I am planning to commission a new (not used)"London best" side-by-side and had decided it should be a Watson Bros. Watson Bros. produces a beautiful round-body gun, and can come in a couple of ounces below Purdey, H&H, and Boss. However, in a posting on another on-line bulletin board, I read that some feel that Watson Bros. is not yet quite up to the standard of Purdey, etc., in finish. Do any of you have an educated opinion on this question? If a difference in finish does exist, is it merely academic (e.g., "upon removing the left lock and examining it under a magnifying glass, I found a faint file mark under the bridle's left end."), or material (e.g., "the Purdey's handling and balance are clearly superior to those of Watson Bros.")? I think Purdey, etc., charge a ridiculous premium for their name, but am willing to pay the premium if I get significant quality in return. Thanks for your help.

Douglass A. Craig