All,

Getting back to what would be the "Best" double rifle:

My vote is a tie:

Overall "BEST" Classic:

Holland and Holland "Royal", or Rigby sidelock (with the 3rd rising bite) MUST be from between the wars especially if they are chambered in either 470, or, .577 NE. These are the best I've seen and are bringing the most money these days. These are literally works of art and were made at a level of fit, finish and consistency that no other makers have ever been able to duplicate on a fairly large scale.

Honorable mentions: LeBeau Courally, Purdey

Overall "BEST" for modern guns:

1) David MaKay Brown
2) Hartmann & Weiss

Honorable mention: Westley Richards

Rare, exquisite, accurate, beat the big names for fit, finish, accuracy nowadays.

Best in "Shooter class: (great guns that are excellent values for the $$:

1) Searcy Boxlock: PH and Deluxe models
2) Krieghoff boxlocks

Honorable mention: Chaupis and Merkel

These are excellent guns at very reasonable prices and have rock-solid reputations.

Of course there are a ton of other brands out there - lots of great ones. My choices are based largely on personal experiences / opinions of those that I know that deal / hunt with these guns.

Debate welcomed and encouraged.

Jeff

Edited by NitroX: post shifted to correct thread