Dave,

You aren't considering the availability of Merkel 323E's on the used market.

Here's an absolute screaming deal on a scoped .375 H&H that's been out there for a good while:

Merkel 323E at Hallowell's

It's a sin to be able to buy that quality at such a cheap discount.

The last time GSI imported a 323E was several years ago. It wasn't nearly as nice as this one or mine, and it sold for ~$30k without a scope. The old GDR Merkels are far superior than the current ones. Under communism there was no need to turn a profit.

Curl