Howdy again Gents.

Okay as far as quality, reputation, investment value, etc. if the rifles were all the same price more or less, in more or less the same condition (excellent bores), in .470 or .475 or thereabouts, how would you rank (1) Lang & Son, (2) Chas. Lancaster, (3) Watson Bros., (4) Army & Navy, (5) others. I'm a lot more familiar with the big names like Wm. Evans, Westley Richards, Jeffery, H&H, and so on.

I would intend to use the rifle in Zimbabwe next year so I'm not looking for a wall hanger. Should a guy avoid refinished rifles or is it not that big a deal?

Thanks!

3 out of the 4 of those names listed would likely to have used Webley actions for a 470.

But, reagrdless of that, I would take any of them.

Refinished guns are fine as long as they have been done correctly IMHO.

Hope that helps.

Many times you'll see a name on the rifle that is actually the retailer of it. NOT the builder. My A. Hollis was built by Lenord, but A Hollis did buid them also.

PSmith:
The makers you mentioned are all equal in my eyes as to quality. It would come down to price, accuracy, and if the rifle fit me.

As to a refinish, that is not a problem with an English rifle or gun as it is with a Winchester or Colt. The UK's sportsmen sent their arms back to the maker for a refinish after a year's shooting. I would only recommend the refinish done by a quality 'smith (such as Griffin and Howe) and only to the original specifications--nothing added.
Cheers,
Cal