Verney-Carron Azur Safari PH
Verney-Carron SA · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: V-C Azur Safari PH, Verney-Carron Azur Safari
Overview
The Verney-Carron Azur Safari PH is a French-made side-by-side break-action double rifle built for African dangerous-game hunting and chambered here in the immense .600 Nitro Express. Built on Verney-Carron's boxlock ejector action with the maker's distinctive triple-underlug lockup, it pairs 24-inch barrels regulated to a single point of aim with double triggers, a quarter-rib carrying an express rear sight and fold-up night sight, and a bolstered frame to absorb the cartridge's recoil. At roughly 6.7 kg it is deliberately heavy to tame the .600 NE, the largest of the classic Nitro Express big-bore cartridges.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6747 g (238.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1029 mm (40.51") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 564 m/s (1850 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 9274 J (6840 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .600 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .600 NE
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Boxlock Action, Selective Ejectors, Double Triggers, Articulated Front Trigger, Quarter Rib, Express Rear Sight, Fold Up Night Sight, Ramp Front Sight, Bolstered Frame, Beavertail Forend, Cheekpiece, Recoil Pad, Engraving
Production
Hand-built to order at Verney-Carron's Saint-Etienne workshop; .600 Nitro Express examples are made in very small numbers.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Notes
The Azur Safari is offered across the full range of dangerous-game chamberings (from .375 up through .600 Nitro Express); the PH designation denotes the professional-hunter grade of the model. Specifications reflect the .600 Nitro Express configuration; weight and dimensions vary with chambering and options.
Background
The .600 Nitro Express was long considered the ultimate stopping rifle of the African ivory-hunting era, and a modern double regulated for it remains a specialist tool carried mainly by professional hunters as a backup against elephant and buffalo.