Who makes this double

[mms45]

I have been watching some safari youtube videos lately. I for the life of me can’t identify this double seems like it’s Austrian or German wondering is anyone knows it’s on lex strauss he carries it often. Has a cross bolt an some “different” angles to the rear of the receiver.

 

[Red Leg]

Judging by the pins, apparently a true sidelock, however that is a butt ugly action treatment. Also seems to have undisguised sleeved factory barrels and it is not stocked to the fences, so perhaps an Italian creation? A quick Grok search indicates Strauss owns both a .470 and 450-400. The latter is by Verney Carron.

 

[mms45]

I’m pretty sure it’s the 470, yea it’s just so different I’m really curious what it is.

 

[mms45]

Apparently a true sidelock, but that is a butt ugly action treatment. Also seems to have undisguised sleeved factory barrels not stocked to the fences, so perhaps an Italian creation? A quick Grok search indicates Strauss owns both a .470 and 450-400. The latter is by Verney Carron.

Where do you see the sleeved barrel what would that indicate?

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Where do you see the sleeved barrel what would that indicate?

You can see a line on the barrel just above where the receiver meets the forearm wood in both the last 2 photos. First thing I noticed. Thought it might’ve been a shadow until the second photo also had it in the same spot.

Below are a couple generic Google Photos of sleeving that might better show/explain and is about the same location.

 

[mms45]

You can see a line on the barrel just above where the receiver meets the forearm wood in both the last 2 photos. First thing I noticed. Thought it might’ve been a shadow until the second photo also had it in the same spot.

Below are a couple generic Google Photos of sleeving that might better show/explain and is about the same location.

View attachment 743601View attachment 743600

Got it thanks!

 

[MacJenkins]

Looks possibly like a chopped up side-lock shotgun. Chopped the barrels off and sleeved in some rifle barrels into the monoblock. Sure ain’t pretty whatever it is.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

My understanding of the Monobloc Method is that both barrels are threaded into the integrated mono block just like a bolt action rifle barrel is threaded into the receiver.

 

[steve white]

So often the sleeving is seen as slight differences in the metal of the barrels vs the mono bloc result in different coloration of the blueing. If there is a distinct line, it's then a no-brainer. Agree with Redleg.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

Looks possibly like a chopped up side-lock shotgun. Chopped the barrels off and sleeved in some rifle barrels into the monoblock. Sure ain’t pretty whatever it is.

I would guess that to be dangerous?

 

[PCC600]

Judging by the pins, apparently a true sidelock, however that is a butt ugly action treatment. Also seems to have undisguised sleeved factory barrels and it is not stocked to the fences, so perhaps an Italian creation? A quick Grok search indicates Strauss owns both a .470 and 450-400. The latter is by Verney Carron.

Bloody awful .

 

[Bejane]

I think it's a double made by Ralph Badenhorst. A gunsmith in South Africa

 

[Boone66]

My understanding of the Monobloc Method is that both barrels are threaded into the integrated mono block just like a bolt action rifle barrel is threaded into the receiver.

Depending on the Smith and caliber, solder and epoxy are also used, in lower pressure cartridges, but yeah, I've never seen one welded, or a rifle built on a dolls head, greener cross bolt would be much safer.

 

[mms45]

I think it's a double made by Ralph Badenhorst. A gunsmith in South Africa

I just looked him up definitely him! Has actions with 4” of barrel in the white on his FB page.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I have been watching some safari youtube videos lately. I for the life of me can’t identify this double seems like it’s Austrian or German wondering is anyone knows it’s on lex strauss he carries it often.

Lex Strauss had a double made for him by a South African gunsmith. A few years ago I was corresponding with Lex as his double was being built. I was unable to find those DMs or emails but Lex had sent me photos as his double rifle was being built.

I think the subject double is a .500 NE since I first corresponded with Lex during 2022 to provide him loading data for his .500 Jeffery and the powders available to him.

I think you found the source in the very recent post below!

I just looked him up definitely him! Has actions with 4” of barrel in the white on his FB page.

View attachment 743691

 

[MacJenkins]

I would guess that to be dangerous?

I would not want one built on a shotgun frame. But it appears to be his own action based on a post below. I know some of Butch Searcy's early guns were build on BSS shotguns. Heard they were ok, but still would not own one. Or any Searcy for that matter.

If you can't see the blend on makers that use a monoblock some makers cover that joint with a band of engraving like seen on Merkel 140 models. I don't necessarliy think it is a bad way to make a double, it's more cost effective. The K95 which my family has hunted with extensively is built in such a fashion, yes a singleshot but similar construction. But you certainly dont find it on "Best" guns.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

I would not want one built on a shotgun frame. But it appears to be his own action based on a post below. I know some of Butch Searcy's early guns were build on BSS shotguns. Heard they were ok, but still would not own one. Or any Searcy for that matter.

If you can't see the blend on makers that use a monoblock some makers cover that joint with a band of engraving like seen on Merkel 140 models. I don't necessarliy think it is a bad way to make a double, it's more cost effective. The K95 which my family has hunted with extensively is built in such a fashion, yes a singleshot but similar construction. But you certainly dont find it on "Best" guns.

My 140 does not have barrel joints covered with engraving. Are there other Merkel models or older 140’s you’re referring to? My understanding is each Merkel barrel is individually threaded into the monolithic block. Do you think Merkel sleeves their 140 barrels?

 

[MacJenkins]

My 140 does not have barrel joints covered with engraving. Are there other Merkel models or older 140’s you’re referring to? My understanding is each Merkel barrel is individually threaded into the monolithic block. Do you think Merkel sleeves their 140 barrels?

I have not held a Merkel in well over a decade. I had a 500 non ejector 140 probably build about 20 years ago. I sold it around 12-13'. My gun was just like the one listed below. No, I don't know if they thread them or silver solder them. Or both, never asked. I would think your information is correct.

Merkel 140 Double Rifle in 450/400 3" for sale

Merkel 140 Double Rifle in 450/400 3" for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[MacJenkins]

My 140 does not have barrel joints covered with engraving. Are there other Merkel models or older 140’s you’re referring to? My understanding is each Merkel barrel is individually threaded into the monolithic block. Do you think Merkel sleeves their 140 barrels?

Would need more pictures of your barrel flats/joints to see how it is put together.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Looking at the advertisement photos the breech on that 450/400 looks sleeved with circumference seem line and the barrel engraving line is in alignment with the rib extension.