bulldog563

Firstly, spend a week searching this forum for posts over the 2 years
forums as most questions re Searcy have been covered 10 times.

You will also find comments about Krieghoff and other
from current owners.

Re 577 or 500 - I'd go 500 Nitro but that is a personal choice.

Re I live in Northern California and any shops that stock DR's
around here would be great to know about.

Look around www.gunshop.com and other web sites(see links
on the link forums on this forum) to view web sites.

Finally, all I can recommend is sepnd the money an go to gun
shows and handle as many old (ie English) and new (ie Searcy, Krieghoff,
Merkel, Chapuis etc) double rifles as you can.

And after working out what's good and what's not, buy the gun
that feels and handles for you - ie don't buy X make of gun because
it's $1000 cheaper - work out which you like, which fits you, which
"comes up" for you and then buy this one.

Hope this helps

500 Nitro