I have an affixiation with recoil; I can not get enough of it. I love rifles that handle like shotguns should; fast and dead on. Thus, the double rifle is the Holy Grail of firearms for me. It has all the properties that I want in a rifle, but the price tag that is currently out of my reach. I put myself on a ten-year program to chip away slowly at funds pot for a fine English rifle. I have studied every piece of media I've come across on the subject. I've stood in the Westley Richards gun room drooling. (The 9.3X74R Francotte Boxlock was the absolute perfection of fit to my relatively small build, and a goregous firearm.) I know far less about the subject of doubles than I would like to. I would appreciate any input that I might be able to recieve from the members on a few (probably simple and mundane) questions.

Based upon experiences owning and dealing with the big English makers (Purdey, H&H, WR, ect.), which is everyones personal favorite, and for what reasons? (What little I know, I've come to the conclusion that I would probably want a H&H, but seems to be that they aren't the best company as far as customer relations, say like Searcy...)

I know the sidelocks are more expensive to produce, and thus bring higher figures than the boxlocks, but other than the asthetics of the sideplates, is there any real advantage to going with a sidelock over a boxlock? (I tend to actually prefer a boxlocks looks, but when it comes to investing in a toy that I will undoubtedly only use to target shoot and gopher and rabbit hunt, would probably choose the sidelock, just due to the monetary value aspect for resale purposes.)

I know its a dreaded subject to bring up, especially on a hand built work of art, but have any of your rifles doubled, and if so, what was the cause, chambering, and how bad was the shoulder/collarbone injured?

The question I fear will cause the most debate/arguement and dread asking; What are your prefered chamberings, and why?