on Gunbroker...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=525167561

Is that one of the Browning-action rifles? If so, it's over-priced.

Yes; I think so...

Yes, the engraving looks like the Browning BSS pattern. They are VERY hard to re-sell. I'd skip it...double rifle prices have been dropping, and I've seen 2 real Searcy rifles sell for $7,500 and $8,000. The one for $7,500 was sold by Butch himself.

I agree that it is a Browning pattern. I would be surprised if they got $5000 for it. Does have some nice wood though.

So what is a fair price for a quality double for capital game -- say a Searcy or Merkel in .375 H&H up to .470NE?

I'd not be surprised that resale is difficult for any number of reasons (and the current WH occupier probably isn't helping with his pronouncements on elephant and lion hunting). Yet I go on the various gun auction sites and see the same doubles on there month after month, and asking prices don't seem to be dropping any -- which is probably why they're still for sale.

I agree with all of what you are saying. American hunters drive a lot of African safaris and the price increase of working doubles. That said the market looks soft and will probably stay that way for a while. I would think that $7k range for a rifle that was $9k a few years ago may be the new norm. Your observations about online dealers is like those who hold onto stocks after the market price has dropped. Either they bought high or they think the market will come back.

A Searcy is not what I would consider "best quality" and a Merkel is a bottom feeder. If you wanted something above average, start with a Heym or a Verney-Carron. I have a VC and I did a LOT of research before placing my order. And I would not EVER consider a rimless cartridge in a double... j

Jorge...a true double-rifle snob! :-)

Biebs:
WRT Jorge, we are all entitled to our opinion, at least until the Democrat Party takes away the first amendment.

WRT your comment above - "They are VERY hard to re-sell."
Some folks may not consider reselling their guns when they are purchasing them. When purchasing the double rifle that I just received from Santa, resell was considered and if the rifle shoots as good as it feels and looks, it will not be sold in my lifetime, but will end up with children or grandchildren after I am gone.
What double rifle you say? Hang on, and I will post a picture -- Jorge will likely denigrate all but the caliber, but since it is a custom made rifle, who cares? :):):)

Biebs, REAL snobs start at Watson Brothers, Army & Navy and wok their way up through Jeffreys, Westley Richards, and H&Hs

Then maybe you're just snooty? :-)

Well, Yeah...

:-)