I agree the makers are missing a great opportunity, by not chambering their double rifles for the 450/400NE 3", with at least 24" barrels, and perferably 26" barrels. The problem of the .408, and .411 bullet dia, is avoided by simply makeing them all in .411. The older rifles are, as always, an "order what you need" proposition to shoot them anyway. However, if someone accidently got a .408 in a 411 barrel no harm is done, other than a wasted bullet. Both diameters are reddily available, but the .411 is more available today, with the come back of the .405 Winchester, which uses a .411 bullet, componants will be easy!

If I could have only one double rifle, it would be a 450/400NE 3" , with QD scope mounts, in about a 9 lb rifle! Merkel should have chambered this round in the SAFARI rifles instead of the 416 Rigby, and 375 H&H belted, along with the 470NE, and the 500NE!