Baikal MP-221 double rifle

[Herdsman]

G'day,

Anyone familiar with the Baikal MP-221 that's recently been advertised?

Thinking about dipping my toe in the double rifle pool.

Comes in 45-70 and I believe 30-06 as well. Open to either calibre at this point.

Historically I'm a bolt action man and not familiar with break open rifles. Any pitfalls to avoid before diving into one of these?

Cheer fellas.

[MeccaOz]

Ive heard they arent the best, something to do with what does the "same point of impact" for double rifles and apparently the finish is a bit how ya going. I only know of this because I too want a double:D and honestly Im still humming and harring over a Baikal myself.

EDIT: I should tell you there are some vids on youtube about them

[1290]

they are the best now you've been teased wth an eye full of Holland.....
They are the way to get into a double without spending thousands... I wouldnt hesitate if I needed a double, I know what they are, and why they are not!!

Shootinguk gave the 45-70 an 84/100.....http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/reviews/rifle/baikal-mp-221-45-70-double-rifle-review

I'd grab one and convert to a 450Nitro!!

[MeccaOz]

I'd grab one and convert to a 450Nitro!!

[MeccaOz]

Heres some talk on the Herdsman ...

http://shootingaustralia.net/forum/rifles-bolt-action-centre-fire/6324-double-rifle#83060

[fordj]

I wouldn't know but I've read it described as "Russian peasant quality"

Seriously though I dunno, just thought that was a funny description.

[Gregg]

Tough to know what to make of the Baikal.

Such varied reports on the thing. There is an article in SSAA mag at the moment on the .45-70 they tested and they put 4 holes in about an inch. More than enough for any hunting rifle.

I've read a few comments elsewhere from people getting 4-5 MOA with the things and hating them. You don't know what else if anything they did to add to the inaccuracy but still.

Maybe consistency is a problem?

[Lyam]

I know it's a 'classic' rifle but it's still a modern build.

5" group? Wrong load or shooting on the end of those tests if the SSAA buy is getting 1" IMO.

With proper load development I'd expect 2-3" groups max. IMO.

[Aussier]

Apparently these are a lot of work to get to the barrels to hit the same point with that second floating barrel.

About those differences in accuracy. Perhaps some people have been testing with 1 barrel only for repeat shots, others have been testing with both and unsuitable ammo?

Throwing out some ideas here without knowing more though.

[Herdsman]

You have to match the barrels together?

Right... I assumed the left could just hit a cm left of the zero, and the right barrel would hit 1cm right of it.

But no?

[Aussier]

No, 1 barrel is fixed and 1 is floated.

I understand the purpose is so you can find the right load so the POI is the same. Your idea of the points of impact just being a fraction left or rifle of the cross hair would work perfectly IMO, it's a hunting rifle after all. Seems simpler to me so I don't know why they don't do it.

I'm certainly no expert on these so no solutions I'm afraid, I just know that can be a problem with them and the 1 floating barrel system.

[Herdsman]

All good mate. I wouldn't have know if you didn't tell me so it's something to look up.