Here's the opinion of a man that has owned 3 chapuis. They are what they are - just like the Searcy - they are a less-than-10K double. Period. Neither is an H&H "royal", a between-the-wars Rigby, nor will the ever be.

The problem with the Chapuis today (as well as all european guns) is the exchange rate and the detour its taken in the past 3-years. When I bought my first Chapuis, in 2002, the euro was trading at .85:1.00 US dollar. They were a good buy then, and personally, I haven't paid much more than $7K for one yet (all bought new & built to fit.)

HOWEVER, given the current exchange rate 1.35:1.00, they are not as attractive as they were b/c they are tipping the scales at $11-12K for a new .470. (Again, I paid @ $7K for mine 3-years ago, and from my perspective ((selfishly

)) at at the 12K price tag, that's obviously about $5K too much.)

If I had to write a check for a new one today, I'd have to go with the Searcy - not b/c I believe it's a better gun, (Again, they are comparable and both will lend you a life-time of service.) but rather based largely on the price.

Are they two different guns? Yes. Besides two barrels and two triggers, little is similar between them.

Now if the euro ever gets back to 1:1 (or there abouts) and the dealers actually lower their prices, the Chapuis will indeed be "attractive" again.

As for "problems" with them... well, chapuis is the largest maker of DRs on the planet, so i would suspect that proportionally speaking, you would hear more about any problems had with them, b/c there are more of them out there. All guns are man-made, and all have had problems.

But, they are well built, stay together, fit & finish are commensurate with the price and they - most importantly - shoot very well.

I've posted several groups here in the past, and as soon as my digital camera is back up and running, i'll post an 8-shot group (shot last saturday) for you that any double rifle maker would be proud to say came from one of their guns.

PS - They Heym (again, a different gun) is better than both of them (searcy & chapuis) for balance, feel, fit & finish.