Saz, All of this personal stuff in this thread aside, have you had your questions answered??? I am 100% in the camp of buy American and support our craftsmen here. I have seen the Big Timber rifles and Pedersoli rifles. No question the BT ones are far and above the highest quality. I thought of buying the Italian one but just couldn't get past the non American label. I knew that I wouldn't be happy if I didn't get a BT one. I haven't regretted it since. I have not heard any bad experiences with Shiloh. C. Sharps treated me very well and their carftsmanship is first rate. I would say the only difference would be that Shiloh takes alot longer. That would be it. You won't find used ones alot cheaper because they are such fine rifles they hold their value very well. Unless you have specific options in mind you could probably get one off the rack there. You can always upgrad sights later etc. I live 600 miles from Big Timber and my wife and I made a nice road trip out of it. We flyfished and hiked around and had a blast. If you can make it stay at the Mission Creek Bed and Breakfast between Livingston and Big Timber. Eat at the Grand Hotel, it is the best food in those parts.