"Whilst I agree the majority of your post, I don't think the DRA was a 'step above' - more like the 'top step' shared with some London makers. Certainly not lower, but not (in my opinion) higher either."
What distinguishes the Dickson Round Action is not the level of craftsmanship (which is top drawer), but the genius of the design. This was developed by John Dickson about the time Purdey, et. al. were developing hammerless guns. In my book, this brilliant design places John Dickson the man well above other gun makers of the era.
I think there are other clever designs - notably Anson & Deeley and Frederick Beesley (the Beesley (Purdey) self opening action).
I don't wish to suggest John Dickson was any less a great man, but I do think these (and others) were probably equally great. Just a personal view.
