The new Purdeys and H&H's I have seen are two pounds heavier than the equal in a Searcy (470). I once had an 8 pound 458 which fit me well and was a pussy to shoot. The 470 is quite equal in energy and I would prefer one of that weight. In the mean time, I'll accept the 9 1/2 pounds I currently have. Anyone who needs a 12 pound 470 or 500 is simply a sissy.

Yes, the Mod 21 is butt-ugly and handles like a sow Superglued to a snow shovel. Of course, it is a copy of a Brit shotgun.

American shotguns were, for the most part, hell bent for stout. That is because it was not the Colt or Winchester which won the West, but the shotgun. They were used for upland game, waterfowl (very few punt guns in the American West), deer with slugs or shot, and Indians and neer do wells. The 10 Ga was usually the gauge of choice. One delicate lil lady home alone found only a door between her and the most famous Californian bandito of the time (some Mexican guy). So she shot both barrels through the door and killed the bad guy AND his horse and was reloading to get the rest of the gang as they hit the leather and got out of there. Colt shotgun if I heard right. Brit authorities would probably arrest her now (if they survived). Later LCS & Fox & Parker, etc came out with game guns like the Brits. The Lefever had a great design with a screw to automatically tighten the action (Brit gunsmith's disliked this as they lost gunsmithing money). The LC had the greatest and simplest design to keep guns from getting loose. Anyone ever seen ANY loose LC?

That petite lil English cheekpiece belongs only on a pimp's gun. It is simply butt-ugly.

As for Butch making the only DR in the US, there is also "Rigby" and the Hoenig TRUE Round Action. I think the Searcy has nice lines and handling. It has the "clam shell" strengthener which allows a lighter gun. The engraving was not to my liking but with a minor upgrade, it is fine.

The Chapuis is French. Let us not try to expect much of it. The French copy no one and no one copies the French.

Purdey uses a Hoenig machine for stocks. When someone wants a hand done job, it is often sent to Trevallion.

I'm no fun at dinners or around the campfire because I am not opinionated enough.

Perhaps someone can explain to me how the Germans can come up the odd and dangerous cocking devices on the Krieghoff and S-2. Did they hire French designers?