Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Combination Guns and Drillings Is a Drilling High Art/Science or a Hunter's Arm?

I have considered the issue, and figured that both the turnbolt rifle, and the repeating shotgun can be built to good quality and craftsmanship standards on a more affordable basis as stand alone arms.

Still... I'm an hour away from Simpson LTD, in Galesburg...
Couldn't hurt to look... Right?

If I were that close I would go just to see the place. It appears they have a huge inventory.

Wow, they do. They have a nice 6.5X68 Mauser there that was made by a great gunsmith in Germany.

7x64,

Was gone for a couple of days on a business trip, or would have replied sooner.

About 20 years ago I spent enough time in Germany and the Czech Republic on a hunt and factory tour to get a feeling for the hunting over there--both the relative wealth required to hunt, and the traditions. I liked the traditions, but am too much of an American who grew up hunting for free to appreciate the wealth required--even though I've spent a considerable amount on hunting myself over the decades.

I looked for a 12x12x.30-06 drilling for several years before finding TWO on week on the Internet, one a Sauer and one a Krieghoff. At $5000, the Sauer was more affordable so I bought it....

I called Simpson LTD today, and they just received another shipment of guns.

And they sell a lot more than just drillings and combo guns, but the guy I talked to said there were a number of drillings in the latest bunch to arrive...

Yep, they sold the inexpensive BRNO/CZ Combo gun that I wanted. I want to give one to my brother. They do have one that's 12 over 22 Savage. Kinda cool but I want a 7x57R

john, are they listed on their web site yet? You better just go over there and take your wallet with you. Yes, they have one whale of an inventory. I keep watching for a good buy on an early, full stock Mannlicher-Schoenaur with hopefully no scope bases. A fine, early German 22RF would be nice also.

Sounds like 7x64 and I did the same program in Germany. It was truely an experience to see the drilling in the field and the craftman's work that went into one.

I've got three of the BRNO/CZ 502 series, all 12 gauge over rifle.

One is a 12/30-06
One is 12/308
Last one is 12/7.65R with O/U 12 gauge set and Briley choked.

Sounds like Simpson's is the place to watch for reasonable drilling buys.

I think i recall that the new stuff was not cataloged yet.

Hello 7x74!
I agree with your description of the German culture of hunting. But it seems, that you met some weird German hunters. Its not common practice to send somebody away because he wears some strange looking clothes. And it is not common - and more than arrogant - to relegate somebody to shoot badgers and foxes.
In the 1950 years until 1974 my father was a "Jagdpachter" of a hunting ground 100 kilometers north of Frankfurt and we hunted together with some American army officers. I think for my father the hunting together with these American officers/hunters was the attempt to reach the hand to the former enemy. Anyway, we had much fun with them, they were nice guys and very good shots. They showed us cartridges like the 22 Hornet, 222 Remington or 270 Winchester ("You really can shoot an elk with this tiny 130grs bullet?" - "Yes."). We had discussions about drillings and selfloading rifles, about German and American cartridges and hunting weapons - besides barbecue and duck hunting. These times belong to my best memories of my youth and I m sorry that you met these very "special" hunters. They are not typical for German hunters, believe me.