rgh2 - this is the list of BV2 maker's names.
Westley Ricahrds, Dickson, Rigby, Grant, Beesley, Powell, Atkin, Churchill, Henry, Lancaster, Evans, Watson, Wilks, Greener, Boswell, Gibbs, and Lang
Their guns will generally price for 1 1/2 times a BV3 name on guns of the same OQ and CC and 3/4 the price of a BV1 gun of same OQ and CC. Any name not on the BV1 or BV2 list will be BV3.
I'd suggest the following. Make a list of the shooting activities you expect this one gun to fulfill. Check the list for realism - just how wide a span of shooting can one gun cover for you? Establish your gun fit dimensions. Establish an envelope of gun handling numbers (weight, balance to trigger, unmounted swing and mounted swing) that you can shoot reasonably well and that you also enjoy shooting. Decide how you will deal with the need for low pressure shells. Start a relationsip with a gunmaker/smith who can do stock dimension adjustments and repairs. Buy and read Dig Hadoke's book. And, my last recommendation would be to reconcile for the near future to make your first gun a BV3-OQ6-CC2 that can be easily adjusted for fit and is within the envelope of handling dynamics you want. This will be a second grade BLE in slightly used condition for $3,000 to $3,500. It will have around 50% coverage of engraving, decent wood, will be well regulated, and of sound construction. It will give you several years of relatively trouble free shooting, will add greatly to your knowledge of guns and shooting, and will return a large percentage of purchase price when you decide to move up. Think of it as your "goin' to school gun."
Here is an example:
http://auctions.holtandcompany.co.uk/asp...1&saletype=This is a BV2-OQ7-CC2.5 = $3000 (slight shift in the priorities)
http://auctions.holtandcompany.co.uk/asp...2&saletype=This looks like a sound gun with a few "warts" in a heavier and slower handling gun. BV3-OQ5-CC5 = $1800
http://auctions.holtandcompany.co.uk/asp...7&saletype=A BV3-OQ5-CC1 = $6,000. A relatively modern gun in about new condition.
http://auctions.holtandcompany.co.uk/asp...7&saletype=
