NFrame,

One year ago I was in your shoes, I was considering the pedersoli for the same reaons, $$$$$. The pedersoli is a fine gun, but if you really want a "real" double - find the funds. You won't regret it. If you shop around, you can find a 9x73r merkel or chapuis for about $5000. A .375 or larger will cost a little more. A 30/06 double would be super fun if you don't want to shoot DG. Personally I'd stay away from the over/unders. Now back to the Pedersoli, if that is all you can afford and don't care if it isn't super accurate - Go for it! I've seen them in person and am pleased with there quality. In 45/70 it would make a fun little coach gun for cowboy action. From what I've heard, it is modeled off a winchester. But my final word is: try, try, try to get your hands on a standard boxlock side by side.