Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Searcy Field Grade vs. Heym 88 PH

Looking at some "entry level" doubles and wanted to hear some thoughts on these two rifles. Just too tight to even consider some of the fancier versions! I like the case color option with the Searcy Field Grade.

Thanks,
Scott

Scott

I have never shot one but handled one at a gun show once.(Searcy) It had very good fit and finish and locked up like a bank vault. This one had been custom fit for length of pull at 12.5 inches and came to shoulder like a good shotgun does. I don't have the cash to ever own one, but I believe it to be very good value and people on the fire say extreme service.

I do not know the Heym, but hunted with someone who had a Searcy. Handles extremely well and comes to the shoulder really good. Another vote for the Searcy.

You could do just as good-or better--for less money: Verney-Carron, but of those two, my pick is the Heym. jorge

+1

A lot of them have a bright shiny receiver which is just the thing for reflecting sunlight and spooking game. Get whichever one does not have this.

+2

Pete

I really like the balance of the heym over all the other doubles I tried before purchasing the .450 NE. This is actually my second heym, I had the .450/.400 first and sold it to get the .450. Resale value on the previous heym was great as well. I dont think the Elephant or Buffalo cared for it too much though!

Great trophies!

Congratulations on the trophies!

A few years ago I was on the verge of ordering a Heym in 450 NE. I talked to J.J. and George at Champlins and they highly recommended the Heym or the Chapuis.

In the end, I decided to spend the money hunting rather than on a gun that I wouldn't use that often.

By the way, you can have the Heym color case finished as an option.

Scott - this is one of those areas where you need to handle - and actually shoot - the rifles yourself.

More importantly, you need to understand what you are paying for with any double rifle you're buying.

Here are the standard features on the HEYM.

> Intercepting Sears
> Automatic Ejectors
> Articulated Front Trigger
> Non-Automatic Safety
> Stocked to Fit (right or left-hand)
> Shoe-Lump barrels (Chopper Lump at extra cost)
> Your choice of barrel lengths (up to 26")
> Your choice of forends (splinter or semi-beavertail)
> Your choice of cheekpieces.

You can add additional costs wtih options (wood upgrades or case colors, finer checkering, etc...), but all of the standard features are included for $17,000

As to some of the other brands, you want to pay close attention to the bar length. If you don't know what that means, then have someone who understands double rifles explain it (and its importance) to you.

I looked at those as well! But ultimately decided for a little more money I could get more features and to me what seemed to be a much more balanced gun. It shoots fantastic, both on the range and in the field. The most impressive thing is the way it lines back up on the quick follow up shots!
Just my .02 cents!

J
Heym .450

Chevy truck vs Mercedes Benz. Both will take you where you want, pick the one that suits your tastes...

I don't own a Searcy, but have handled them. Two things in their favor. One is balance. They handle like an English double. Second is customer service. If you really need something sorted out, you can always go to California and see Butch in person.

absolutely, look at all the rifles mentioned, then decide. And that is why I selected the VC. jorge