Verney-Carron Azur Safari
Verney-Carron SA · Rifle · In Production · 2005
Also known as: L'Atelier Verney-Carron Azur Safari, Azur Safari, Verney-Carron Demas Azur Safari
Overview
The Verney-Carron Azur Safari is a French side-by-side break-action double rifle built for dangerous-game hunting by L'Atelier Verney-Carron in Saint-Etienne. Chambered for classic African big-bore cartridges including .470 Nitro Express, it uses a coin-finished round-body boxlock action with automatic ejectors, double triggers, bushed strikers and a three-bearing-point hinge pin. The mono-bloc barrels are hand-regulated to place both shots together at typical dangerous-game distances, and the rifle carries express sights on a high-grade select walnut stock with a rounded cheekpiece.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| 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 | 6635 J (4894 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Coin |
Calibers
- .470 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .470 NE
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bushed Strikers
- Features: Boxlock Action, Round Body Action, Automatic Ejectors, Double Trigger, Express Sights, Regulated Barrels, Three Bearing Hinge Pin, Hand Engraving, Pistol Grip Stock
Variants
- Verney-Carron Azur Safari PH - Professional Hunter Grade
- Verney-Carron Azur Safari Luxe - Deluxe Grade
Production
Production years: 2005-present
Bespoke big-bore double rifle built in limited numbers by the L'Atelier (custom shop) division of Verney-Carron; each pair of barrels individually regulated.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Verney-Carron
Notes
The Azur Safari is offered across a range of Nitro Express chamberings from .450/400 NE up to .600 NE; weight and dimensions vary considerably by calibre. Figures listed reflect a .470 Nitro Express configuration. Barrel lengths are typically 23.5 to 24 inches. Higher grades (PH, Luxe) add finer engraving and upgraded walnut.
Background
Verney-Carron, founded in 1820, is among the oldest and largest French sporting-arms makers, based in the historic gunmaking city of Saint-Etienne. Its L'Atelier custom shop revived the tradition of the London-style African double with the Azur Safari, a round-body boxlock designed for professional hunters facing Cape buffalo and elephant, where the reliability of two independent locks and a fast second barrel is prized above magazine capacity.