I don't know how you're built but the Belgian has a short stock with a fair amount of drop, the Sauer sidelock has a very loose lockup(I've examined this gun) and will need to be reworked by a competent gunsmith but is very attractively priced for a sidelock. Thad Scott does have some buys and I like to buy from him but be sure to ask lots of questions. Plan on doing some kind of work or small restoration on his bargain guns. You can always return what you don't like but shipping and receiving fees can eat into your budget quickly. My personal recommendation is the Sauer/Merkel/Simson extractor boxlocks in the $700/$900 range. Well engineered, built to modern dimensions and very reliable. Nice guns for the money and many to choose from as there are lots of guys from the U.S. cleaning out Europe's closets these days. Good luck on your quest.
