Yes, I agree their shotguns are buit like the proverbial brick sh#thouse so they know how to make tough actions. The reason for the plastic (let's call it that until positive ID of the material used) rib is so that the barrel(s) can be moved by the adjustment screw to allow variable settings fo rdifferent loads.

This is in itself an innovation for double rifles so I do not criticise them for this alone, but it does lower the overall wieght of the outfit and affects the balance of the gun. I am sure that future production models will be far superior to this first effort after feedback from customers. I also hope that the detractors aren't too severe because if this leap into tthe doube rifle world is not a financial success it will deter Baikal (and others) from further production.

I will buy a 45/70 when they become available even on my criticisims stated above, as I will fit proper express sights and a sufficient recoil pad which should counter my main initial problems. Now if there are actual problems with the action etc. this is a bridge we'll have to cross when we come to it.

All in all I applaud Baikal for their foray into the double gun market and I hope that they are successful.

Michael.