I learned to shoot and hunt in the mid 50's with my Dad. All boys started with a .410 first shooting staionary targets, then thrown cans and finally birds. We could not wait until we graduated to a 16 gauge. When I was in high school I earned enough money to buy a Remmington 870 12 gauge...now I felt I could compete with the men. I traded the 870 for a Browning A5 12 in the Army and then....I began moving to small bore doubles and haven't looked back!

I do believe it was a cultural thing and I am proud to have participated. My boys and daughter have progressed similarly. Rights of passage are part of our heritage and should be. Take a youngster shooting, you won't regret it!

Jim