I bought my first double in the early 70'sn L C Smith,my father had hunted with one and when I saw this one for $75. I grabbed it,old beat up but shootable.I started to look fora better condition one but most were out of my price range back then Late 70's I found a Marlin 60's gun like new and in my price range.The I found a 1928 field gun,like new.I wrote to Marlin for a letter(which was free back then),and over the next few years developed a friendship with William Brophy which lasted until he died.He could tell me about anything I needed to know about them.It just snowballed since then.I have owned a many of old Smiths but income level has kept me in the lower grades.I do have a rare 16 Trap grade,and some real nice fields,but stupidly passed a few diamonds and regrett them both,an 8 gauge for $150. back in the 70's,and a 20 ga. Crown grade like new for $1200.At the time I could just not round up $1200.Dam what a shame
