I don't think that 'best gun' necessarily really means 'best gun.' Chopper lumps, side locks, ???? My 476 Droplock WR is, IMHO and that of many others a 'best gun.' How can it be if it is not a sidelock? How can any Italian gun, no matter what it has or at what level it is built, be a 'best gun' which, by some definitions I have seen, must be made in Great Britain to qualify.

To me, a 'best gun' is any gun built to standards of fit, finish, quality of craftsmanship, and (in most intances, engraving) that are the equal of any other top of the line DR in current production. By that definition, a Baikal would not as it may be the best they do, but not as good as a 'best' from H&H or, for example, a custom Italian builder who turns out a DR with the same level of those qualities I mentioned above, SXS, O/U or Round Action. (Technically, is a Dickson or McNaughton a 'best?' I'd say so but not by some strict criteria.)

By the way, to go back to the beginning of this thread I own a Victor Sarasquetta in a 375 H&H. I paid a very modest price, and feel it is a superbly done and very handsome gun. Do I call it an H&H level best? Hell no. Is it a steal compared to one of those. Hell yes. If one comes up for sale would I turn my nose up at one? No. Dave