Just for fun, let's turn this into a poll. Bailey's comment has spurred my curiosity. The purpose of this poll is to determine the differential preference for hammer vs. hammerless rifles.

The first two rifles are very similar except for one being a hammer gun.

Similarities:
* They are by the same maker, Alexander Henry.
* They are made to the same high standard.
* They both have Jones type actions.
* They both have damascus barrels, Henry rifled, with near perfect bores.
* They both are .450 3 1/4" BPE.
* They both have lever forend latches.
* They both have georgeous wood.
* They both have heel and toe plates on each side of a checkered butt.
* They were made about the same time.
* They both remain in excellent condition with their original finishes.

Obviously, one has external hammers and the other is a "new-fangled" hammerless rifle.

Here's the poll question:

If you were offered the privilege of selecting one of these rifles, taking it home to be your very own - not to be sold, but to be kept by you - which would you walk away with?

In other words, would you take the hammer double rifle or the hammerless double rifle? Would you take the one with ears or the one without ears?

For the purpose of this poll you must disregard the .577 BPE (the "fat" one).

Let me assure you it would be a hard decision. I cannot just now say what I would do. I'm very fortunate to have them both.

Curl