First off, I'm being misunderstood. French guns didn't ever have a problem with soft steel. Their reputation suffers from peoples' misconception and complete lack of knowledge and experience surrounding French built guns combined with the seemingly inability of American gun writers to correct these misconceptions. But, unlike other countries and their gun makers, the French don't really care if you buy their gun or not, they're doing just fine without you.
The Spanish high end guns for the money are probably the best deal you can find for a new double even with the higher prices.
But, demand is down, so much so that a fine builder is gone because of this lack of demand.
