Some folks have different likes and dislikes and the british doubles are a favorite amomg many upland hunters. . .I've owned and shot many well made doubles over the years including a few English best guns. . Yes they were light to carry and nice to look at but the 2 1/2" chambers were a pain but what I didn't care for most was the way the trigger guards would smack my middle finger and leave a lump. . I don't mind recoil at all but the few of them I shot seem to have a recoil I didn't care for. . Possibly I just wasn't used them and preferred the American made doubles, I don't really know but suspected the stocks were too short with too much drop??
Aside from a couple of European doubles, the American doubles I kept were M21's and an A.H. Fox H grade. . The buttstocks on the M21 fit me perfect, the weight and balance suits me, I shoot them well and I find them to be a handsome shotgun. . Also, when John Olin was perfecting the M21, he decided right off to build the best and strongest double possible. . The Model 21 is still a modern design and over proofed by 150%. . Very seldom do you find a well used M21 loose and off face. They are one American gun that can be restored, refinished and still hold their value. . Even from the American doubles I've owned, including L.C. Smith, Parker, Ithaca and 1894 Remingtons, the Model 21 is my favorite. I like my A.H. Fox as well but so damn heavy.