Chapuis Armes UGEX 9.3x74mmR 9.3x74R French Express Double Rifle ,1998-2005
SOLD FOR: $5275
LSB#: 210906MB12
Make: Chapuis Armes
Model: UGEX (Utility Grade Express Rifle)
Serial Number: 45821
Year of Manufacture: 1998-2005
Caliber: 9.3x74mmR
Action Type: Boxlock, Side by Side, Dual Trigger, Double Rifle with Ejectors
Markings: The top of the barrel’s quarter rib is marked “EXPRESS CHAPUIS – FRANCE”. The barrel flats are marked with the serial number “45821”, “Y” and a French proof, the bottom of each barrel has a French proof. The left of the barrel lug is marked “D L N / Howard / Lake, MN”, the bottom of the lug is marked “Y”, “G” and “9.3x74R”. The top of the forend iron is marked with a Chapuis Armes logo and “Cal: 9.3×74 R / No 45821”, the bottom is marked “CHAPUIS ARMSE / “PROGRESS””. The water table is marked “45821”. The receiver has engraved and chisel-chased floral engraving with game scenes on the sides and bottom. The engraving motif continues on the exposed portions of the forend iron, the guard, and the lever.
Barrel Length: 23 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade adjustable for elevation in a ramped base fixed to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the quarter-rib at the rear of the barrel rib. There is a luminescent fiber optic insert in the front of the rear sight with three slots to each side and under the notch for use as an aiming reference. The rib has Chapuis bases and rings holding a Leupold Vari-X II 1.5-5x scope with duplex reticle. The scope has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and general handling wear with clear glass, in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered AAA fancy walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, checkered wood buttplate, and a sling swivel in the belly (the other is mounted to the bottom of the barrel rib). The stocks have a few scattered minor nicks and light handling marks with some light sling-wear in the belly. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 7/8″ and 13 7/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The cast is about neutral. The plate has a few light nicks around the edges with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrels have a few scattered minor marks forward of the forend. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The barrels lock up with no play. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described, a Chapuis Armes catalog, a Chapuis plastic case, and an assortment of factory paperwork including proof document and two serial-matching test-targets.
Our Assessment: Wow, just wow! This is a gorgeous 9.3x74R double rifle made by Chapuis Armes, a French firearms maker based in St-Bonnet-le-Château. Chapuis has been making fine sporting guns since the early 1900s and has cemented a reputation for the quality and beauty of their products. This example is no exception, their UGEX double rifle which is modestly named the “Utility Grade Express” despite the obvious craftsmanship and artistry which went into its construction. The rifle is in Excellent condition with great bores, strong mechanics, and little sign of use. Chambered for 9.3x74mm Rimmed, it is suitable for some of the largest game and would be quite at home on safari. This rifle is ready to take some game and will take a prized place in any collection. You would be hard pressed to find another piece which so beautifully combines beauty and power as this Chapuis Armes double rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!