Gents,

Thanks for the replys. I have seen several doubles for sale on the web, several from retailers who seem quite respectable. I don't know if discussing retailers is allowed on here (appologies if it isn't) but www.drake.net have some wonderful looking doubles (my desktop picture is a stunning .577 NE they currently have...Mmmmmm), as do Westley Richards. Westleys have a rather nice looking box-lock in .300 Sherwood at what appears to be a very nice price. That is a very tempting rifle given that it can be possessed without any certificate formalities here due to the chambering and age. Any recomendations on reliable dealers would be appreciated.

I would certainly prefer something in one of the British rounds and I'm not bothered at all by obscurity or rarity, as long as brass can be got from somewhere or made from something else. Jacketed bullets, if the worst comes to the worst, can be swaged. I've always quite liked the .400/350 Rigby round as it is powerful without being stupid and uses .358 bullets. As long as the rifle is sound though any chambering will do.

With reference to the things mentioned, such as loose lockup. I don't mind having to get work done as long as I can negotiate a price that reflects condition. Would a problem like that generally indicate that one's bank balance is about to take a serious hit? I have also been told of occasional problems with actions being fiddled with causing firing pins to fall forward and jam the action closed on fired cases - is this a common problem to be on the lookout for?

Phil- I would appreciate details of those rifles you mentioned if you wouldn't mind.

Cheers,

J.