Reputation is not substitute for quality control.

Since 1985 I have been in a situation that involves handling and often dismantling good shotguns, among them many London bests, on a daily basis. There is also a lot of contact with the craftsmen that build them and repair them. Familiarity dispels magic.

I have seen popped ribs on all kinds of guns, which is why I detest ribs and admire Martin's Ribless doubles. By the way Martin Ribless were in fact built for Martin by the Brown brothers, and ironically their shotguns are more highly valued by collectors than Martin guns. Which kind of shows that price is not the best guide in judging quality!