.
Or a Bochkugeldrilling 3 barreled over under drilling.

Cartridges
6.5x55 yes, but not common. Mostly sold to Scandinavian countries.
7x57 probably not, but yes to 7x57R
7x57R would be super common
8x57R super common
8x75R not impossible to find, but not common in export guns
There is another 7mm Vom Hoffe round for Rimmed cartridges really rare
10,3x60R probably not commonly exported, but they exist popular in Switzerland
9,3x57R popular in Scandinavia
7x65R yes and very common
9,3x74R yes
5,6x57R unfortunately yes but not super common
5,6x52R yes 22 Savage
5,6x50R common, but maybe not exported kind of a 222 Rimmed kind of
6,5x57R very common
30 Blaser common
8,5x63R newer round, not super common but not impossible
30-06 oh yes, lots
308 yes, very popular now
270 rare
243 not sure rare, but not common
6x50R rare
6x63R rare
222 Super common

Then you will run into einstucklauf's Or insert barrels most in 22 based cartridges like the 5,6x52R, 22 Hornet and 222.

There will be others, and old calibers like the 9,3x72R and others that approximate it.

Current production is limited to Blaser, Krieghoff and Merkel. Sabatti made some for a while and another Italian company did too, but I don't think they are currently in production. I would not buy an Italian gun unless it was cheap.

New Drillings here in Germany are basically a $10,000 start.

Custom Drillings from like 30 or so makers on both sides of the Alps are still made. Suhl, Ulm, Ferlach, Innsbruck, and so on. I would say $20,000 would be a start. Maybe $17,000 for a super base gun if you are lucky. Most will be $35-75,000.

eGun

This is the German Egun website for Drillings.

https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20068128. 3500 Euro Blaser D99 in 7x65R/20/20. This is a spectacular rifle for this price.

https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20034174. This Bockdrilling is a dream.