I have the book on my shelf - and enjoy it. I can't agree with him on Darnes (I have one and can't really get on with it), but I agree 100% on Merkel o/us. The sidelock o/u Merkels handle just beautifully and I can fully appreciate how he liked those.

My view from this side of the pond is that perhaps his tastes in guns were more 'European'? I have in mind lighter built guns intended to be fast handling and use light (say 1 oz in 12 bore) loads)