This is definatly a good performer in my opinion. More energy then either of the 450/400's and about the flattest shooting DGR for a DR around.

It is versitlie enough for plains game and components are easy to find. Recoil is stiffer then I would have thought. More in line with the 450's then the 400's.

I was mulling this same question over a few months ago. I decided to look around for an english boxlock in 450/400 3 or 3 1/4 first. If I can find a good one with a really long LOP in the next year I'll grab it. If not I'll probably order a searcy in 416/500.

The recoil from the 450/400 is very mild in comparison to the 416/500 and at open sight ranges it performs close enough that I don't think an animal could tell the difference.

Anyway that's my two cent's.