New to Double rifles. Where should a lefty start?

[matthewj042]

There is a ton of information/knowledge in this forum and its a lot to digest! I'm turning 40 this year and as a present to myself I've decided I want to purchase a double rifle. I'm looking for beginner tips on how/where to begin the search for a LH double. (Or can a lefty shoot RH models as well?). I don't want a showroom piece, looking for something more utilitarian.

-What websites/vendors/importers do I need to familiarize myself with? Used vs New?

-Best caliber? Caliber to stay away from? Ease of finding ammo

-Aftermarket sights? Needed?

-What other big factors am I overlooking?

I want to use said rifle on my second safari (date TBD) for buff, but this is my first step in planning my next big adventure! Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction. Glad I stubbled across the form and can't wait to see your advice!

 

[Tanks]

Well, I am a fellow lefty. I bought mine, a Heym 88B in .500NE from gunsinternational.com. It has taken 3 elephants and 2 buffalo so far. The previous owner had fired 6 rounds from it prior to selling so it was a deal for me.

I use Trijicon 1MOA sights on it.

 

[wvfred]

Champlins has a couple left hand doubles one is a 470 Chapuis for $10,500 if it is still available.

 

[Fatback]

Watching with much interest as a fellow left handed shooter.

 

[KJE81]

I dont know if this spanish firm would export to the US, but if they do I think this looks like a really nice double rifle for a lefty, 9500 euro sounds quite reasonable considering that it is a highly embellished true sidelock double rifle that includes a leather gun case and spare locks. It also has a decent riflescope and in swing mounts so easy to exchange for another scope by simply buying new rings.

http://www.armeriagostiola.net/rifles-de-segunda-mano/rifle-express-a-maguregui-cal-375-hh-mag

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Taking all your factors into account, you can’t go wrong with a Heym Model 89B in either .470 Nitro Express or .500 Nitro Express.

 

[matthewj042]

Well, I am a fellow lefty. I bought mine, a Heym 88B in .500NE from gunsinternational.com. It has taken 3 elephants and 2 buffalo so far. The previous owner had fired 6 rounds from it prior to selling so it was a deal for me.

I use Trijicon 1MOA sights on it.

What a sweet set up! Thanks for sharing

 

[matthewj042]

Champlins has a couple left hand doubles one is a 470 Chapuis for $10,500 if it is still available.

Champlin Firearms - Gun Vault - Quality Firearms

Assuming this is the one you're referencing?

 

[matthewj042]

Taking all your factors into account, you can’t go wrong with a Heym Model 89B in either .470 Nitro Express or .500 Nitro Express.

Thanks for the tip. Can you purchase these stateside? On quick glance looks like a German manufacturer. I did request catalog to do some homework.

 

[Tanks]

Thanks for the tip. Can you purchase these stateside? On quick glance looks like a German manufacturer. I did request catalog to do some homework.

There is an importer. Go to heymusa.com for more info and contact information.

 

[franzfmdavis]

Well, I am a fellow lefty. I bought mine, a Heym 88B in .500NE from gunsinternational.com. It has taken 3 elephants and 2 buffalo so far. The previous owner had fired 6 rounds from it prior to selling so it was a deal for me.

I use Trijicon 1MOA sights on it.

BEAUTIFUL pictures!

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Thanks for the tip. Can you purchase these stateside? On quick glance looks like a German manufacturer. I did request catalog to do some homework.

The pleasure is mine. has a very competent agent in the United States by the name of Mr. Chris Sells. He can easily accommodate you.

 

[wvfred]

Champlin Firearms - Gun Vault - Quality Firearms

Assuming this is the one you're referencing?

That's the one.It has a stock repair but depending on the crack that was fixed as there are no pictures of the repair.

 

[Monski]

That's the one.It has a stock repair but depending on the crack that was fixed as there are no pictures of the repair.

It sold in April. I visited Champlin for the first time while enroute to the Tulsa gun show and was hoping to handle it as I am a lefty also. They said it had shipped earlier that week. I did handle the lefty in 375 h&h.