I have three Merkels in 12 ga., 20 ga., and a delightful 28 ga. built on a baby frame. I've always wanted an English gun, but chose the Merkels because of their recent and current manufacture, which lends them to current servicing and parts by GSI. I hunt with all of them and feel confident that they will go the distance and outlive me. As an aside, I also have two Browning BSS-SL's in 12 and 20. I love them dearly, but realize that if parts are needed, I'm on my own. It comes down to a choice of barrel length for you. My Merkels are all 28" and my Brownings are both 26". I do well with both lengths.
Karl