Don't know enough about Searcy's to know but plenty of AR rave about them so they must be good. He makes some superb stuff.

The gun you were looking at, the Wood to metal fit, it's because of the style of raised wood close to the metal
which creates a shadow in the photos.

Some gunmakers like it that way, I prefer slightly raised like the English do it but not that much.

I would have a look and get hold of a Heym and hold one.
There is another make I can't think of ATM.

Re English guns and what to look for, ask like you did here, it's the only way to learn unless you have someone on tap to provide advice.

Also, are you only after a 470 or not sure ?