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I think a Searcy may just be in your price range for the larger calibre (?) and probably for the .500 and certainly in the .400.

There should be people in your area with one of some description to try and Kalifornica is too far away for the price tag. The safari shows in Jan/Feb would be a great place to see all sorts and handle them if you are a serious buyer.

Merkel and Krieghoff also make .500s and the .500/.416 while not as traditonal is near the .450/.400.

If it was me I would go for a .470 or a .400 (.416) as my first double rifle in a modern brand, but don't let that stop you if you hunger for a grand old .577 3"!