I've always enjoyed Hallowell's definition of a "best gun":

"Best Gun - A pretentious English term for a gun that must have several specific details. To qualify for the title, it must have a Sidelock action with Intercepting Sears, have Chopper Lump Barrels, be Stocked to the Fences and have its lumps concealed by its floorplate. While almost any respectable gunmaker can accomplish these requirements, the implication, of course, is that it is also built to the highest standard of quality. "

Morris L. Hallowell IV, "Illustrated Firearms Dictionary"
http://www.hallowellco.com/abbrevia.htm