"500grains"

I think that companys like Krieghoff, Merkel & Chapuis would be wise to get their guns more "field" exposure.

Searcy on the other hand already has one of the better reputations among the PH crowd and thus, he's booked!

However, I see K-hoffs, Merkels and Chapuis for sale all over the place. Seems that they might be over-produced at this point in time. They might be wise to "sponsor" some outfitters and move more rifles.

Realize that we're talking 2 different types of production between Searcy (custom) and the others (production).

But, given the narrow scope of this market (no pun intended) and the highly discriminating clientele, Searcy has higher appeal than do the production guns - more of a "working-meat gun" reputation. And that has a lot to do with the way Butch approaches the marketplace; hands-on, user friendly, custom, reasonable$$ a legend in the making! The other companys lack "personality / character" because of their lack of direct contact with the end users.

When I chose my double it was that feel of authenticity that got my attention with Searcy. I already had a "period" .470 Rigby, but hunting with relics isn't always a wise thing to do, so I opted for a modern rifle as a primary weapon - for numerous reasons (one of which was PH testimonial) Searcy won out against the others!

They'd (the others) better get into the field!

JW's 02!