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Joined: Jan 2008
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bigwhoop,
with respect to your initial question, I have no experience with Merkel DRs.
However, I've owned 2 Krieghoffs, both 500NE 3" and used them successfully on elephant. I believe DRs are intended for close work on very large DG, so I would not use one in 375H&H. IME the 375 is a great cartridge - which will work on large DG - but better suited to a bolt rifle, IMO, where its accuracy, range and power are most advantageously exploited.
I am a very big fan of DRs, but would only consider one chambered for the traditional large bores designed for DRs such as the 450NE 3 1/4", 470NE, 500NE 3". YMMV
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty of give me death! P. Henry
Deus vult!
Rhodesians all now
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Have an opportunity to purchase a used one from a private party - still 99%. Has one lion to its credit. For those who have more familiarity with such gems, what are your thoughts when compared to other double guns? I have no demonstrable need as of yet, but the feel, swing and heft are very appealing. Yes, expensive - over $8k - not so appealing. Thanks in advance. The only reason I would ever buy one is if I had to guide tourists where there were elephants, buffalo,....and the animal could be shot only if it charged to w/in distance of 10 paces or less. I would then buy .470NE or .500 NE to carry.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I have a 140AE in .450-400 3" It works perfectly.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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Posts: 28,172 |
I have a different take on what the poster might consider and at a considerably lower price for a good quality DR.
What's wrong with a 9.3X74R? They are a small step down from a 375 H&H FM, and nice to shoot as recreation.
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
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Joined: May 2011
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I have a 140AE in .450-400 3" It works perfectly. How old is your rifle?
Whatever you said...everyone knows you are a lying jerk. That's a bold assertion. Point out where you think I lied. Well?
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Campfire Regular
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Joined: May 2011
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I'll have to go back and read the previous posts/threads, sounds like your rifle may be a more recent version with the fix. At some stage Merkel made modifications. I got mine secondhand in 2011 (but was almost new) and it has the doubling issue (it's in 500NE but otherwise the same model).
Whatever you said...everyone knows you are a lying jerk. That's a bold assertion. Point out where you think I lied. Well?
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Joined: Nov 2008
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If the point of the double is dangerous game shooting (vice just having fun with the big guns), then I would point out that a good bolt rifle may be an even better choice than the exalted doubles.
A practiced rifleman with a good bolt rifle is a little slower for two shots than he would be with the double. But he is far quicker with three or four. And if reliability is in question (a la the Merkel discussion), the Mauser rifle (or it’s derivative, such as Model 70, Dakota 76, Ruger RSM, etc.) wins the race going away.
But he certainly won’t look as good!
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 430
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I would not buy a 375 H&H in a double rifle. It has a belted case. The 450/400 Nitro is the recommended minimum cartridge for Elephant even though the 375 is the Legal minimum. The 450/400 has a little more power than a 375 and a 400 grain bullet instead of a 300 grain. It is a Cream Puff in a double rifle!!!
Last edited by Slider1; 02/07/20.
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Enjoy the comments. The rifle is still there.
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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