Why any EU double gun maker would go bust? In addition to the reasons mentioned above there is the ascendancy of the autoloader in Europe.
Over 60 per cent of respondents in an EU survey favored self loaders mentioning instant repairability, owner servicing as reasons. Now with almost universal offering of choke tubes and stock shims the auto is arguably more popular and more "bespoke" than the stock double. It can be made to fit the owner in minutes at zero cost. It costs less to buy than a stock double and much less to repair. Gunsmithing is not cheap (nor fast) in Europe and barring some UK shoots the autoloader is acceptable in most types of EU hunting.
Let me say I totally agree with your assessment. However; These are a lot of shotgun owners what still find a largely hand made double gun far more attractive that a mostly mass produced pump or semi example.
It's like comparing apples to oranges or a Ferrari to a Ford sedan. These are both vehicles and If I had to pick one to drive across the country with minimal problems it would be the Ford every time. Now driving across for sheer pleasure would be a different matter entirely!
I know most here well understand this but I'm going to repeat it anyway. Because of the inherent nature of double guns the technology still doesn't exist today to craft one mechanically. It still take the skills of multiple craftsman to accomplish this task. When I pick up one of mine the fact that it started out as raw steel and wood and was turned into what I'm holding thru the manual efforts of several individuals primarily using hand tools and their own practiced eye I'm still in awe.
I expect we may be the last generation to be able to afford this type of luxury in a world that is rapidly evolving away from craftsmanship.
Jim
