Moving up!!

[Jimbob]

A 470 in a double would be a great safari rifle, something a little special, and would hold its value very well especially when you're getting it so cheap.

As for recoil, one can learn to shoot anything given time and proper practice. If you handload you can even start low and work up.
That been said, 416 Rigby is hardly inadequate for anything.

 

[8x68]

My vote is for the 404 Jeff a pretty stout round and recoil on the order of the 375HH, of course I'm biased

+1^

 

[enysse]

Matt85, had some excellent points.

 

[Roan]

Like @matt85 said go for the 450/400.

I have a Merkel 470 and my buddy has a 450/400. I love shooting his rifle way more than myne. (Plus I dont pay for ammo i shoot in his)

From 375 to 450/400 is a good step up.

 

[Ray B]

Bolt Action = 404J
SxS = 470NE

 

[norfolk shooter]

Guys i cant seem to find other calibers on the Merkel UK website

 

[Jimbob]

Me either, see what I mean about the site being crap.

 

[matt85]

not sure about their website but im sure if you contact a dealer, they will get you one in 450/400 NE.

-matt

 

[Roan]

They make them for sure!

Dont think its super popular model for Merkel.

But it shoots and handels like a dream.

 

[norfolk shooter]

Might as well see if they do a 500-416 NE in that case

 

[Roan]

Suppose you could, dont think they make one though.

But hey it never hurts to ask.

 

[Pondoro]

Heaven and Hell Norfolk...be a Briton....buy a double rifle in .470 NE...

It is a proper heavy rifle and ammo and reloading components is abundant..

James Sutherland, the famous elephant hunter was a rather small man...he hunted with a .577 NE more or less all his life....as others have said being small will benefit you in taking recoil..

But calibers aside...the most important issue is to get a rifle that really fits you, percieved recoil is largely determined by the fit of the stock..