That is what I was getting at. Although my contenental doubles are and were all small bores and the barrels didn't seem to get that hot. It is nice to be able to open your left hand to allow the wood to rest in your palm to cool the fingers.

To me, though, the English style splinter is another example of how the British just have a knack for making rifles look "right". Just as they have done with singles and bolt guns since their inception.