BV is a strange thing.
The late Gough Thomas (real name G.T. Garwood) was guns editor for Shooting Times here in the UK for many years. An engineer by training and trade he had an analytical mind and understood quality well. Later in life he had the opportunity (late 1940s) to have a 'best gun' made for himself. He could afford any maker. He was a very respected and knowledgeable man.
He chose Henry Atkin, the spring opener model. He felt the Beesley patent action was the 'best' action around, and the Henry Atkin gun using it slightly ahead of the Purdey for smoother operation (it uses Southgate ejectors rather than Purdeys Wem/Lawrence). The Southgate type are arguably a little easier and smoother in cocking, giving an easier gun closure - always a little harder in a self opener.
Yet today, an Atkin spring opener though still very well regarded, but doesn't command the price a Purdey would - and by quite a significant margin.
The Purdey name has the 'cachet'.
It is quite likely that it would be economic to sleeve a Purdey, much less so an Atkin, because the monetary value is less - but arguably, the Atkin might have the edge as a gun to actually own and use in the field.
(I must declare an interest as an Atkin owner)
