Drillings info needed

[cgturner7]

While sitting in my blind opening weekend, I was pondering what would be the "ideal" rifle for my situation. I believe it might be a Drillings! On my lease in Edwards County, TX you never know what might show up- turkey, whitetail, an escaped axis, quail, bobcat, coyote, javalina. I began to realize having a choice between a shotgun AND a rifle would be very convenient. Does anyone have any info on Drillings or websites I can look at?

[kjeff50cal]

Drillings & Virlings (Two of each caliber/gauge) are an expensive propersitions, starting at $6500 for the Merkel Model 96K. The not so well healed solution is a Cape Gun (what we call a combination gun). Stevens(Savage) is the American leader in this firearm form with the Model 24F in .410, 20 & 12 gauge under your choice of .22lr, .22 Hornet .22 mag., .357 mag., 44 mag. & .30/30. I think there were some made in .30/06 over 12 gauge. In the European camp there are a number of companies including CZ, CZ-584 (12ga over .22 Savage or .30/06); Tikka (12ga. OVER .222, .30/06 or .308) and EAA (European American Arms Co). EAA has a wider range of calibers under gauges; .233 Rem., 6.5 X 55 Swed. 7.62 X 54R, .30/06 (more common here), .308 and others. The EAA prices are around $600-$700 dollars. The Tikka price is around $1000 & CZ at $850.      
I owned a Savage 24f in  .357 over 20ga & a Springfield Armory M6 22lr over .410. The Savage in a fit of tradeious (gun trading disease) is gone. The M6 was at the family property until an uncle "loaned" it out and never told me who he loaned it to.

Try
www.eaacorp.com
www.savagearms.com

kjeff50cal

[mbyoh]

I have the Tikka in .222/12ga and love it.  I installed a low power (2 1/2_ scope that had a long eye relief so that the 12ga didn't nail me and it is great for tukey (my favorite) and most other hunting that I do.

I also last year bought a prewar drilling in 16X16X(9.3X72) in excellent condition with brass and reloading dies for around $1,500.00.  This caliber is similar to the american 38-55 and is perfect for turkey, deer, etc.  the drilling is light, fast, and just a whole lot of fun.  Sure, I'd like an American caliber, like the .222, 22 high power, 243, etc., and the 2 1/2" 16 gauge chambers are a hassle, BUT ammo is available and the gun does the job.  It is a lot of gun for the price, and once you own one, you'll be hooked.

Mike

[PeterF.]

There's a guy who calls himself "Drilling Man" who posts on various forums here  (use the "Search" function).  He probably has some useful information and/or an informed opinion.