I've a slight bone to pick.
"--- wonderful weignt, balance, and handling!" Uummmmmm! That is like saying whichever maker you favor has wonderful stock dimensions. Wonderful for who? Since many "best work" guns are bespoke, we should assume that the stock dimensions and handling dimensions suited the the bespeaker. We should also assume that the "best work" gunmaker satisfied himself that the bespeaker was properly advised as to his specifications. That is to say, the bespeaker will have a gun which suits him/her personally for the purpose communicated to the maker. If this is not so, then the maker did not do due dilligence.
For purchasers of preowned/used or off-the-peg best guns, you have to assure yourself that the gun has stock dimensions and handling dimension that fit/suit you or can be successfully modified to do so.
Handling dimensions are no more unique to any maker than are stock dimensions. Was that Purdey you are dreaming of a light game or a game weight gun? Could it have been a heavy game, light pigeon, pigeon, or a light fowling gun? Or were you thinking of a big 'ole fowler? Purdey has made/makes 'em all and their handling dimensions are different. Ergo, one can't say, "Purdeys handle thus and so."
Thus endeth the rant.
