Grouse guns

[Tom Flanigan]

Originally Posted by Dave Tercek

If I'm using a 12g or 16g , 26" barrels are fine. When using a 20g I prefer 28" to 30" barrels. Six to 6 3/4 lbs. with a high comb seems to be what works best for me lately.

I had Keith Lupton at the Pawling Mountain Club determine the optimum stock dimensions for me shooting and adjusting the dimensions of a try gun. It was worth it. My optimum drop at comb was 1 3/8 inches. It's probably not coincidental that I have done so well at grouse with a 20 bore VH with a drop at comb of 1 3/8 inches. Keith is now long gone from the Pawling Mountain Club, but he was a very knowledgeable English trained gentleman.

[Bill Murphy]

Tom, thanks for the reminder about the great dinner we had at Jeff Mulliken's home in Poolesville. I have another GHE 16 gauge three barrel composed set, which is even more outrageous than the factory set you saw. When you are situated up north, you may choose to get in touch with Jeff. He is a true outdoorsman and a fine fellow to boot. How can someone who can build a Cobra in a one car garage be all bad?

[Tom Flanigan]

I can't imagine a GHE 16 three barrel set more outrageous than the one I saw. Again I'm thinking where the hell does he come up with this stuff? Jeff and I have always been in contact since he left Poolesville. He lives about three hours from Pawing and we have big plans to do some grouse and duck hunting this year. And he is going to Saskatchewan with me on my annual trip next October. I've got a line on a couple of 2 year old finished setters, so I will have a setter to roam my home coverts with me. When I get Pawling, I'll see each dog work and make a decision. I've lived without a setter for a while and its killing me.

[Tom Flanigan]

One more thing Bill, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Vintager's this weekend. I hope you'll be in the Parker booth where you belong. I'll shuffle over to the Fox booth to see Kevin but he may not talk to me after I implied that he is a heathen since he went to the wrong side of the tracks.

[Bill Murphy]

Tom, I'm travelling Friday with a group from Damascus and B-CC Izaak Walton all of whom probably want to shoot. I would rather hang out in the tents. We'll see how it goes. I think my travelling companions can do without my company on the course. Maybe if I buy lunch they will forgive me. Douglas Craig is one of our group. Have you maintained contact with him after Jeff's dinner? I was never clear about who knew whom before the dinner. I may have to come back on Saturday. In the old days, we made a five or six day adventure of the Vintagers. We ran a catering service on the tree line behind the tents. Lunch, beer, wine, and conversation were all free. Back then, we could do that for about the price of a cheap shotgun. It was well worth it because of the people we met over the years. I suspect that the event at Hopkins won't be as entertaining, but the guns will be cheaper.

[Tom Flanigan]

Bill, no worries. I'll track you down like a setter on a running grouse. I only met Douglas Craig that one time. I'll make sure to be there on Saturday to see if I can find you. It's been a long time Bill.

[Mike Murphy]

My first "grouse Gun", and everything else gun , was a Remington 1100 12ga. with 26" barrel and a cutts compensator. It was deadly on anything I hunted. Why? Because it was my Skeet gun and I tried to shoot every weekend. It became an extension of my brain and soul. Familiarity and practice can make most any gun a Grouse gun.

[Bill Murphy]

Tom, my cell # is 301-503-5456. Hopefully, Kennedyville has cell service. I wouldn't doubt shrewd businessman George Hopkins has a cell tower on his farm.

[Harold Pickens]

I've put this on before, this ones for you Garry.
DHE 16 O frame 26" cyl/M

[Brett Hoop]

Harold
You know I like that gun a lot. Please give Betty a hug for me, I thought of her the other day when working Buzz. I can only hope the pup sees half the grouse Betty has shown you.