Using a double rifle for stalking

[Heym SR20]

Could I ask what load you were using please? I've been digging around a bit on configurations, loads and so on. So far is seems to me that the Merkel 141, with its' light weight and 55cm/22inch barrels is going to be uncomfortable to shoot and will lose velocity because of the barrel length. The 140 has 60cm/24inch barrels and a bit more heft, so I suspect is more appropriate for the 9.3x74R. Looking at bullets, the 250g Swift A-Frame looks like a winner. Load data from Viht suggests something in the region of 48g of N-140, which is nice because that's the powder I use for everything else... It's fun this fantasy gun buying.

Keep barrels long - 65cm / 25in - much better balanced and helps with smooth swing and easier aiming. Also longer barrels keep the noise and muzzle flash down and also keep it away from you. A break action double doesn't have the six inch long action so a 25" barrelled double is still short in terms of overall length.

I once handled a little merkel single shot with 18in barrel, very short, very light and actually quite difficult to hold on target.

 

[JMS906]

You don't need to, it's a wooden stock, just a like a proper shotgun, and just like a shotgun it should be fitted to you.

Neil.

But if you stick a scope on it, you raise the line of sight, so you have to raise you head by that amount. A soft cheek piece would do the job at no significant expense (about the price of a box of ammo).

 

[mchughcb]

Could I ask what load you were using please? I've been digging around a bit on configurations, loads and so on. So far is seems to me that the Merkel 141, with its' light weight and 55cm/22inch barrels is going to be uncomfortable to shoot and will lose velocity because of the barrel length. The 140 has 60cm/24inch barrels and a bit more heft, so I suspect is more appropriate for the 9.3x74R. Looking at bullets, the 250g Swift A-Frame looks like a winner. Load data from Viht suggests something in the region of 48g of N-140, which is nice because that's the powder I use for everything else... It's fun this fantasy gun buying.

The reload data is on each target. 65.5gr of 2209 pushing a 286gr hornady interlock. Barrels are 22". Weight is 3.6kg without a scope.

 

[awmc]

Save your money and get a good double that can be used for hunting or better still get yourself a Blaser K95 single

+ 1​

 

[Heym SR20]

Interesting discussion on accurate reloading on doubles for all round use. Seems to be a conscensus that with a good scope 200 yds is perfectly feasible. Certainly the accuracy is there. All round double - Topic

 

[Pine Marten]

Interesting discussion on accurate reloading on doubles for all round use. Seems to be a conscensus that with a good scope 200 yds is perfectly feasible. Certainly the accuracy is there. All round double - Topic

Thanks for that! I guess what I have in mind is similar to what this guy says:

As to distance, all of the above are fine with open sights to 100 yards and with a 'scope to 200 yards. I only have two doubles with a 'scope (.450-400 and a .350 no2 Rigby) and this has worked well for me: I sight the 'scope dead on with the first barrel I fire (for me that's the left) and I don't bother with the right barrel. At scoped distances I can live without a quick second shot. And, since both rifles are ejectors I can get a second round into the left barrel fairly quick. If I am shooting close, I remove the 'scope and have both barrels shooing to regulation. My longest shot was on a caribou at 195 yards.

OK, he has bigger guns but it's the same use he has in mind, or indeed has experience of.

Incidentally, those guys really like their quotes in their signatures don't they? Many of them are longer than the posts!

 

[Heym SR20]

Well just finish off this thread I now have a double 7x65R - well my combination gun now has a 7x65R insert barrel in the shot barrel. Was out with it the other evening. I saw a Roes body about 100 and a bit yards away standing broadside with its head behind a tree. Hissed at the hound to sit. Dropped into a low kneeling position with my bum on my foot, rifle in sticks and cross hair on shoulder. It looked a bit fat round the middle, no dangly bits below and when it turned its head, no spicky bits on top. Now I have absolutely no doubt if a I had squeezed the trigger it would have the job just as well as when it didn't have the insert barrel. Actually I could have squeezed either trigger and job would have been done. I have taken Roe out to 160 yds and foxes a bit further with this gun in the past.

So in answer PM's original question - yes you can use a double for stalking.

Just loaded up some H-Mantle bullets to try - 173gn of big thumpage me thinks.

 

[mchughcb]

Great work.

Check out my vid.

 

[JMS906]

Jim, there's a full inch of difference in irons/optics LOS, or at least 20+ mm (judging by scope measurements).

I for one wouldn't like to hover my head w/o support to get sight picture.

Fine. Get a cheek pad such as the Beartooth Comb Raiser Kit, £25. I have one on my Brno 375, which has as tock designed for use with the iron sights. Slap a scope on, slap a comb raiser on, and the result is good cheek weld and perfect eye - scope - target alignment.

-JMS

 

[Southern]

Don't anticipate your "head hovering without support" until you try a double rifle or combination gun with a scope.

Though the stock is made for iron sights, you just shoot with your head erect when using glass, anchoring at the jaw instead of the cheek - no problem, with the right rifle for you. Go out and try a few with SDUK folks.

 

[Greener Jim]

Exactly right southern. I do the same on my Husqvarna Mauser. Took some getting used to but it's not hard once you've put a box of ammo through it.

 

[mchughcb]

Don't anticipate your "head hovering without support" until you try a double rifle or combination gun with a scope.

Though the stock is made for iron sights, you just shoot with your head erect when using glass, anchoring at the jaw instead of the cheek - no problem, with the right rifle for you. Go out and try a few with SDUK folks.

Agreed, even with a hogsback stock and a bit of engineering you can get a scope quite low.

 

[scrumbag]

In terms of chambering I don't see why 9.3x74 wouldn't be bad but as in common with a lot of double rifles I understand you might end up using only one barrel for stalking with the 2nd for a stopper if you need it.

Something like 285gr Norma Oryx probably a good compromise. (Maybe 325 if you want just bear protection)

Scrummy

 

[Lateral]

In terms of chambering I don't see why 9.3x74 wouldn't be bad but as in common with a lot of double rifles I understand you might end up using only one barrel for stalking with the 2nd for a stopper if you need it.

Something like 285gr Norma Oryx probably a good compromise. (Maybe 325 if you want just bear protection)

Scrummy

Scrummy,


Bear, just where are you deer stalking

My 9.3x74 has been regulated for 286g Norma Oryx, but shoots Geco 255g really well, and for driven boar, does a very good job. If I were to use it for stalking, I'd be aiming to use the 232g Oryx, which will be much easier on the shoulder, given I don't get the same Adrenalin rush, that I do shooting driven, which works well as a local anesthetic

 

[scrumbag]

Scrummy,


Bear, just where are you deer stalking

My 9.3x74 has been regulated for 286g Norma Oryx, but shoots Geco 255g really well, and for driven boar, does a very good job. If I were to use it for stalking, I'd be aiming to use the 232g Oryx, which will be much easier on the shoulder, given I don't get the same Adrenalin rush, that I do shooting driven, which works well as a local anesthetic

If you read Pine Marten's first post this is his fantasy hunt stalking moose in Alaska where I understand they have a bear or 2...

 

[Woorarra]

I use a blaser S2 in 9.3x74r as a stalking rifle, works great, I pick and choose the distance I take my shots.

A 250gn Woodleigh RNSP in the first barrel and Woodleigh 232gn hydrostatic solid in the second, in case of an awkward second shot at the backside of a quick departing animal.

Love the 9.3x74r and in a double or single I don't think there is a better cartridge suited to the task.

 

[Lateral]

If you read Pine Marten's first post this is his fantasy hunt stalking moose in Alaska where I understand they have a bear or 2...

You're right, but it seems so long ago, I forgot

 

[mchughcb]

I use a blaser S2 in 9.3x74r as a stalking rifle, works great, I pick and choose the distance I take my shots.

A 250gn Woodleigh RNSP in the first barrel and Woodleigh 232gn hydrostatic solid in the second, in case of an awkward second shot at the backside of a quick departing animal.

Love the 9.3x74r and in a double or single I don't think there is a better cartridge suited to the task.

Great combination for Sambar stalking. And you've taken a few too

 

[Heym SR20]

Well had 3 days up in North West scotland. Had my 7x65 with me - bring it in case there are any Roe in the plantations. After a couple of days walking to hill lochs and paragliding we had a somewhat lazy day by the loch. To bright to fish. Couple of deer shaped rocks about 200 and 300 yards away - well they were all killing shots!!

 

[Roro]

CZ have a o/u "Express" rifle in .30 blaser, 8x57 and 9.3x74r. I don't know what its like, i always fancied a double rifle, but without the Westley Richards or James Purdey price tag.


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