Looking for my first "affordable" double in 2023, which to consider

[Rare Breed]

I thank you for your responses regarding LOP. I have heard it said changing it can affect regulation so glad to hear it shouldn't be a problem. Apologies to OP if I have hijacked this thread a bit...

JJ & George on purpose have long LOP on their Chapuis so they can cut it down to your exact measurements which is a real bonus

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Heym, hands down. As for caliber, I say either .500 Nitro Express or .470 Nitro Express.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Although I do not own a Heym single or double. I have had the opportunity to look, handle and shoot a 88b (my wife's) a beautiful well made, well balanced rifle. I have handled and looked at, but not shot a 89b .470 again a well made, well balance rifle. I do believe the .470 Heym is a little on the light side. Actually a little lighter than a .450-.400. With about a ten thousand dollar difference in price I believe comparing the two are comparing apples with oranges. Which one will still be in good nick 100yrs from now, like my old George Gibbs. I vote for the Heym 89b.

 

[Rare Breed]

Although I do not own a Heym single or double. I have had the opportunity to look, handle and shoot a 88b (my wife's) a beautiful well made, well balanced rifle. I have handled and looked at, but not shot a 89b .470 again a well made, well balance rifle. I do believe the .470 Heym is a little on the light side. Actually a little lighter than a .450-.400. With about a ten thousand dollar difference in price I believe comparing the two are comparing apples with oranges. Which one will still be in good nick 100yrs from now, like my old George Gibbs. I vote for the Heym 89b.

The word "light" in a double rifle always scares me given besides LOP problems that will cause a gun like a 470 and 500 to kick the devil out of you...I speak from experience.