GregdownunderI agree with almost everything MARAKAI had to say on this matter. Certainly the more modern steels used today in the makeing of double rifles is a real plus in the strenth of the rifles! However, simply because some companies chooses to yeald to the wants of customers, doesn't necessarily make that a good idea. Some of the new doubles are made heavy enough to stand these high pressures for a time, at the expence of weight, and handleing. the new steel asside there is no difference between a double made in 1870, and 2006, in a given action type. the break top double rifle is basiclly 18th century technology, and by nature is "springy" compaired to a bolt action.
That disclaimer asside, more important is the type of cartridge being chambered in a double rifle. If the rifle is simply a deer rifle, then things like single triggers, and rimless cartridges are fine. The problems these things cause, are not life threatening, and small cartridges like the 30-06, though considered high pressure rounds are encasesd in barrel butts that have pleanty of chamber wall thickness! If this type of rifle fails in any way nothing other than a shot at a deer is lost.
If, however, the rifle is to be used as DGR (dangerous game rifle) then the sittuation changes considerably! Useing cartridges like 458 LOTT, and 460 WBY, are not the best idea anyone ever had! These cartridges are asking for a frozen action, that will not open, and busted stock, putting the rifle out of service, the premature "OFF FACE" condition of the rifle. Then when you top this off with a single non-selective, or fixed selection trigger, this further complicates these choices.
All I am saying is first and foremost, and cartridge for a double rifle should be of the rimmed type! it should be in the 40,000 psi chamber pressure or under. The rifle should be equiped with double triggers.
