The Italian guns are, in general, very good quality; more-so than the Spanish creations. The barrels, though, on both are as about as good as they get on a factory gun. The weak link seems to be the flint locks they come with (both makers). they are mostly good/very good but are often very, very bad. One thing about Italian and Spanish bp guns is that normally even the cheapest models are very serviceable in percussion mode. I would not hesitate to pick up a model of either one, flint or percussion, for the right price. I've owned several (both countries) and was quite satisfied with them all.