Honestly, I think in terms of barrel quality, the NEF is superior not only to Spanish rifles but also to T/C. I am almost totally pleased. The only thing I would change is for NEF to lap the barrel before cutting and milling. Took close to 300 rounds of conicals to smooth the burrs out of my barrel. There are absolutely no tight spots in mine, it's built with very tight tolerance. I can't say that for my T/C hawken, which I might add, will never have the range potential of the NEF even though they sell for 3 times as much.

Another thing, the NEF sidekick can be purchased with a SS barrel for about the same price as the nickel-plated pursuit.

Happy Hunting, Phil