Lee,

I have a Merkel .375 H&H that I shot well over 500 Barnes TSX rounds through. That's right the dreaded high pressure cartridge with monolithic bullets. It is still very tight.

Here is the simple truth. Gun dealers have contracts with importers to move a certain amount of iron, or the get dropped. The dealer (salesman) does not give a shit about you, only the sale. Ask him what he owns. It's doubtfully he has a gun worth more than $1000. These guys can never dream of owning a gun worth $10,000. They probably have never seen one. Do your research, and listen to the men (and Ann) on this site who have the most experience you will find anywhere.

Here is my advice:

http://www.stevebarnettfineguns.com/frm_inventory1.htm

He has a nice Merkel 9,3x74R for $5495.00 and many fellows here will attest to the effectiveness of the cartridge on DG.

Blair