Curl- When I started this thread I expected some passionate responses. But very few really gave any factual info ...so I came to the conclusion it really is mostly a personal preference thing. I was not "adamant" about Beavertails just trying to get some real facts ....I thought adamant was typing "splinter" 67 times. I have the Maharaja of Alwar's Westley Richards 375H&H and I think it is the most beautiful Double rifle I have ever held and it has a SPLINTER forend !!!