I don't consider the 'best gun' a maker makes as necessarily a 'Best Gun'.

There is much more work internally than externally, if you deduct the time for engraving in a 'Best Gun". They are as close to perfect as a gun or rifle can be and not every, nor most, gunmakers are capable of doing it.

You are exactly correct, there is much more work internally which is why the "English Best Guns" are damanding premium prices. In todays world many of the "new" doubles are produced using CNC machines with the final process done by hand. This compares to the days of old when, per Paul Roberts, the old English Best guns took 800 to 900 hours of manual labor by skilled craftsman to produce that type of quality in a double.

There is no way in terms of todays dollars, the average individual looking for a double could afford what it would cost to produce a weapon like that. Which is why Merkel, Krieghoff, Searcy, etc are able to sell their guns for the prices they do. I am not saying these guns are inferior or bad in any way, just saying they are not made almost exclusivly by hand like they were in the early 1900's.

Anyone who has handled a "Best" gun can certainly attest to the difference in feel. They seem to point by themselves, vitually having a will of their own..

Ripp