Don't get me wrong, finest piece it was. Second to none. The stock shaping/finish, barrel "blueprinting" and fit leaves Merkel in the dust. Instead of puting my $ into another dust collector I invested spare 20K into diversified portfolio, and am much ahead of the game now.
What would I have today if I bought that gun? A 16k shotgun, and next year would be much the same.
Good 'ole Hank is a good choice for top gun with < top price tag. Hank along with Beesley, and Boss were the best CRAFTSMEN at PurdeyHOF. Why one can almost "hear" Col. Hawker talking to Joe Manton when you shoulder that thing. I mean, can you hear the ghost whispers?
Good 'ole Atkin, I recommend one w/o reservations.
