Mick,

I can at least comment on steel, having grown up in "The Steel City", USA.

Modern steel is hellaciously stronger. Pre 1960 steel had impurities that tested its resolve. No fault of the older makers, they dealt with the steel of the day. It is softer, and tends to warp over time.

That is a huge compliment to the old English makers. They must have thrown a ton of barrels away that could not take the pressure.

Modern steel turns what was once an art of the double to a science.

The biggest complaint I have today is that almost none of the current rifle makers will deviate from a prescribed load. They void any warranty or guaranty.

Those makers are, in my estimation, not to be trusted. If you are building a double today, you better damn well keep up with modern powders. And bullets.

I do not like the Blaser, but I love ther floating barrel design. You regulate your own loads just like any other rifle you handload.

The makers today need to accept the new sear degigns that are an improvement and the floating barrel design. If they get with the program, we will have tremendous doubles.

I read something before about double evolution versus old school. Adopt the Ialain sear, the Blaser float, and stainless or newer and stronger steel, and doubles will rule the world.

If the old way was the right way, we would still be fighting major battles with muskets, and artillery and air support would be unheard of.

There is always room for improvement.

My biggest complaint? The people who make these new and improved rifles will not stand behind their product if you hand load. That is absolute BS.

If you make a rifle you are proud of, stand behind it! Period,, end of story.