Hello all,

Over the last 10 years, I've watched many posts on this forum and other forums about building this custom double rifle. Here's the post from last September by Bailey Bradshaw himself.

https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=44375&Number=556050

A quote from his opening line says it all;

"This has been an extremely rewarding build. It's one that evokes a strange feeling now that it is complete. Satisfaction yes, but also a feeling of loss in a weird way. Probably the closest feeling is when you finally pull the trigger to end a magical hunt."

And here is another post where Bailey tells of regulating the second set of barrels for this rifle.

https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=44329&Number=555404

Every time I saw a post about this rifle, I wished that I had ordered one for myself. Sadly, I was too impatient to plan a custom build that required waiting far out into the future. I'm an impatient "want-it-now" kind-of guy. However, when this rifle recently came up sale, I couldn't resist the opportunity. Seldom does one get a "do-over" in life to correct a regret. I only had to wait 4 days for delivery, not 10 years for completion.

As you know from many previous posts on this forum, I love guns with stories to tell. And what a better story than purchasing one of the most written about Custom Double Rifle builds over these many past years. And add to the story that its a "one-of-a-kind" double rifle with such an interesting and innovative action. It fits right into my likes.

Details I've discovered are:

Weight when configured as a 500NE = 10 pounds 13-1/2 ounces w/ 26-1/8" barrels.
Weight when configured as a 450-400-3" = 9 pounds 14-1/2 ounces w/ 26-3/4" barrels.
14-1/4" LOP

As a follow-up to my purchase, I called Bailey Bradshaw and spent nearly an hour talking about his building this wonderful rifle. Being an Engineer, I asked a lot questions about its engineering history. A few points from that discussion that really impress me were; - the rifle was re-started, several times over, as new design improvements were developed and incorporated into the final design of the action - all the deep relief engraving and gold inlays were done by Bailey himself, what a remarkable talent he has - Bailey said he used over 11 feet of 22 carat gold wire in the gold inlays - and finally, he said this was the most elaborate rifle that he has ever made.

The rifle with both barrels are now housed in a compact toe-under canvas & leather case that I customized to fit this newly acquired treasure. (I designed and made the parchment case label)

Below are a few repeat pictures as seen before, and a few detailed ones that I have added. I've also listed the youtube videos that were made by Bradshaw during the course of building the rifle, as well as a link to Bailey's web page. I can't wait to get to the range, and will post range results soon.

As always, your comments are most welcome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qVAqWHhuGU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwy-wOWwp8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tv0rfO3Mao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Swbi8x99OE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIPeBX-ef7Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=519VrqN-qGo

http://www.bradshawgunandrifle.com/welcome.html

..... continued .....

Congratulations on a once in a lifetime rifle.

It is a fine piece of work and art and one that will be enjoyed for many generations.

Smashing good show !

eureka!

Hello BrentD
Hello skeettx
Hello ed good

Thanks for the reply.

Have you shot it?

I assume you will be hunting deer (or something bigger) with it once or twice, at least.

It's a work of art. You put a picture on your wall..say a Matisse (and I've got a lot of really good art)....you look at it every day, then every other day....then it becomes wallpaper...sort of. (Louis XIV used to point out the Mona Lisa in passing, sort of downplaying it.

But put a piece of machinery out there..it's another story. My 16 ga. Reilly is not a collector piece but I just love looking at it; Ditto my old 1986 CJ-7 (now sold...sigh). People will say about the Washington Cathedral that it doesn't compare to Chartres, Notre Dame. Baloney...it was started in 1902 and the fact it was competed in the 20th century is amazing...it is worth viewing.

Hello BrentD
Thanks for the reply

Yes, at least deer here in Wisconsin.


Hello Argo44
Thanks for the reply

This an Artfull machine !

I know the old adage "if you cannot say anything good...", which I've never followed, so I'm compelled to say that is one ugly design, executed to a fairly decent degree. Hideous, but glad you like it.
JR

I can relate. I’ve never been one to hold back either. JR, you’re an A-hole. You could’ve easily just looked at the thread, and moved on, but you just had to have your say, like anyone here can give two f$&ks about your opinion on anything. You should really try and follow the old adage....


Regarding the gun so as not to go too far off topic....I like seeing B. Bradshaw’s innovative creations. He’s extremely talented. I don’t think too many people have seen many guns like this one. There’s oodles of unique features on it that I’d personally like to see in person, just to see how they work. The engineering involved in this design is impressive. Like Thad Scott’s 4 bore that K. Owen built....it’s not for everyone, but you have to be impressed with what went into it to make it become a reality.

There is some amazing workmanship, the stock work and quality of the wood practically jumps at you. I’ll not weigh in on the action or caliber, never owned, used, or, honestly, needed, either. But, I think it is nice to see something different from time to time, and to see guns completely different from mine being put to good use.
Enjoy. Wisconsin is a deer hunting Mecca, from what I have seen.

Best,
Ted

From one a s s hole to another (notice I don't mind saying the actual word instead of a prettied up version), it wasn't personal, just an opinion offered to a post that begs a "what do you guys (notice I refrain from the use of "y'all", so as not to harm your sensibilities further) think of this?". Sorry it harmed your sensibilities, LeFusil, not that they really matter to anyone here as well. And I can remember a time when Two fu cks were worth something. Have a nice day...
JR

Whatever you say you cantankerous old drunk. Harm my sensibilities?? No chance. You’ve been an a s s hole since day one, nothing personal...I’m just telling it like it is. Hey you have a nice day yourself, Sambo.

Thanks for the compliments, I know hard that must have been for you. And I'm not really an a s s hole, I just have a s s hole tendencies at times.
JR

Hello John Roberts,
No Thanks for the reply.

In looking over your nearly 2100 posts since 2006 ... You confirm the old adage: "Opinions are like "assholes" - everyone has at least one." Please move on.


Hello Lefusil,
Thanks for the reply.

I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you. I've learned that many "keyboard-gurus", that like to throw sticks-and-stones at other peoples treasures, have little if any field experience, and can't appreciate, or afford, the finer things in life that bring pleasure to others. Rather than enjoying life, they merely sit at their keyboards and feel compelled to vomit-forth their unwanted opinions.


Hello Ted Schefelbein,
Thanks for the reply.

Yes, the design and mechanical ingenuity are absolutely amazing. Not to mention the quality of the workmanship and artistic enhancements. I have 27 double rifles in my collection, ranging from 8mm Lebel cal. up to 700NE cal. This one goes to the head of the class in "Class". Last Fall I was successful harvesting a nice Wisconsin Whitetail Buck with my 700NE. This Fall I'll use the "Double-B".

if a s s holes could fly - this place would be an airport...

Wow...
JR

Hello All,

Tomorrow I go to the range for testing the new rifle. Sine the gun is regulated with Hornady Factory ammo, I called Hornady to get their specs on both their 500NE and their 450-400-3" loadings. Their 500NE = 2120fps with a 570g bullet and the 450-400-3" = 2050fps with a 400g bullet. Although they wouldn't give me the powder used, both use powders that fill the case. Rather than paying the high price for Factory ammo, I'll hand-load to duplicate their loads. I'll report back soon.

That is one gorgeous rifle! Incredible workmanship and artistry in wood and metal. I look forward to hearing how it shoots.

Look forward to your test results, Buckstix.

Fully agree with those who admire Bailey's creativity. Some years ago he made me a very pretty double rifle in .22 K-hornet that went to Southern Africa and, using 60 gr Nosler partitions, took a small warthog. Gun and hog featured in Bailey's earlier website. He also made a set of .410 barrels for it that I could not shoot at all well, but then while I'm keen on bird hunting, shotguns are not what I'm good at.

After looking over the rising block concept, have sent Bailey a deposit and order for a double in .300 H&H flanged magnum with my own load for the 200 grain Swift A-frame, and an extra set of barrels in 450-400 3 inch that will use Hornady ammunition.

The rifle will be less engraved, maybe just a gemsbok head, and have lesser wood, but I'm looking forward to August 2021 in Namibia, subject to Bailey's finishing schedule.

Regards, Tim

@ Tim Carney.......NICE!!!!! Can’t wait to see the finished project. Congrats on the order. I absolutely love those little round action Bailey Hornet rifles. The thread where he chronicled the building of one of those awesome little creations was one of the best, most memorable threads on this board ever.

Hello LeatherWoodSteel,
Thanks for the reply


Hello Tim Carney,
Thanks for the reply.

Testing is underway. Results to follow.