My Purdey is an 1889 sidelock. In my ownership I have used it every season for game shooting and year-round for pigeon shooting and clay shoots. It must have fired upwards of 8,000 shells in that time and the only problem I have encountered was a broken rear trigger blade when I let a relative with big muscles and small brain use it - he pulled extra hard (safety on) when the gun did not fire.
I have never had an English gun fail in use. I always carry a spare gun to a shoot (and usually end up lending it to someone else when their gun fails).
In my experience a well-made gun which is cared for will function well for years of normal use. Ejectors and single triggers is where it tends to get messy.also see owners wh fial to spot a small item of wear and do not rectify it - his eventually becomes a failure. Not the gun's fault.
The time-proven designs are the safest bet. Obscure patterns and new models carry the risk. That is why sxs 'Royals' and Purdey sidelocks are so popular.
