Is this an A. Hollis or an I. Hollis? The two are quite different. If it's an A. Hollis, I may be able to help you date it.

I know what you mean about the game scene engraving. I hate it. However, unless the engraving has been damaged beyond restoration, I would strongly recommend leaving it alone. The gun will be worth more the way it is.

As for sights, it probably already has a wide V rear. All that is needed up front is a .080" platinum bead. Stay away from gold or brass - they're hard to see in good light, let alone bad. Larger beads are a mistake as they are just too coarse for any precision past 50 yards.

Once you have it properly restocked to fit you, recoil shouldn't be a problem, as British built .500s are usually heavy enough for caliber. I would never consider a recoil reducer in a double rifle. They're pure murder on handling dynamics which is much of what makes a double worthwhile.
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