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Forums10
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104 |
I am late to the thread as well. However, I have no concerns using my high grade guns in decent weather in the field hunting. Every gun in my safe is a "shooter". I would use any gun I own pass shooting (dove, duck, pigeon, driven). I alternate between boxlocks (various makers)and sidelocks (Boss, Purdey, DMB, Woodward) when woodcock, quail or grouse hunting to minimize wear and risk of damage when hunting. When pheasant hunting (one week per year) I will use my best guns without hesitation. Only 2 guns in my collection are pristine originals and the others, though best guns, are in gently used condition. In other words, there are already several niks, scratches and rubs present and if I add one or two more, the value will not decrease appreciably. Taking game with a gun that, when made, was the best possible instrument available for the given task is very gratifying.
Owen
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114 |
In retrospect, looking back over some 66 years of guns and gunning (credit the late Paul Curtis for that phrase) including some Stateside clays and match rifle shooting while employed by "Uncle Sam"--I find that my centerfire scoped rifles have held up quite well as to absence of "wear and tear" afield- The varmint rifles: M70 .220 Swift and the Sako M79 .243 Win- normally used more in spring, summer and early fall for 'chucks and 'coons- were not used in the Nov. deer season here, that's the M70 30-06's realm- I agree 100% with Stan about the "slips and falls" that advancing age brings to a man, just wish I lived in Dixie, and could shoot (or shoot at) some flighting doves of an afternoon- from a folding camo chair, cooler of sweet tea and a shell bag at my feet-in the shade hopefully--
Duck hunting- my "go-to" shotgunning in the Fall- at 78, no longer donning waders or busting through brushy laden streams in a camo canoe-- now cornfield, dry land pass shooting for mallards and Canads- M12's are my first choice- I sold my Mossy-burger Ulti-Mag to my son-in-law for a Turkey gun. He's a southpaw, and likes the top tang safety on that shotgun.
Spring, summer and into Sept-- pigeon and sometimes crow shooting on area dairy farms- often use one of the 4 12 gauge M12's I own, but usually a Ithaca NID grade 2E 12 bore I bought from the late Brad B. about 6 years ago- well worn, recoil pad- but it fits me just as well as my more valuable graded pre-1913 12 bore Smiths, it's a boxlock, 30" M&F- fits me like a "bespoke" gun, and any extra scars or nicks it gets from "barn=yard" exposure can't lower its value, should I wish to sell it.
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..
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