Lovec,

I generally prefer SxS, and have a good many of them. I have one O/U DR - a Merkel 323E in .375 H&H Mag. I really haven't used it much.

I used to have a Valmet 512 in double .30/06. I used the hell out of it. It was accurate and handy. I replaced the single trigger with double triggers. It was a fine DR but just a shooter, not a collector gun.

People always talk about the wider gape of an O/U. I think that's largely a red herring. When I was using the Valmet I really didn't notice that it required slightly more angular motion to open it.

In sum, get what you want and what feels right for you. Your choice is not the last chance to get a DR. Try one of each. Buy and sell them. You will find out for yourself.

Best of luck,
Curl