I'd also say it is time our US friends realize they are not alone on Earth.
Oh, no... not at all.
We have friends in Belgium, where
Fabrique Nationale has for over a century owned the world market for the marvelous designs of John Moses Browning. To this day "Belgian Browning" means something special to US shotgun collectors. Of late some Browning and Winchester designs have also been rendered by the good people of
Miroku, in Japan.
Were you aware, by the way, that at present the longest-lived business concern in continuous operation is
Beretta, who has been making fine handguns and long guns in Italy since the late Renaissance? Oh, and let's not forget the work of arms designer Peter Paul Mauser. A fine and modestly-priced execution of his square-bridge action can be found in the form of the CZ 550, which is currently manufactured by the fine folks at
Czeska Zbrojovka, known here in the states as CZ. The Mauser square-bridge is the action of choice for building big-game bolt-action rifles for hunting in Africa.
Another African favorite is made in England, courtesy of the excellent craftsmen at
Holland & Holland, where a gentleman's fine first-quality double rifle in .470 Nitro Express can cost as much as a modest house. If you prefer your British game rifle to have a bolt, however, you can always see the fine folks at
Rigby.
I'm afraid I've run out of time for the moment. I will resume our little firearms world tour at a later date. Thank you for your time and patience.