Dave, This is how I see it. As an example I'll use the Fox Sterlingworth. You can find decent shootable guns for around $1000. It may not have case colors and the blue may be a little worn but it's shooting qualities and the quality of the gun are still there. I bought one that was completely restored (expertly done) for $1150 a few years ago. It is a beauty but a collector wouldn't touch it. My reasoning for buying it was that if someone where to try and build a Sterlingworth today it would cost much much more than what I paid. I can not buy even a foreign double new with the built in quality of that Fox. Sure there is also alot of beet and worn crap available but there are many good serviceable guns to be found that are used. This is true with the other American doubles also. A $1000 can get you some quality used Belgian or guild guns. They may not have the name but they are good guns never the less. You can find and compare many on the web sites. Guns are mechanical instruments that can break down. Used more likely to but new can also.
