I don't want to be an alarmist, but....

[Dean Romig]

This is getting depressing... but I agree with you John. I think we owe it to our hobby, to these great old guns, to the young folks who could really get a lot from collecting, shooting, and hunting with them, and to ourselves to try to get the kids off the couch, off their electronic games and out to the Skeet, trap, and SC ranges. Our future and the future of collecting will be in the hands of today's youth.





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[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Our future and the future of collecting will be in the hands of today's youth.

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Agreed, Dean. But is the PGCA planning to do anything about some of it? About a year ago there was some talk of a youth program. But I've heard nothing more for 12 months. Anybody have an update?

As others have said, the value of any classic gun is a combination of history, heritage, romance, nostalgia, tradition and taste. Without those aspects handed down to young people, tomorrow's market for any classic double gun will fade to oblivion.

Sorry if I sound pessimistic...

[John Liles]

I wasn't trying to be depressing as much as maybe trying to hi-light an aspect of our hobby that hasn't/isn't getting as much exposure as it needs to for us to keep our guns in the game. I try to look at the situation as more of a Challenge than an Obituary!
For any of our children less than 8 years old, and more like less than 12 years old, all they've ever seen/heard/read about has been the heathen nature of our sport.
God willing and the Creek (Nation) don't rise, that will change with the current political environment, and if we do our do diligence we might be able to get our message out the he next batch of double gun care-takers before they all decide to become expert hand-ball players!
John

[Quigley97]

Mr. Campbell,
A reply to your question of an update on the youth program. The message I received was that the board of directors stated that the PGCA is a "collectors" association NOT a shooting association. Therefore that was as far as the youth program went.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Tom Pellegrini

Mr. Campbell,
A reply to your question of an update on the youth program. The message I received was that the board of directors stated that the PGCA is a "collectors" association NOT a shooting association. Therefore that was as far as the youth program went.

I, personally, am of the opinion that if we can't or won't involve younger folks, even the youth, in the shooting of these fine old guns, then we have lost them. The guns need to be appreciated for what they can do and what the shooter can do with them. Along with an appreciation for the capabilities of the gun will come a respect and even a reverence that just might morph into the collecting aspect of it all. But it needs to begin with the use and shooting of them.


Me. Pellegrini, I fear we are missing part of the conversation that lead to that statement... I wonder if - without including anyone's name - you might let us read the entire conversation you had?

Best, Dean

[Double Lab]

I believe everything runs in cycles. My first gun, bought for me by my father, was a Win. mod1400 semi auto. I hunted with that and an old Belgium Browning until I was 21 or 22. Then a friend of mine wanted to trade his VHE 20 for that Browning which I did. Shortly thereafter an older member of my gun club wanted to unload 2 more 20ga. Parkers. I bought them for a song then but really was'nt hooked on SxS's for another decade or so. Well we all know how that worked out.

My point is I believe that we are just in a down cycle related to the stagnant economy of the past 8 years. I am a small businessman who relies on other small businesses. The future of our economy just was'nt bright enough for the expenditure of any surplus cash on that next Parker. Now things might just brighten up a bit. The looming ban on lead shot would have made our guns obsolete. Now I think we have an administration in place that will not be assaulting everything that has to do with firearms.

I know Dean has his grandson Cam involved as well as many other members that have their children and grandchildren involved. I have two grandsons who are chomping at the bit to shoot and hunt with Pop. They will be shooting a SxS. We can only encourage them to enjoy what we love and hopefully they will be the next generation to take over the reigns.

[C.O.B.]

A lot of good points have been made but a future sxs enthusiast has to be just that enthusiastic about these guns. I didn't start out with Parkers and Pre64 M70's but the enthusiasm for them came from reading about them and with the Parkers my Grandfather shot s lot of SXS's but the Parker was his favorite according to my Mom who would tell me about him. He died before I was born but the lure of the Parker was fostered by my mother.

I believe the market for a lot of things (unless I'm buying them) is somewhat soft and that's due to several factors both economic and social. I have given much thought lately to thinning the guns. I don't really need the money but what do I need 40 M70's many in duplicate calibers or 15 or so 16's & 20's.for? Like Gary said there are guns in the safe that haven't seen the light of day in a decade. I have no family to leave them to so I might just as well sell them at least I have an idea of their value.

IMHO a person needs to have a desire to appreciate the craftsmanship of something that is no longer made be it a Parker, Winchester or a nice piece of solid oak furniture. My wife and I like antique furniture and there is a piece at a local shop that I would love to have but there is just no room for it.

At the end of the day I like my old guns and if there is something I want I'll buy it. I'll sell what I sell and die with the rest of them I guess.

[Copper John]

Originally Posted by Rich Anderson

A lot of good points have been made but a future sxs enthusiast has to be just that enthusiastic about these guns. I didn't start out with Parkers and Pre64 M70's but the enthusiasm for them came from reading about them and with the Parkers my Grandfather shot s lot of SXS's but the Parker was his favorite according to my Mom who would tell me about him. He died before I was born but the lure of the Parker was fostered by my mother.

I believe the market for a lot of things (unless I'm buying them) is somewhat soft and that's due to several factors both economic and social. I have given much thought lately to thinning the guns. I don't really need the money but what do I need 40 M70's many in duplicate calibers or 15 or so 16's & 20's.for? Like Gary said there are guns in the safe that haven't seen the light of day in a decade. I have no family to leave them to so I might just as well sell them at least I have an idea of their value.

IMHO a person needs to have a desire to appreciate the craftsmanship of something that is no longer made be it a Parker, Winchester or a nice piece of solid oak furniture. My wife and I like antique furniture and there is a piece at a local shop that I would love to have but there is just no room for it.

At the end of the day I like my old guns and if there is something I want I'll buy it. I'll sell what I sell and die with the rest of them I guess.

Rich, can I apply to be your adopted son?