Does your Repro have soul?

[Gary Laudermilch]

I cannot remember when I got my first repro but it is many years ago. I have had the pleasure, and in some cases, displeasure of using many different guns for grouse and clay targets. It was not until I acquired the repro that I felt I had reached the end of the search for perfection. Very few guns elicit the same emotion when picked up. This gun is special and I have struggled for the word that describes that emotion adequately. Perhaps you have nailed it - soul indeed!

I have had the good fortune to carry this shotgun across many states, different kinds of cover, and behind some of the very best grouse dogs. I've used it to push briars out of the way, fallen with it more times than I care to admit, and even dunked it in a Maine swamp one time. Despite my mishandling it has come through in fine shape. There is still some case color present, the blueing is still quite good, and the stock is in quite good shape considering where it has been.

Yes, this repro has soul. So much so that it is the only gun I have ever given a name - Sweet Pea. I get laughed at by my shooting buddies but until they acquire a gun with soul they will never understand. Go ahead and laugh because I'll have the last one.