I have a pair of Ugartechea O/U sidelock models in 20 and 12 gauges, essentially twins to the Merkel 303 sidelock guns, although better put together than an original Merkel 303 I compared them to. I have no experience at all with their higher grade side by side guns, but these are outstanding guns in every way. I would expect a similar grade side by side gun to also be a fine instrument.