I brought this up in another post and thought that it deserved it's own thread. Some of you may think it's insane, but the grace, workmanship, and grace of the pre 1900 double guns have leas me to a reintroduction to an old friend, black powder, and percussion ignition. I dabbled with this as a teenager, but went to cartridge guns when I "grew up". Now looking to add something to the experience, I have acquired a Purdey sxs, and a Manton sxs, to go along with a Pedersoli double I already owned. First impression is a comparison between the high grade Purdey and not quite so high Manton, and the Pedersoli. Weight and balance is one difference with the Pedersoli coming in at 7.5 pounds, the Purdey at 6, and the Manton at 7. Both the Purdey and Manton are fine english twist damascus barreled. Didn't pay retail for the Purdey, but still expensive, but it's obvious the superior fit and finish even after 130 years. Shooting takes some readjustment, first is learning to duck down to see if you hit anything so you can see under the cloud of sulphur smoke. I have to be much more cognizant of lead because of the lag time between trigger and ignition, though the Purdey is much better timed. So I have to alter my usual "probe and hope" method of shooting which has served me well, to more of a sustained lead and follow through method. Clays have been the only target thus far. Loading is not bad except for the damnable percussion caps and my fumbling fingers, trying to use a capper but doesn't really seem any better than the fingers so far. Need to really compact the charge, both powder and shot, with the ramrod which is a little scary with an explosive powder. Even after inspection with a bore scope, pulling the trigger on a damascus barrel for the first time, after years of safety warnings "never shoot a damascus gun", takes some guts. Wondering if any of you forum users have caught the bug, or experimented with actual hunting. My next shooting excercise is semi-wild call back quail over pointing dogs, and I am working up a no-tox load for pheasants, something like 3-3.25 drams of FFG pushing 1 1/8th ounce of #6 "nice shot", lubed vegetable fiber 1/2 inch wad, waxed and sealed 1/4 inch cardboard disc over shot, 1150 -1200 fps. At the distances I shoot it ought to work. All experiences and discourse positive or negative welcome.