xyzzycoder

Firstly, can you update your profle with a State and Country.

1. I am not good on pricing in the US for this type of gun so
I'll leve it for others on this forum to comment. I tend to buy things
if I like them - within reason.

However IF it is a Sidelock Ejector in 375H&H then it sounds
good value to me.

I have a Sarasqueta (?Sp) Sidelock Ejector in 375H&H with a whole heap
of engraving on the plates.

Firstly - you need to check it is a SIDELOCK and not a Boxlock with
Side plates.

2ndly, check that it is tight and on the face - AND that it hasn't
been tightened - I don't mind guns that have been tightened properly
but I mean a gunshop tighten - look for any marks on the lumps
under the barrels.

Sarasqueta was a Spanish maker who made quite alot of Shotguns and
DR's. IMHO, he made some good guns but the occasional one that I would
not call "up to standard" - ie fit and finish were not that good.
They are NOT in the league of H&H, WR etc but good, middle of the road
using guns.

IMHO and this is subject to what others have to say on this forum,
AS A FIRST TIME BUYER I would probably steer you towrds a
Merkel or Chapuis in 9.3 x 74R - it will do everything the 375H&H
will do, it is a rimmed cartridge, more likely to be a newer gun.
Just a gut feel.

Hopefully Cpt Curl and others will chip in with some comments.

How does the gun "come up" and fit you when you throw it to the shoulder
as though snap shooting a Shotgun ?

Is the gun "balanced" for you - ie does it feel barrel heavy or butt heavy for you ?

Anyway, hope this helps. Fell free to post any more questions.

500 Nitro