My Chapuis 9.2x74r has a semi-beavertail one and I actually like, and am unsure how I would shoot with a splinter. Even though I do prefere a spinter on a SxS shotgun. When I practice I shoot about 20 rounds in a session and in the summertime I don't feel like holding on to hot barrels (yes I do let it cool in between sets). I do agree that they do look a little out of place on "classic British" rifles, but since I'll never be able to afford one, I guess I don't think about it too much... On continental guns, I think they look alright.

A serious question I would have for splinter forend shooters is does holding on to the barrels affect accuracy at all? I'm not sure this would matter on older British big bores, since you're probably shooting at less than 100 yards, but what on more accurate doubles? My 9.2 does 1-1/2 to 2" 4 shot groups at 100 yards, so I would imagine holding on the barrels would have some effect? Or am I mistaken?

Thanks!