I am certain that I would not regret buying a double from a shooting standpoint, even a beat to death, no bore left in it double. My reason for a double will always be from a shooter's standpoint first and foremost, but secondly with an investment standpoint in mind. I would love to have something to pass to any future children I might have as a family heirloom as well.

Given that the latest trend seems to be all things double related and all things big bore Express cartridge related, yes, I can see your reason for stating to jump on it now, but (I hope), the prediction that they will continue to increase at the rate they have in the last ten years or so will not be the case. My prediction is that they will eventually level off in price in a few years, and slowly and steadily continue to rise, before another major price spike. It is a gamble to take, but I am willing to wager that it will pay off in the long run by leaving me open to the oppertunity to get an English gun instead of just settling for a German or Belgian now. (Note that there was a .450/.400 NE by some Belgian maker that I was very seriously considering purchase of for about $3,000 that did not last long a few weeks ago. I have nothing against the European rifles, I am just holding out for a British.)

If I personally had $40,000 to dump into a rifle this instant, at my personal level of knowledge, I would refrain as well. I am not proficent enough in the subject to spend the funds and know 100% for sure if I am making the right choice in buying. I know what I like in various grades of rifle, from a Purdey best on down to a Webley action'd Army & Navy boxlock for shooting, but I am unaware of all the little intricacies associated with looking the rifle over right before the opening of the wallet. Therein is where this board and the informative responses by the members to most of my own stupid (or maybe ignorant is a better word) questions has paid off dearly, along with having a friend that has owned dozens of doubles and allows me to look his collection over and study and shoot the rifles. I will probably only ever own one double, and I want the said rifle to be a wise choice that I will not regret.

Sorry if I led the welcome off course any. I am just speaking for myself, and would not nessecarily want anyone else to be swayed any by my opinion; everyone's needs are different than the next guy, and what is best for me might not be for him. That is just my two cents worth.