400NE,

I thoroughly agree with the statement you made just after my last post. The fact is, Searcy has improved his product dramatically over the past 15 to 20 years.

And certainly the world is a better place, and we are all enriched somewhat by his effort. To my knowledge he is the only maker of DR's in the Americas (aside from an occasional special project by Tony Galazan).

The point you made about effort to improve on a design that was perfected by the Brits is a point everyone should read carefully and take to heart. It is just that concept that separates me from my friends who tout Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithica, and Winchester shotguns. My thought in that context is, "At a time when the quintessential design had been placed before the world for all to see, why did those makers take it upon themselves to re-invent the wheel, and do a poor job of it?"

If I am not mistaken, and correct me if I am wrong, Tony Galazan's just announced "RBL" shotgun will be the first general production A&D shotgun to be produced in the Americas. Bravo! After more than a century America has come to recognise a great design.

As I understand, Searcy employs the A&D design, for which he ought to be commended, but as you say, his lines and style are atrocious. Now granted, he can't afford to have an actioner spend 50 to 100 hours filing the contours of his actions. But the Brits didn't have CNC. On proper machinery he can spit out an action so close to finished that it requires very little handwork. Why doesn't he do it?

Likewise, the stock. The Brits didn't have pantographs, to my knowledge. A computer controlled machine can spit out a stock with proper lines, ready for final fit and finish. So why the funky lines?

I'm not here to piss anybody off, and I generally hold my tongue when the Searcy choir is performing. But there is another side to all the gratuitous accolades.

500Nitro,

You said you thought we had reached a point of disagreement. Not so. I carefully read your post and find nothing in it I would take issue with.

And finally, from inside my glass house let me say that yes, I do have some ugly DR's and I do have some I consider "beaters" or "trash guns." I do hold those to a lower standard than a best Brit rifle, and own them for different reasons and purposes. But at the end of the day, given the choice between a Searcy and a current production Merkel 140-2, I'll take the Merkel. I think it is a better gun, and it is several thousand dollars less, to boot.

Others will differ. I am not trying to impose my thoughts and opinion on anybody. Just stating what's on my mind. We are all blessed to be fascinated by double rifles, no matter who the maker may be.

Best,
Curl