500Bo, first off glad you made it through that "tough patch" and are back on your feet again.

We've all been there.

I agree with poprivit and Kalunga to stay the hell away from a Blaser!!!

You can't go wrong with a Merkel, Verney-Carron or Heym (in order of price). Having owned several of all three, I feel that the V-C is by far the best "value". If you can wait a few months you can have the V-C made to your dimensions and specs. Ken Buch at KEBCO is the U.S. importer and all around good guy.

I see that you also live in Virginia. Come on down to the double rifle shoot we will be having at the Southern Side by Side Championship at Deep River on April 23, 24, 25 in Sanford, N.C. (about 20 miles south of Raleigh). It's a great informal fun shoot. KEBCO will be providing a V-C for people to shoot. We are working on which calibre. Hell, hopefully I'll have my bespoke V-C .500 by then. If so, you may try it along with one of my Heym's.