Hop,

The double was not invented for DG, as the first ones were muzzle loaders. Then, as now, they afford the hunter a fast pointing rifle with a very quick follow up shot. Apart from the weight, they make fine hunting rifles is appropriatly chambered. BlackBearHunter has a sweet 30-06 merkel, that IMHO, makes an exellent deer/elk rifle. I have the same thing in .375 H&H that I take deer hunting. I know you have a scooped .500 NE, try down loading with a 440 woodleigh, you will be suprised how fun it is.