Seems like you already got it figured out Sticker.

Go with the Fox Sterlingworth, a great, well built and very reliable double.

Elsies, are very nice but be careful as you no doubt researched, they are very prone to getting cracks behind the lock plates. I have 2, my Granddad's 12Ga. and 20Ga. FW. The 12Ga. still has the original stock with no cracks and the I had the 20 restocked to fit me. It did have a crack in the original stock. I suspect if you are going to use your own reloads, and Elsie with good wood would hold up well to low pressure reloads. I feed mine a seedy diet of RSTs with no issues. If you could find a 12GA FW, Elise that would fit the bill nicely weight wise, again depending on the wood.

Another option would be an Ithaca NID. On the heavy side, but built like a tank.

I hope you enjoy your new to you old american double.

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