I heartily agree with hoppdoc on this. The Merkel .500 is an excellent gun and probably delivers more value per dollar than anything available today. If you find one on the used market you will suffer no depreciation other than wear and tear on the rifle. Another thing to consider: A vintage Brit DR will lose a lot of value taking the beating it is likely to receive on a safari.

In the end, look around, handle as many DR's as you can, and make your mind up. If you were here in VA I would gladly let you shoot my Merkel .500NE.

Curl