Chapuis Armes, manufacturer of French shotguns and rifles, has added to the classic double-barrel rifle market with the X4. The X4 keeps to the rich tradition of European-style, driven-game hunting, while still sporting a new, patent-pending technology that delivers a precision and load adaptability.
Double rifles have seen over a century of use for big-game hunting across the globe and are still favored by professional hunters and avid sportsman pursuing large and dangerous game. The X4 builds on that tradition, while presenting a new barrel technology to solve the age-old challenge of barrel re-regulating when introducing new cartridge loads.
Creating a double-barrel firearm involves an exacting process whereby the gun maker must align both barrels to achieve a consistent and precise point-of-impact while using a common sight picture. This regulation is typically based on a specific load (bullet weight, bullet shape and powder charge), and significant deviations from that load can cause the barrels to become unregulated, or, have different points-of-impact. Re-regulating the barrels for a different load traditionally requires the skills of an experienced gunsmith, who must adjust and solder-in new packing blocks to achieve the desired orientation, not to mention re-blueing the metal upon completion.
The new X4 Double Rifle solves this age-old problem with a new approach to double-barrel firearm construction. Rather than permanently joining the barrels and rib into a single, regulated unit, X4 technology joins the rib to the left barrel and free-floats the right barrel. The left barrel and rib join the right barrel via a guiding ring at the muzzle. Using this system, a professional gunsmith can easily adjust the guiding ring to re-regulate the point of convergence for a new load. With the X4 double rifle, shooters can find their best load or even change loads with the confidence of accurate barrel regulation, without the major work traditionally associated with such an alteration.
Beyond the new X4 technology, the X4 Double Rifle adheres to classical double-rifle styling. Built on a Progress 28-gauge scalloped receiver paired with lightweight 22-inch barrels, the X4 is quick, light, and trim in the hand. The AAA-grade Circassian walnut with English-style cheekpiece and intricate engraving harken to the X4's bespoke rifle heritage.
The X4 Double Rifle is available in 9.3x74R and .30-06 Springfield chamberings. Each model comes with an adjustable standing rear and ramp front sight system, and both are machined to accept Recknagel scope mounts.
For more information on this fine firearm, visit chapuis-usa.com. MSRP: $7,299-7,599
