I've enjoyed reading these interesting stories and will add mine.

We hunted every Saturday growing up (whatever was in season), and Dad used a JC Higgins that he inherited from his father. The pump 12 could be taken down into 2 pieces and stored in a "leg-o-mutton"-style case. What a clunker! It took a lot of force to work that action. He got older and finally got his "dream" shotgun, the Remington 1187.

About 5 years ago, he announced that his hunting days were through, and he gave away all his guns (I got the 1187, one brother got the Savage 99 250-3000, and one brother got the Marlin 22).

My brothers and I still hunt as often as we can, although I use my "old reliable" LC Smith Field 12. I get a lot of ribbing for only having 2 shots available, but that Elsie get a lot more "oohs and ahs" out in the field than the Remington.

1941 LC Smith Field Grade
"Flaming Bomb"