Haven't got all the logistics worked out yet. Will likely fly into I-Falls or Bemidji, hang in Baudette, fish a bit and then head for the wedding. Lunch would be great but I doubt that I'll make it down your way this trip. What's your boxlock? Are Darnes technically boxlocks?
My thinking was that we would drive up to Duluth to meet you guys. Maybe catch lunch or dinner. No way you need the stress of coming down to the metro on that trip.
A Darne is not a boxlock. It is a sliding breech.
My boxlock is a 28" 12 gauge Uggy that is my "traveler". It is the "Falcon" version, circa 1972, magnum proofed, hidden third fastener, and disc set strikers. I've just about got it where I want it, rid of the gold plating on the triggers, rid of the white line spacers, a touch of left cast, and a new sporting clays pad installed. Cole Haugh built me a set of strikers for it, and the tool to install them. He serviced the gun, rehardened all the bits internally, put a poly finish on the stock, recheckered it, and sealed the inside surfaces of the wood. The chokes were opened from about .036 and .041 (it isn't 1972 anymore) but, I might have a tube put in the left side-it is about cyl and skeet, right now. Not sure why a 6lb 7oz gun got magnum proof, but, it did. Somebody broke and repaired the toe of the stock at one point, but, it's been no problem, so far. Nice, open pistol grip and a slim beavertail.
The newer model 30s are similar to this gun, well, except this one is engraved, and has the 3" magnum improvements listed above. I still have way less than 1K into this gun, and I'm pretty sure if our canoe sinks, you will be more PO'ed about losing your model 12 than I would be about this one, as long as the beer cooler floats in, anyway.
Stay in touch-we'll see what happens.
Best,
Ted
