Thomas,My first double was a Meridan 16ga and I still have it.Soon after that I purchased a 12ga Smith that I also still have.The big difference in the two after the years of wear is that the Meridan is loose and the Smith is tight as it was forty-five years ago.The stock is still sound despite all the magnum loads that I put thru it when I was young and did'nt know any better.Destry would have been proud of me.I know that he likes big guns and heavy shells.Good shooting to you.Maybe I'll see you at the Southern.Charlie.