doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Off to Africa

Very interesting, thanks!

Regards,
Jani

Dig,
I would be very careful reporting things about the Proof Houses you know how 'tetchy' they can be.If I was asked to test a £100K worth of kit I would ensure I was using the right 'tools' and not accept my collegues offer of 'here mate try these'I would have disected one or two to check the load for myself.It would be interesting to read the official report and any communications between the interested parties.

Hi Salopian

I understand your opint of view - it is probably wise and safest.

However, my news page is for news and gun trade gossip is part of that. Unfortunately, the gun trade is so secretive and protectionist in nature that too much of what goes on is never reported and gets hushed up by the 'network', which includes most of the shooting press. There is too much voluntary censortship going on already.

I have posted it as rumour and have it from 'reliable sources' but if any of the parties would like to refute or rebut the story or give their version, I will gladly post it.

I too wish the proof houses were more professional and deliverd a 21st century service, unfortunately they are not and do not (in my opinion) and it will take an act of Parliament to change that, which ain't going to happen. So, perhaps a bit of public scrutiny of how they operate may bring some pressure, though I doubt it frankly.

SB-

I have a few old British gunmaker catalogs that I would loan you - Boss and few others. They're originals, not repros.

Where should I send them? And about how long do you think you would have them?

Thanks again for my pic in the DGJ, too. I feel like a star now.

OWD

You always were a star - you just did not know it!

Thanks for the catalogue offer - I really need any old ads or specs on boxlocks - a scan or copy is sufficient and afeter than sending prized docs through the post - If there is anything within that looks likely, I'd much appreciate it.

best,

dig

Dig,

Weidmannsheil - Hunter's Blessing to Your African Bag, and please tell us all about it!

Kind regards,
Jani

Jani

Many thanks.

I put a bit about it on the News page of my site.I'll also feature the guns we used in my next DGJ article.

However: We shot francolin, guinea fowl, white faced duck and laughing dove (they did not laugh long). I used my 12-bore hammer gun, Michael used his 16-bore drilling.

I also used the drilling on the impala and red lechwe I shot (it was an 8x57). Michael used a 1926 Manton & Co .470 (oddly with pre WW2 German proof marks)double rifle with 500 grain Westley Richards solids.

The elephant took us eleven terrifying days of hunting through mopane scrub until we found a 'big tusker' - over 70lb a side and nice, even ivory. Once we found him, he was on the deck within three minutes. That .470 does the job. I also found teh drilling excellent - flat shooting out to 170 yards and plenty of poke in the 196 grain softs.

Dig - glad to hear you are back safe and sound. I can't think of anyone likely to get more out of such an adventure than you. Lots of folks waiting to hear about it "blow by blow." Right glad to hear the Thompson did you proud.

Ah, so that's it. I was going to ask how you dated it, as the Manton records don't survive to my knowledge.

Not particularly odd. Manton's of Calcutta used a number of suppliers for their branded double rifles. Most were British, but not all. Their catalogues contain several that are obviously German in origin. Apparently F. W. Heym made a number for Manton, and I've handled several in both .405 and .470.

The Heym info is very interesting.

The rifle features in a Manton & Co catalogue of 1926 and is illustrated and described but the maker is not specified.

engraving is not typically English - urns surrounded by relief flowers and scrolls.

BTW - Montenegrin, the drilling was by G.L Rasch.