Heym 88B
HEYM Waffenfabrik GmbH · Rifle · In Production · 1985
Also known as: Heym Model 88B, Heym 88B Safari, Heym 88B PH
Overview
The Heym 88B is a side-by-side boxlock double rifle built for dangerous-game hunting. Hand-crafted in Germany with hammer-forged Krupp-steel barrels, an Anson & Deeley boxlock action featuring a Purdey double underbite with Greener crossbolt triple lockup, automatic ejectors and articulated front triggers, it has served as HEYM's flagship dangerous-game rifle for over 35 years. Each rifle is individually regulated to shoot both barrels into a tight group at 50 metres and is offered in heavy Nitro Express chamberings including the .470 NE.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4850 g (171.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4980 g (175.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 640 m/s (2100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6636 J (4894 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .470 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .470 NE
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Automatic Ejectors, Articulated Front Trigger, Triple Lockup, Express Sights, Hand Engraved
Production
Production years: 1985-2018 (boxlock)
Each rifle is bespoke and hand-fitted to the customer's specifications; no mass-production figures published.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Available across a wide range of dangerous-game calibers from .375 H&H up to .500 and .577 NE. HEYM ceased boxlock production for the 88B at the end of 2018, after which the sidelock 89B became the primary dangerous-game double.
Background
The 88B is a fixture of African safari hunting, prized by professional hunters for its reliability against dangerous game where a fast second shot from the two independent locks can be a matter of survival.