Do they still make elephant guns??

[doseyclwn]

I heard someone talking about it, and I just wondered if they are still manufactured or where I can find one. Sorry if I sound like an idiot here, I haven't dealt w/Shotguns a lot yet.

[nextjoe]

"Elephant guns" aren't shotguns, they're big-bore rifles. Most people agree they start with the .375 H&H and go up through the big Nitro Express rounds. There were some big rifles that used the shotgun system of designating caliber by "gauge" or "bore," i.e. 8-bores, 4-bores, 12-bores, and even a few 2-bores. That might be what you're thinking of.

.375s, .416s, and .458s are all commonly available and relatively cheap. Guns for the big Nitro Express rounds and gauge guns are still made, but only by a few custom builders. Expect to spend anywhere from the cost of a good used car to the price of a small house in a good neighborhood. I'm not kidding. :uhoh: :scrutiny:

Shotguns are a lousy choice for elephants or other big dangerous game because they don't have anywhere near enough penetration. They *are* used by some professional hunters for close-range work against lions or, more commonly, leopards.

If you want more info, post over on the Rifle forum and I'm sure you'll get more feedback.

Best,
Joe

[dfariswheel]

Yes they do.
Most rifle makers offer "African" caliber bolt-action rifles. Winchester, Remington, Ruger, Whetherby, and others offer models, in "elephant" calibers.

The traditional British double-barreled guns are still made by a tiny hand full of makers in England.
These hand-made treasures have a back order lead of around 10 years or so, so get your order in early.

If you have to ask foolish questions about price...... forget it....you can't afford it.

[MarineTech]

Here's a few double rifles on Gunbroker to give you an idea of what you're looking at:

A Merkel in .416 Rigby

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9923268

A Beretta in .458 WinMag

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=10014807

A CZ in .458 WinMag

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=10037238

A Westley Richards in .450 Nitro

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=10089444

Just a hint, look at the "Buy it Now" price to give you an idea what these really go for.

[JohnBT]

www.searcyent.com

B. Searcy & Co.

Double rifles for ten or twelve grand or so plus options. Made in America.

John