Let me get this straight...a 12 bore DR for $800 that needs $6000 of work vs. a .577 BPE for $3000 that needs $3000 of work? Is that right? If so, you haven't found a rifle yet. The purchase prices and the amount of work needed clearly indicate that both are wall hangers. Unlikely that either will be worth the investment when you're done.

Ben, I hate to say it, but you have somehow acquired a very unrealistic view of these rifles. Unless you just want to learn about BPE double rifles the expensive way, stop wasting your time with junk. They're no different from the vintage nitros. There are lots of used up old wall hangers out there, and then there are those that are actually worth paying money for. Nice BPEs, with no pitting, just aren't that hard to find. They're not my cup of tea, but a friend just bought a really nice Holland .500. No pits, excellent bores, accurate shooter. He had no trouble finding several nice ones to consider. They just aren't cheap anymore.

If you want one that bad, save your money and spend what it takes to get a good quality BPE in excellent condition.