xyzzycoder
Welcome to the Forum.
Since you live in AK, and you are not buying this double primarly for an African trip, I highly recommend for your "first" double you get one in 9,3x74R. I have a Chapuis
and really like it. They come in different grades to fit your price range. You can also get an extra set of 20 ga bbls for it. I wish I had them for mine. I have 2 scopes in rings for my Chapuis. The pivot mount holds zero perfectly.
I have been hunting with mine for several years. I have hunted with it in TX, Montana, Idaho and Zimbabwe.
I have taken skunks, armadillo, turkey, bobcat, coyote, deer, wild pigs, black bear, impala [10 or 11], civet cat, jackel, kudu, waterbuck, klipspringer, and baboon.
With the scope I have taken game over 300 yards [kudu] and a coyote at 271.
I also have 2 British Big Bore doubles a 450 No2 and a 450/400 3 1/4". I have used the 400 in AK to take 2 caribou, and on a Griz bear hunt [no shots fired].

A 9,3x74R double would be great for the hunting you do in AK. While you are using it you can "study up" on which big bore you want.