What rifle would you recommend as a 'NEW' Double for a first time buyer? Pretend that the buyer knows nothing about and has never shot a sxs. Let's stick with the under $16,000.00 rifles and stick to brand new rifles.

What caliber?

I would recommend a 9.3x74R or a .470 (or .450, .416. 400 if they reload). A .375 flanged would also be nice but rarer.

Why? Most double rifle aspirants associate the double rifle with romance of dangerous game hunting in Africa or elsewhere. Big is better in these circumstances if they can cope with recoil.

The 9.3mm on the other hand really is quite a mild cartridge. A friend who does not like recoil tried mine out and was very happy. He said, I may now be able to buy a double rifle I can shoot.

It also is very versatile. It can be used to take larger game if necessar, but really shines where non-dangerous game double rifle hunting shines, running medium game in thick cover or forests. Such as the driven game drives of Europe. Moose hunting in Scandanavia. Boar hunts in Spain etc. Its growing popularity has been achieved by actual results.

I think a 7x65R makes a nice smaller medium bore DR too.

Scope or not?

In a DR up to .416, sure why not. As long it is in good QD mounts. A scope extends the shooting range of a DR extensively. Using open sights on my .450 I must limit my shots to closer range.

Stainless Steel or not?

No opinion.

Cocking Safety or not?

If the brand or make has one, I think if the shooter is used to it, it makes the DR far safer to carry in the field loaded. I am always extra careful with my DR when in the field because there are rounds IN the CHAMBER only protected by a convential safety. In a bolt action rounds can be 100% safe in a magazine and chambered quickly when necessary. In a DR unloaded chambers is an unloaded rifle. A good decocked DR is far safer.

JMO's.