You have one gun, Buzz? There was a point in my life where I had one gun, but,it was a Remington model 17. I was about 17. Then I bought a Darne 20 gauge R 15, and I had two guns.
Right after that, things went to hell, and I think I have, like, 22 guns, now.
I wouldnt need to borrow a gun, ever.
Surprised that you would.
Anyway, what makes those golden era English bests what they are isnt what drives high end Spanish makers, today. Customers, then, and now, drive some of what goes on with best guns, which, is why there are unfortunate, used examples of English best guns engraved with Eric Claptons likeness.
We compare the times of different eras, and attempt to measure the products of those eras, with the needs of a current era.
Tough work, indeed.

Best,
Ted