These are copies of the finest London designs, how is the quality, durability, steel, etc???

The Spaniards have been plagued with an inferior-firearm label since they first started trying to build cheap guns for the US market. That’s not entirely their fault, as that’s what most importers of the time wanted from them. The only real problem I’ve heard of with Spanish guns is hardening of parts issues. The steel in general should be fine... question is-is it the right hardness for the function it performs.

IMO there are some crummy Spanish guns out there and there are some great Spanish guns out there, but just because they look like and H&H sidelock doesn’t mean you’re getting the same quality at a discounted price. It’s safe to say that there are probably none (or less than a handful) of Spanish made guns that truly compete with an English “best.â€

The short answer is that each Spanish gun (regardless of maker) has to be judged on an individual basis – even the famed Arrizabalaga aka “the Purdey of Spain†has made some sub-standard guns. In the case of a DR, remember there's a 99% chance that the barrels were made in Austria and are very good barrels (what's that company's name that makes all of the DR barrels now?). It's the rest of the gun you're concerned with.

Big Five Jack,

You have a PM. Also ask this question on the Nitro Express forums. I know someone there who has a Sarasqueta rifle which I have seen and shot and I'll let him reply to you.

Best wishes and good hunting,

IN the 60s Sarasqueta doubles especially for belted magnum cartridges were to be avoided.