Ted is correct -- I am not inclined to buy used both because I haven't seen anything I want (12ga, stright grip, mod/full) and because I am still new to the double gun world and would be worried about buying a problem. (Although that Bernardelli Hemingway is tempting...)

If I were to buy a more expensive new gun, what would you recommend?

Another option is to pay another gunsmith to work on the safety of the original gun. I would have to pay out of pocket, but maybe that is worth it for not having to wait.