J,

Don't think for 1/100 of second would I turn down a 450NE or a .475NE. The 450NE has some very distinct advantages: 1) a very slim "big bore" double rifle can be made, 2) the great .458 bullet. What we are getting down to here is picking nits.

Having owned a .470NE, 450#2 and 500/450NE, the easiest to live with is the 500/450NE.

My 500/450NE is an old Hollis with too much character. It is a 1907 BA hammer Jones under lever that won't win a beauty contest but is the real deal. The chambers are "oversized" so the rounds simply drop in with out fuss. An asset in a dangerous situation. The down side, head separations if you use the case to often. Hey, in 1907 they were never meant to be reloaded.

Thanks for the conversation fellows. I love discussing the subtleties of the classic NE rifles and cartridges.

B.