I read somewhere (Zutz?) that pistol grips cause your back hand to be lower relative to the barrels. Since having your hands in the same plane promotes a better mount and more accurate pointing, it is good to pair a BTFE with a PG, as it cause the front hand to be closer to the same plane as the back hand.

I agree that there are a lot of unattractive BTFEs out there but a well executed semi-BTFE can be graceful and functional. Dennis Smith is stocking a 7.5 lb Brit boxlock for me with a semi-BTFE and a Woodward grip - seems like a perfect set up for clays and some waterfowl.

Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.