I hadn't thought about the 200 & 300 series Merkels until they were mentioned, but the whole 200-204 series only have the Kersten crossbolt with no Purdey underbolting, whereas the 300-304 series have both underbolting and crossbolt.The 203E & 204E are considered pretty high grade guns. This thread also reminded me of a Churchill Premiere XXV 12 two-barrel set I have that has the Smith easy opening action with no top fastener and only a single bite on the rear underlug, and it was built in 1961.It's London proofed for 2 3/4" loads and weighs in at 6lbs. If it passed 2 3/4" proof with one lug, it's good enough for me. Regards, Sandlapper

Last edited by Sandlapper; 03/28/24 02:21 PM.