Mike,

I've heard of the Echols Classic, which I had mistakenly assumed was a Model 70, being priced at up to $20k, although I'm not certain what extra function you actually get for the extra several thousand dollars. The other thing here in the USA is that sales tax is added above the list price instead of being hidden in the list price like Australia's GST, so the sale price of a $15k rifle can easily go up to $16k or more in some states.

I am considering Searcy's bolt action as well, and when ordering the double rifle, will probably ask Mr. Searcy more questions about his bolt actions than about the double (my only real point of confusion on the double is whether to order a set of 12 ga barrels with it). The few Searcy bolt actions I've seen in photographs appear to be built exactly like what I have in mind if they're not excessively heavy for a .375.

Thank you,

Richard.