Grouse guns

[Rich Anderson]

Our season actually opens Saturday with a high temp of 82:eek: Ike and I will skip it. I head to the cabin 9/26 for 5-6 weeks and will take an assortment of guns along from an English light game gun in 12ga (I know a 12:eek: but I use RST 2 inch shells:)) to the 28ga VHE skeet. The make up will be mostly 16's and 20's and mostly Parkers.

What's your opening season grouse gun? The perfect grouse gun is always the next one:whistle:

[Kirk Potter]

I'll be using a 12 gauge PH that I bought this spring.. 28" IMPCYL/MOD, 7 lbs 1 ounce. But I'll probably be waiting 1 week until the woodcock opener on the 22nd.

Rich, where in MI is "the cabin"?

[Craig Larter]

FOX CE 20ga 26" IC/MOD. I have been searching for a Parker 20ga DE 26" Damascus for quail and grouse. I have been hunting quail in the southwest more than grouse lately. Hope to get back to northern Maine soon.

[Shawn Wayment]

It's 94 here today. My English cocker flushed 5 blues for me yesterday but the trees were so thick and the sun was in my eye :shock::whistle:.

Tomorrow I'll be back at it...may try for ptarmigan at 13,000 plus feet in the open and blue grouse again in the trees.

I'm using a grade I Hollenbeck 12 bore with 26.5 inch IC/IC Damascus barrels.

[Garry L Gordon]

I have a Dickson 28 gauge (box lock) that has been my go-to grouse gun for almost 40 years. Jack Rowe made the stock for it after I broke the (too short) original falling down an icy bluff after Iowa grouse one winter. It fits me to a "T" and brings birds down if I can see them. Mr. Rowe, bless his soul, fussed at me for breaking the original stock ("You shouldn't be allowed to have a nice gun like that!" He said. There were stampings on the gun that he recognized and claimed to know the individual who actually made the gun!).

However, I always take a couple more (don't we all!?) to our cabin for the two-weeks of heaven we experience in Northern Minnesota. Among the guns I know I'll take is one of a very few DH 16s with straight-hand stock and splinter forend and 26 inch barrels ever made (the best configuration for a grouse gun as far as I'm concerned, and the configuration of my Dickson). A Fox XE 16 will also make the trip, along with a Parker GH 10 bore that I hope to walk up a few ducks with during the "down times."

Gosh, just writing about it and reading these posts makes me excited for the last two weeks of October.

[Garry L Gordon]

It's 94 here today. My English cocker flushed 5 blues for me yesterday but the trees were so thick and the sun was in my eye :shock::whistle:.

Tomorrow I'll be back at it...may try for ptarmigan at 13,000 plus feet in the open and blue grouse again in the trees.

I'm using a grade I Hollenbeck 12 bore with 26.5 inch IC/IC Damascus barrels.

Shawn, do you have issues with porcupines where you hunt? I'd sure like to see a picture of that Hollenbeck!

[Shawn Wayment]

Shawn, do you have issues with porcupines where you hunt? I'd sure like to see a picture of that Hollenbeck!


I've seen more porcupines on the prairie in cholla cactus country than where I hunt grouse. Here’s the worst dog vs Porcupine I’ve seen on the Colorado prairie. I posted a photo on my original post.

[Kevin McCormack]

I will be using the most perfect grouse gun ever designed and built; a c. 1935 16 ga. Savage Fox Skeet & Upland Game Gun, DT, SG, SFE, 26" barrels bored .005 right, .011 left. (Flush, I dare ya!!).

[Garry L Gordon]

I've seen more porcupines on the prairie in cholla cactus country than where I hunt grouse.

Interesting. I found LOTS of porcupines on my trip to the plains of NorthCentral Montana, but none in the mountains (all of which surprised me). And the largest one I ever encountered (had to weigh 70 lbs) was in extreme western Oklahoma. I hate the darned things, and so do my dogs (unfortunately).

Good hunting, and I hope you have cooler weather.

[Garry L Gordon]

I will be using the most perfect grouse gun ever designed and built; a c. 1935 16 ga. Savage Fox Skeet & Upland Game Gun, DT, SG, SFE, 26" barrels bored .005 right, .011 left. (Flush, I dare ya!!).

A sweet gun...in a sweet configuration!

[allen newell]

16 ga parker

[Daryl Corona]

I'm not that good at hitting flying things so I'll be hitting the woods this year with my new to me Ithaca Mag 10 with 24" barrels with no plug throwing an 1 5/8oz. 9's. I hope Rich's new dog can retrieve pieces of birds. My back up gun will be a VH 28 in case the Ithaca does'nt work out as a bird gun.:rolleyes::eek:

Can't wait.

[Mills Morrison]

I have yet to go grouse hunting but want to very much, based on the fun you guys have. One day and hopefully soon. I do plan to do some Lowcountry woodcock hunting

[Garry L Gordon]

I have yet to go grouse hunting but want to very much, based on the fun you guys have. One day and hopefully soon. I do plan to do some Lowcountry woodcock hunting

Mills,
I hope you get to chase grouse -- it's quite a challenge. Will you be hunting woodcock anywhere near where Archibald Rutledge lived/hunted? We have 'cock come though Northern Missouri on their way to Louisiana, and there are days when conditions are right that we get 25-35 flushes an hour...but only in great years.

BTW, I really enjoyed your article on "Beater" guns!

[Reggie Bishop]

Another wanna be grouse hunter here in the South. I have a nice little CHE 20 with 26” barrels that would do the trick. I will settle for the cornfield in the AM for some dove shooting.

[Garry L Gordon]

Another wanna be grouse hunter here in the South. I have a nice little CHE 20 with 26” barrels that would do the trick. I will settle for the cornfield in the AM for some dove shooting.

Reggie,

Back "in the day" I hunted woodcock at Reelfoot Lake in the 2nd (late) season. We had good hunts and when the birds were in, things were excellent. I also hunted grouse in Tennessee and had decent luck at Catoosa and in the mountains near Unicoi. I'm sure things are not as good now as tree cutting has become a thing of the past in the Cherokee NF. You should consider taking that little 26" CHE to Minnesota. It would be a great "poke-and-shoot" grouse gun. Even in a down year, there are lots of birds and LOTS of cover. They still cut trees in the North Woods!

Good luck with your dove hunt. We still have dove in North Missouri, so I'll send some down to you when the wether cools.

[George Davis]

In 2016 saw 17 porcupine in the Lewistown, MT area hunting in early October, 2017 while Pheasant Hunting in Coffee Creek, MT young pup had first up close and personal encounter with porcupine.
Hunting sage grouse with 30 inch barreled GH 12 gauge last week of September and Sharptail and huns with 28 inch barreled pre-1913 16 gauge Fox first week in October in central Montana.

[Mills Morrison]

A good friend of mine hunted grouse in the southern Appalachians around Brevard. One day, and hopefully soon

[Gary Laudermilch]

No thought required, nor backups either. My repro 20, pg, splinter, dt, and choked .004 &.008. It has been my go to gun for grouse ever since I bought it many years ago. I'll get it to the clays range shortly to limber it up. The clock is ticking!

[Garry L Gordon]

In 2016 saw 17 porcupine in the Lewistown, MT area hunting in early October, 2017 while Pheasant Hunting in Coffee Creek, MT young pup had first up close and personal encounter with porcupine.
Hunting sage grouse with 30 inch barreled GH 12 gauge last week of September and Sharptail and huns with 28 inch barreled pre-1913 16 gauge Fox first week in October in central Montana.

George,

I was astounded at how many porcupines there were in the grasslands of Montana, and my encounters were similar to yours.

Good luck on your upcoming Montana hunts!

[Reggie Bishop]

Garry back when I spent all my time chasing quail I heard some talk of grouse hunting in the Tellico region of the Cherokee NF and in Cocke County. I haven't heard of anyone grouse hunting around here in years but I am sure someone probably does. We have some Wilson snipe in our area. I have a daughter in Seattle, I plan to hunt my way west when I retire! That trip may begin in the UP or Minnesota.

[Garry L Gordon]

Garry back when I spent all my time chasing quail I heard some talk of grouse hunting in the Tellico region of the Cherokee NF and in Cocke County. I haven't heard of anyone grouse hunting around here in years but I am sure someone probably does. We have some Wilson snipe in our area. I have a daughter in Seattle, I plan to hunt my way west when I retire! That trip may begin in the UP or Minnesota.

Retirement is great, so I hope it happens sooner rather than later for you. If you decide to go to Minnesota on your way west, let me know and I can point you to some good areas. I assume quail are few and far between in Tennessee. We have had fair years the last two, and predictions are for the same for this year. It's sad when one is excited at a prediction of "fair" quail hunting. It still beats work!

[Todd Poer]

A good friend of mine hunted grouse in the southern Appalachians around Brevard. One day, and hopefully soon

Mills I have hunted grouse in N. Ga mountains and Est Tennessee. It can be dang tough hunting. Have also hunted them a good bit in Eastern Kentucky. My advice is take a light 20 gauge and enjoy the scenery. Nothing like walking in the woods with a shotgun, which is close second to walking in the woods with a shotgun and getting to shoot at your intended quarry a few times.

Believe it or not I stumbled upon a few grouse in the upper sections of Chatooga river basin years ago but I was not actually hunting for them. Its a long story but they are there and it is some of the meanest country. You gotta have a dang good dog and really study up on your maps.

[Todd Poer]

Reggie, see my reply to Mills. Yes I have hunted the with my dad a long time ago in hills of Tn for grouse and it is not for the faint of heart. If you can find some areas that were clear cut 5 to 7 years ago and that are grown back up and you have a good dog you can find a few, maybe.

Tellico area does have them and I have seen them there. Used to be big into white water kayaking steep creeks and we would run Tellico and western NC creeks. Occasionally jumped some grouse but it was in some of the most inhospitable areas you could imagine. Tough country with few and far between birds. As you know worst part of hills of Tennessee are those cliff faces near the tops of those hills. You would be on the side of one of hills in a steep hollar hanging on to a laurel for dear life on one hand gun in the other and have a bird flush at your feet and fly on top of that cliff face. Tn grouse are mean spiteful birds and you gotta really want em.

One hunt in Minn where the land flatter and chances of seeing birds is 10 fold will break way from thinking about chasing them in Tn. Load up the car and go if you can. That is what we did and it was worth it.

[Dean Romig]

I have yet to go grouse hunting but want to very much, based on the fun you guys have. One day and hopefully soon. I do plan to do some Lowcountry woodcock hunting


Step up and be the high bidder on the Pineridge Grouse Camp three-day hunt in the Silent Auction this year Mills. You will NOT regret it!
Pineridge is THE place to get your feet wet on grouse and woodcock... Dis I say THE place?... hell it is THE BEST place to become fully immersed in grouse and woodcock shooting!






.

[Tom Flanigan]

I'll be starting the season with my grandfather's 20 bore VH because it's traditional for me. Then I'll use a 20 bore PHE and a Holland and Holland 28.

[legh higgins]

We will head to the Michigan grouse woods next week with two Parker 16 gauges, Jenns 16 ga 26" GH Damascus and my 16 ga 28" vh 5lbs 6 0unce and 5 lbs 9 ounce... easy to carry all day with the setters.:bigbye:

[James L. Martin]

Going Grouse hunting next week in upstate NY ,taking a 20ga VH and a 20ga Win.model 21.

[Rick Riddell]

You guys hunt with some really nice guns! I got an old war service (RAF) Birmingham Small Arms that is my go to. Last year I hunted a GH exclusively, maybe this year I'll get the Trojan out, just got figure out the full chokes with light loads!

[Dean Romig]

We will head to the Michigan grouse woods next week with two Parker 16 gauges, Jenns 16 ga 26" GH Damascus and my 16 ga 28" vh 5lbs 6 0unce and 5 lbs 9 ounce... easy to carry all day with the setters.:bigbye:

Legh, those are both really nice guns and are perfect for “pa’tridge an’ ‘cock.”
I hope we can get together in October when you get back to Vermont.

(I might even let you look at my NEW Sterly):cool:



.

[Donald McQuade]

[QUOTE]Step up and be the high bidder on the Pineridge Grouse Camp three-day hunt in the Silent Auction this year Mills. You will NOT regret it!
Pineridge is THE place to get your feet wet on grouse and woodcock... Dis I say THE place?... hell it is THE BEST place to become fully immersed in grouse and woodcock shooting!

Dean, you are right on. Jerry does an outstanding job. Pineridge has an grouse camp ambience that can't be beat. I will be there the third week of October with a bunch of buddies for our fifth year in a row. I will be using my 1903 vintage DH 16ga, 26" barrels on an O frame choked .003/.012. Evan a man of my limited abilities can knock down a bird with this beauty every once in a while.

[Tom Flanigan]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;253613]

(I might even let you look at my NEW Sterly):cool:

Oh my gosh!!!! First Kevin and then Dean go over to the wrong side of the tracks. A Sterly Dean? They are nice guns but geez, I thought you were a loyal Parker guy. I love the Smith's and Ansley's guns, but hunting with anything other than a Parker or London gun is not something that should ever be done. I saw the light years ago and sold all my "off" brand American guns. Hang your head in shame Dean. :)

[Steve Cambria]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;253613]

(I might even let you look at my NEW Sterly):cool:

???????????????????????????? :corn::corn::corn::corn:

Haaaa, the FAB-5 knew it would only be a matter of time....:rotf::rotf:

65650

[Tom Flanigan]

Ansley sure did make some great guns. I once owned a C grade 20 bore in 95% condition that I bought from Gary Herman many years ago. It had factory 25" barrels choked full in both barrels. I wish I hadn't sold it. It was a great benchmark gun and the 25" full choke barrels were unusual. But still, my perspective is that those who take any gun other than a Parker or London gun into New England partridge coverts is a heathen. I hesitate to call Dean that because I love the guy, but anyone other than Dean is a heathen. :)

[Rich Anderson]

Kirk the "cabin" is in Channing about 40 minuets north of Iron Mountain. Come on up and chase some birds.

Digging around in the safe I'm going to get the dust off a couple that I haven't used in a while, a GHE 20 w/26 inch Damascus barrels IC/M, H&H 26 inch 20 also IC/M, CHE 20 Damascus another 26 incher and a Fox A grade 16 factory straight grip.

[Dean Romig]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;253613]

(I might even let you look at my NEW Sterly):cool:

???????????????????????????? :corn::corn::corn::corn:

Haaaa, the FAB-5 knew it would only be a matter of time....:rotf::rotf:

65650


Who among us would pass up a gun like this one? When I said "NEW" I meant NEW and when you talk about benchmark guns - this is certainly a benchmark gun. This is what a new Sterlingworth looked like when it left the factory in 1926.

Yes, I'm a Parker man through and through but who could blame me for allowing this one to reside in the safe with my best Parkers?


.

[Tom Flanigan]

That’s one heck of a find Dean. Beautiful gun. But I wouldn’t take it into the grouse coverts. Not because it is not worthy of the bird, but because I wouldn’t want to put any wear on that gun. Guns in that condition shouldn’t be diminished by hunting with them, in my opinion. They should be preserved as is. When are you ever going to see another one like that. Heck, if I came across that gun, I would run across the tracks to get it.

[Daryl Corona]

Dean, I hope you bring that "heathen Sterly" next week to the Vintagers. I know Tom is kidding but many of us heathens who shoot Fox guns would love to see it up close.:)

[Dean Romig]

I'll bring it with me.





.

[Garry L Gordon]

[QUOTE=Steve Cambria;253631]


Who among us would pass up a gun like this one? When I said "NEW" I meant NEW and when you talk about benchmark guns - this is certainly a benchmark gun. This is what a new Sterlingworth looked like when it left the factory in 1926.

Yes, I'm a Parker man through and through but who could blame me for allowing this one to reside in the safe with my best Parkers?


.

No one could blame you for buying that gun...but would think you were crazy to pass it up!

[Bill Bates]

earlier this week I planned on getting out into some my favorite grouse coverts. My gun of choice would have ben either my 16 gauge SIACE hammer gun or my old 12 gauge William Read Belgian Guild gun. Unfortunately that ain't happening.

Thursday a two long burn small forest fires on my mountain went from a hundred or two acres to now something near 100,000 acres. They have evacuated communities just to our east and we are under a pre evacuation order. We're packed and ready to load the dogs and get out of dodge if need be but honestly looking at the forecast I don't think we are likely to have to leave.

The worst part is due to a number of fires this summer and now this fire most of my close by coverts have been scorched. Plus we're staying close to home if we need to button up and go.

Maybe we can get out next weekend. Oh, well it is way to hot anyway. October and November are really the months to hunt grouse here in Utah.

http://a4.pbase.com/o10/10/209910/1/166511060.SlwemrTi.belgiannpheasant.jpg

http://a4.pbase.com/o9/10/209910/1/152728223.4rUAYHeJ.Siace16ga.jpg

I took this yesterday. We live just at the base of the ridge on the right of the frame

http://a4.pbase.com/o10/10/209910/1/168125118.HONWqqJ3.up_the_canyon.jpg

From the back porch

http://a4.pbase.com/o10/10/209910/1/168125144.wWkqvCXT.dry_mtn_9_15.jpg

[Rich Anderson]

I hope you and your family remain safe and out of the path of the fire. If there is a positive note fire regenerates growth and your coverts may come back better than before.

[legh higgins]

well I love it HOW MUCH Dean.:bigbye:

[Kevin McCormack]

Stop by the Fox booth at the Vintagers next weekend and we will 'heathen' you right the hell up!!

[Craig Larter]

Just say'n you Parker only guys should consider Fox small bores---a couple of 20ga CE's

[Daryl Corona]

Sssssh Craig, you know there are'nt enough Fox smallbores to go around. They seem happy with their Parkers.:nono:

[Tom Flanigan]

I'm the onlty Parker guy I knoiw who doesn't shoot anthing else unless it is from London. Those Fox 20 bores look wonderful, But after all is said and done, they are not Parkers. I have a stgrong bias for Parkersn since I grew up with them. When I was only ten, my grandfather took one of his DHE's out in the yard and let me shoot it. It kicked me like hell but I would never admit it. Fox small bores are great, no doubt about it, But I would feel dirty if I took one into my grouse coverts. :)

I think I'll stay away from the Fox booth at the Vintagers. It would break my heart to see Kevin there and not at a Parker booth. He was a mainstay at Parker booths for many years. Seeing him at that booth is akin to General Washington seeing Benedict Arnold wearing a British uniform.

[todd allen]

Well, after more than two decades sitting in the safe, I will be taking my little 20 gauge Trojan up into the Idaho grouse trails this fall.
Over the past 20 years or so of taking grouse up there, I have carried a Winchester M-97, a Model 21, and an H&H Royal SLE.
This year, there will be a couple of M-21s in camp, as well as a very nice Underlifter. I feel pretty strongly that the Trojan needs to be there.
If we could get National Geographic to send a photographer along, there might even be a Parker Pages moment.

[Dean Romig]

Those little 20 gauge Trojans are jewels! What length are the barrels, 26" or 28"?





.

[Brett Hoop]

My grouse season began in February when I made a long straight through run up to northern Wisconsin to pick up Buzzy. Buzzy being a first generation merica born to English Setter immigrants. We formulated a plan on the 16 hour voyage home, the pup somehow made the white outs a little less tense. St. Pat's day John Nagel and I trolled the aisle of Baltimore where a Scotch Yankee had a long barreled DHE 20 ga. Gee ya think I can swing this thing in the Aspen John? Spring training started at Hunting Hills with the Ole Grouser himself Harold Pickens, and moved south to Drakes with Anderson, Eis, Smith &Co. Where I was out shot by a girl, Sara LaFever, that made me move over to Deep Creek and just look at guns for two days before Uncle Bob and his buddy Tom lured me back onto the course . A few weeks latter and the not to be missed Ribfest in the Endless Mountain's at Ernie's was the backdrop for more grouse gun practice. Here I did better. I couldn't say it was Ernie's scotch as some suggested, because that came latter honest. But Uncle Bob was chilled out on something because I witnessed him run a 47 all on camera because we had Paul Fuller filming and shooting with us. Humbled again I had nothing to loose and grabbed the speed gun a Parker GH Damascus in the process as we say, with Brian Dudley. Rough shaped and no trigger guard it was sure to illicit comment. Rich you really were missed, and missed a wonderful opportunity. Ohio SxS and I took it to the pattern board, where the drops proved out wonderfully and then I splattered my glasses with paint when repainting the board and couldn't get all of the paint off. The group of Edgar, Chuck, Allan and Longbarrel 28 Daryl and .410 Smitty were kind about my gun, I feel certain it was the first time they had shot with someone spotted with whitewash. And I shot a good for me number, where were you then Sara?
All my shooting was done with what my current view of what a grouse gun needs to be. All 0 frames, 28, 20,16 VH, GH and a DHE and all Parker Bros. made in Meriden.
It'll be me and Buzzy heading back up to Wisconsin mid October, to take another long gone man's Parker for a walk. Wishing everyone good luck in the King's court!

[Dean Romig]

Wow Brett, that should have been a Parker Pages article!

Wish I was there.





.

[Garry L Gordon]

earlier this week I planned on getting out into some my favorite grouse coverts. My gun of choice would have ben either my 16 gauge SIACE hammer gun or my old 12 gauge William Read Belgian Guild gun. Unfortunately that ain't happening.

Thursday a two long burn small forest fires on my mountain went from a hundred or two acres to now something near 100,000 acres. They have evacuated communities just to our east and we are under a pre evacuation order. We're packed and ready to load the dogs and get out of dodge if need be but honestly looking at the forecast I don't think we are likely to have to leave.

The worst part is due to a number of fires this summer and now this fire most of my close by coverts have been scorched. Plus we're staying close to home if we need to button up and go.

Maybe we can get out next weekend. Oh, well it is way to hot anyway. October and November are really the months to hunt grouse here in Utah.

http://a4.pbase.com/o10/10/209910/1/166511060.SlwemrTi.belgiannpheasant.jpg

http://a4.pbase.com/o9/10/209910/1/152728223.4rUAYHeJ.Siace16ga.jpg

I took this yesterday. We live just at the base of the ridge on the right of the frame

http://a4.pbase.com/o10/10/209910/1/168125118.HONWqqJ3.up_the_canyon.jpg



From the back porch

http://a4.pbase.com/o10/10/209910/1/168125144.wWkqvCXT.dry_mtn_9_15.jpg

Bill, Best of luck to you.

[Sara LeFever]

and moved south to Drakes with Anderson, Eis, Smith &Co. Where I was out shot by a girl, Sara LaFever, that made me move over to Deep Creek and just look at guns for two days before Uncle Bob and his buddy Tom lured me back onto the course . A few weeks latter and the not to be missed Ribfest in the Endless Mountain's at Ernie's was the backdrop for more grouse gun practice. Here I did better. I couldn't say it was Ernie's scotch as some suggested, because that came latter honest. But Uncle Bob was chilled out on something because I witnessed him run a 47 all on camera because we had Paul Fuller filming and shooting with us. Humbled again I had nothing to loose and grabbed the speed gun a Parker GH Damascus in the process as we say, with Brian Dudley. Rough shaped and no trigger guard it was sure to illicit comment. Rich you really were missed, and missed a wonderful opportunity. Ohio SxS and I took it to the pattern board, where the drops proved out wonderfully and then I splattered my glasses with paint when repainting the board and couldn't get all of the paint off. The group of Edgar, Chuck, Allan and Longbarrel 28 Daryl and .410 Smitty were kind about my gun, I feel certain it was the first time they had shot with someone spotted with whitewash. And I shot a good for me number, where were you then Sara?


:bigbye: :rolleyes:

[Dave Noreen]

I've tried in the past to explain to you easterners that this is a grouse gun --

65676

but you just don't seem to be grasping the concept.

[edgarspencer]

I once owned a C grade 20 bore in 95% condition that I bought from Gary Herman many years ago.

Tom, That may well have been my gun. I bought it at the Old Safari Outfitters, and never once took it out. I gave it to Gary to sell for me and I think he sold it at the Orvis (Sandanona) Game Fair. (coincidentally, this weekend is their big to do)

[Tom Flanigan]

Tom, That may well have been my gun. I bought it at the Old Safari Outfitters, and never once took it out. I gave it to Gary to sell for me and I think he sold it at the Orvis (Sandanona) Game Fair. (coincidentally, this weekend is their big to do)

It could well be the same gun. How many CE 20 bore guns with 25" factory full choke barrels do you see. I bought the gun from Gary, but not at Sandanona or the Connecticut store. Gary had one of the Invincibles on display in Connecticut. People doubted that it was a true Invincible and was probably an upgrade. But Gary always insisted that it was the real deal and time has proved he was right.

[Dean Romig]

Dave - in the East we prefer to shoot our grouse on the wing....:whistle:

Maybe the "Partridge type sights" has you confused??




.

[Tom Flanigan]

I've tried in the past to explain to you easterners that this is a grouse gun --

65676

but you just don't seem to be grasping the concept.


That’s a Canadian grouse gun. My Saskatchewan French Canadian friends shot a lot of grouse by riding the wooded area roads in the evening and ground swatting them. They were in it for the meat and usually shot .410 shotguns, but a real purist would use a rifle or handgun. I rode with a pretty young lady one night for the heck of it. She whacked three that evening and I was cringing, especially when she steeped on the wings and pulled up on the legs to strip off the breasts. It was barbaric. Only the breasts were loaded into the car. Her mother told me she was brought up on eating grouse and never wanted to eat another. She was incredulous when I said I hunted them with my setter. She responded, “why would you do that? You can get all you want riding the roads in the evening”. I didn’t try to explain. It would have been lost on her. The folks up there are meat hunters, pure and simple. Most don’t have a lot of money and grouse on the table means lower food bills.

Most of the ducks and geese I shot each day went to the aboriginal people. I also left most of the moose and bear I killed with them, only taking about 75 lbs. home. The aboriginal’s loved to eat ducks and geese but they don’t shoot them because of the cost of shells. Each shell has to account for a lot of meat. They save their cartridges (mostly 30-30) for moose and deer. They loved me for the ducks and geese I gave them and became close friends. They would watch my setter for me when I was off hunting larger game. They gave me permission to hunt all tribal lands. I appreciated the gesture, but I could hunt anywhere up there. However, it was an honor and I was grateful. They are wonderful people.

[todd allen]

Those little 20 gauge Trojans are jewels! What length are the barrels, 26" or 28"?

.
Trojan number 228335 is a 28" BBLd gun. It's a sweet handling little gun, that's been neglected for far too many years, in deference to it's higher graded kin that it has shared safe space with for all these years. This gun deserves to go North this year to do what it was built for.

[James L. Martin]

I also have a 20ga Trojan 28" and everyone who see's it can't believe how good it looks and feels.

[Dean Romig]

Trojan number 228335 is a 28" BBLd gun. It's a sweet handling little gun, that's been neglected for far too many years, in deference to it's higher graded kin that it has shared safe space with for all these years. This gun deserves to go North this year to do what it was built for.


I agree with you wholeheartedly! It needs to get out there and be allowed to 'do its stuff'...

Dave Suponski has a great little Trojan 20 with 28" barrels too and you should have seen him put the "smack down" on a quickly disappearing grouse. I couldn't believe he hit that bird (and others) as it disappeared over a knoll in the Vermont uplands... but when we got there it wasn't even twitching. A very pretty cock bird!





.

[Garry L Gordon]

My 20 gauge Trojan also spends most days in the safe, and it's in nice enough original condition, I'm not sure that the grouse woods are the place for it. It has really tight chokes and 26 inch barrels, so I keep telling myself that I would never hit a grouse anyway. Logic is wasted in the face of the irrelevant (with apologies to Mr. McQuarrie).

[todd allen]

That is a beautiful Trojan! Maybe too nice to hunt with. Mine is in okay shape, nice and tight, etc, but certainly not too nice to take to the field.
The backstory on my gun, I bought it back then to fill a niche in my meager collection. It sat in the corner of my safe, unfired by me for close to 25 years. One day, my buddy comes out to do some quail hunting. I open the safe, to grab one of the usual's, which means usually my 32" VHE. The little Trojan winked at me, and I said what the heck.
I walked a sandy river bottom, a GSP on each side, and my buddy blocking from the top. We got into a covey, one of the dogs pushed em out, and I was banging 25 yard crossers.
The first shot I ever fired out of that little gun smoked a Gambels - mid river. We collected a small hand full of birds that day, and I never touched the back trigger. I have to assume the left barrel works too.
I have to give up ejectors, to hunt with the Trojan, but nothing else.

[Dean Romig]

Not having ejectors is no handicap at all.





.

[Garry L Gordon]

That is a beautiful Trojan! Maybe too nice to hunt with. Mine is in okay shape, nice and tight, etc, but certainly not too nice to take to the field.
The backstory on my gun, I bought it back then to fill a niche in my meager collection. It sat in the corner of my safe, unfired by me for close to 25 years. One day, my buddy comes out to do some quail hunting. I open the safe, to grab one of the usual's, which means usually my 32" VHE. The little Trojan winked at me, and I said what the heck.
I walked a sandy river bottom, a GSP on each side, and my buddy blocking from the top. We got into a covey, one of the dogs pushed em out, and I was banging 25 yard crossers.
The first shot I ever fired out of that little gun smoked a Gambels - mid river. We collected a small hand full of birds that day, and I never touched the back trigger. I have to assume the left barrel works too.
I have to give up ejectors, to hunt with the Trojan, but nothing else.

Todd,

It's a funny thing how a gun can "have its day" and make you feel like you can't miss. I've also had other days with a "pulled from the safe" gun where I couldn't hit anything. Obviously changing guns is tough on your shooting, especially when the guns have different dimensions, but, hey, it makes for great excuses when you miss...and for a memorable day (like yours) when things work. The clean left barrel and a decent bag is a day to remember for sure!

[todd allen]

Not having ejectors is no handicap at all.


.

Except on desert quail. They have two shot and reload timing down to an art. Lone bird flushes. Bang bang - empty - then the birds start flying, with the easiest shots timed with an empty gun. Seen it too many times.
Quail can count to two ; )

[todd allen]

Todd,

It's a funny thing how a gun can "have its day" and make you feel like you can't miss. I've also had other days with a "pulled from the safe" gun where I couldn't hit anything. Obviously changing guns is tough on your shooting, especially when the guns have different dimensions, but, hey, it makes for great excuses when you miss...and for a memorable day (like yours) when things work. The clean left barrel and a decent bag is a day to remember for sure!
Yeah, that excuse works both ways. If you're at a big shoot, and one of the vendors hands you a nice (read expensive) gun, and says "try this one for a couple a rounds" You're in trouble! Chances are, you will shoot that gun lights-out, at least until you actually own it. Then the "new gun" thing can double back on you, especially if you're trying to impress someone with your shooting prowess. Then you can claim the "new gun" excuse for missing.
Ask me how I know all this.

[Rich Anderson]

Brett on your to or from Wisconsin stop by and we can do a hunt.

I'm just over a week away from heading to camp for a month or so. I have the guns picked out....well sort of but this I know for sure my first trip to the coverts will be with hunting buddies old and new. It will be Ike's debut for grouse and I'll have Gunner's gun along to guide the way.

[Brett Hoop]

Rich

Many Thanks!!! It's on my list of must do things. Hope you and Ike cerebrated his birthday the 13th. Just like you and Ike, I am looking forward to this first season with Buzz. Weather has been hot and making it a little tuff to get as much work in as I would like. Those footsteps in the leafs you are certain to hear at some point, our boys never leave us so long as we take our memories of them along. Something we never have to worry about forgetting in the truck. Good Luck.

[Rich Anderson]

Brett you have the cell number just give a call Ike and I will be there.

[Rick McKenzie]

Went out yesterday in the mist with my 28" Damascus GH, choked skeet and IC. Flushed 3 birds, all back in the trees. Never saw them, just heard them. There was an enormous rainbow as I walked down to the car, it was nice even with no shot fired.

[Russell E. Cleary]

Is this a bona fide Grouse gun?

If I can break away and get upcountry next month I will certainly be taking the 0-framed, 26” barreled, 16-gauge VH that I bought a few years back. It is one gun in my small battery that I won’t need spreader loads for, as it is factory-choked cylinder and modified.

It was originally sold through the old-time Boston sporting goods retailer and importer, Iver Johnson. Shipped in July of 1907, I can only imagine where it might have been; what game it might have taken and what outdoorsmen (or, outdoors-lady) might have owned it.

Below are some pictures. It was restored long before I bought it, and no one seems to know who did it. Neither the Bachelder; Del Grego nor Turnbull shops have any record of having had it.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

well, I'm getting in a little late here, but Garry, I have your dream grouse gun-- a
DHE 16 O frame 26" cyl/Mod, straight grip, from 1905, weighing in at 6 lbs on the nose.
Ive just got a new laptop and don't have any of my photos downloaded yet.
Russell, I have a VH 20 with 26" cyl/M--a great choke combo

[Michael Murphy]

I happened upon a basically unfired, custom 20 ga. Francotte a couple of years ago. 25" barrels and it weighs 4lbs 11 oz.. That will occompany a Parker Repro 20Ga., 26" Barrel Q1 - Q2 toy!

[Garry L Gordon]

well, I'm getting in a little late here, but Garry, I have your dream grouse gun-- a
DHE 16 O frame 26" cyl/Mod, straight grip, from 1905, weighing in at 6 lbs on the nose.
Ive just got a new laptop and don't have any of my photos downloaded yet.
Russell, I have a VH 20 with 26" cyl/M--a great choke combo

Harold,

Yikes!! That sounds like a darned nice Parker. Post photos when you get the chance so I can really "dream" about it. My DH 16 is on a #1 frame and on the heavier side, but it's still a joy to use. When I hunt in the mountains, I carry a lighter gun so that I can hold the gun in one hand and hang on for dear life with the other. I am sure you know exactly what I mean.

[Rich Anderson]

I really do have about as perfect a grouse gun as there is but what fun is that?
I call it the "meat gun" a DHE straight grip 20 with 26 inch tubes cyl/IC. I bought it years ago and it's my first graded Parker.

[Bill Murphy]

Grouse guns? I don't think I have posted here in eight pages. OK, here goes. My shortened, chokeless 24" DHE 16 that I bought on this site, #1 frame, not the lightest, but maybe the best. My 24" original Damascus GHE 16, part of an original three barrel set, lighter than my DHE 24" 16, but not a bit better in the grouse woods except a few ounces lighter. My Francotte 28 gauge Knockabout ejector, 4 pounds, 13 ounces, uncomfortable to shoot with USA standard loads on the skeet field, but just right in the woods. Last, and maybe the best, my probably unique J.P. Sauer 10 gauge 26" six pound four ounce Krupp steel wonder gun with a bit of choke. None of these guns are probably worth anything in any atmosphere but the grouse woods, the first three maybe in the quail fields, but in those places, they truly excel.

[Tom Flanigan]

Grouse guns? I don't think I have posted here in eight pages. OK, here goes. My shortened, chokeless 24" DHE 16 that I bought on this site, #1 frame, not the lightest, but maybe the best. My 24" original Damascus GHE 16, part of an original three barrel set, lighter than my DHE 24" 16, but not a bit better in the grouse woods except a few ounces lighter. My Francotte 28 gauge Knockabout ejector, 4 pounds, 13 ounces, uncomfortable to shoot with USA standard loads on the skeet field, but just right in the woods. Last, and maybe the best, my probably unique J.P. Sauer 10 gauge 26" six pound four ounce Krupp steel wonder gun with a bit of choke. None of these guns are probably worth anything in any atmosphere but the grouse woods, the first three maybe in the quail fields, but in those places, they truly excel.


Bill, I think you showed me that 16 GH three barrel set when we had dinner at Jeff's. As I recall, that was a high condition gun and the barrels were original Parker black and white in new type condition. That was a beautiful gun and I remember thinking "where the hell does he come up with this stuff".

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Rich, that does sound like the perfect grouse gun--I've probably seen it, but just cant recall.
Bill, I had a little Italian Breda 28 ga OU w/ double triggers 4 lbs 14 oz, that would beat the snot out of you--after you pulled the first trigger, you didn't want to pull the back trigger. I traded it at Hausmanns to a gun dealer who loved it, and with alittle extra ended up with a GH 16 O frame Damascus that I shoot a lot.

[allen newell]

For grouse and woodcock here inNew England it has to be a 26 inch barreled Parker, Fox or LC Smith 16 ga.

[charlie cleveland]

for quail here in mississippi when we had plenty a 26 inch barrel was the excepted barrel with open chokes....my dad shot a lc smith for years....charlie

[Kenneth V Jones]

I have a thing for 20 ga guns too. My first Parker is a Repro with two triggers, pistol grip, 26" barrels and splinter forearm DHE. I since aquired two Trojans, 26" and 28". I just in the past month came across a VH 16 ga on an "O" frame. I also have a Sterlingworth with 26" pipes.
The sad part is there are no grouse in Ohio.
KJ

[Tom Flanigan]

I guess you and I have a different perspective on 26" barrels for New England grouse. I have a PHE 26" Parker 20 bore with fluid steel barrels and open chokes. The perfect grouse gun? I don't think so. I would prefer another two inches on those barrels or even better, four inches. Longer barrels don't get caught in brush and they can be handled with one hand in brush if the gun is light enough. Twenty six inch barrels are what everybody thinks of when it comes to grouse. But I have taken most of my grouse with a 28" 20 bore improved cylinder and modified. I like the longer barrels. Grouse shooting in tight cover is instinctive shooting and to my way of thinking, longer barrels are better at this.

I agree that the 16 bore with open chokes is the ultimate grouse gun. Probably my best shooting percentage wise was with a 16 bore and one ounce #9 loads. The perfect grouse load in my opinion.

[Todd Poer]

People like what they like. I have 26 inch and 28 inch barrel bird guns. I hit or miss equally well with both. As long as weight of gun is between your hands and maybe a tad forward I don't think barrel length makes much difference if gun points where your looking and you have footwork and gun mount dialed in. I think there was a stigma with older guns is that if you wanted open chokes it had to be a 26 inch barreled gun.

As far as gauge and round, its hard to beat a 16 and 20 gauge in grouse woods with a proper load. Really like 28 gauge going after plantation quail but just feel a bit under gunned with a 28 gauge going after grouse.

Wild quail back to 16 and 20 gauge.

[Garry L Gordon]

The best barrel length, weight, and gauge? Just check the gun you shoot best and have the most confidence in and it will tell you the best configuration. But let's not forget that the never-ending search for an even better configuration is most likely why we are members of organizations like this.

[Todd Poer]

True. Or better yet in weak attempt to stay hip and relative. Word.

[Tom Flanigan]

The best barrel length, weight, and gauge? Just check the gun you shoot best and have the most confidence in and it will tell you the best configuration. But let's not forget that the never-ending search for an even better configuration is most likely why we are members of organizations like this.

I agree with that statement completely. Confidence is key. We all have our preferences based on which guns we have had the most success with. For me its longer barrels, for another it might be 24" barrels. We have different opinions based on individual experience. I find it fun to state my opinion and discuss it with others some of whom might disagree. But I am very careful to say "in my opinion" when I make a statement based purely on a perspective that doesn't lend itself to empirical evidence. It's all good.

[Tom Flanigan]

Except on desert quail. They have two shot and reload timing down to an art. Lone bird flushes. Bang bang - empty - then the birds start flying, with the easiest shots timed with an empty gun. Seen it too many times.
Quail can count to two ; )
t
I have never hunted desert quail but I always wanted to. I think thte Mearns is one of the most beautiful game birds. I've wanted to take one since I was a kid.

Very early in the season before the broods break up, one can have the same situation on grouse. I've run into a situation many times where one flushes followed by the others and there you are with an empty gun. One reason I always liked ejectors. Plus I love hearing the thunk. Hearing the thunk and smelling freshly fired paper cases are wonderful simple pleasures.

[Kenneth V Jones]

I too am starting to favor 28" barrels. I took my Trojan out for sporting clays last weekend and i do a little better with it.
I see Kenny Graft thanked me on my post. I stopped and talked to you at your shop when I first got the 16 VH.

KJ

[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.

[Tom Flanigan]

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.

[Michael 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 Lee 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.

[James L. Martin]

Today's grouse gun on opening day in New York, got lucky killed 3 with a Winchester Model 21 in 20ga.

[charlie cleveland]

good shooting with a nice gun...no grouse were i live....great picture of a great hunt....charlie

[Karl Ferguson]

James looks like you had an awesome hunt with an awesome gun !!!

I have the same gun that weighs exactly 6 lbs and is probably my favorite bird gun.

[James L. Martin]

It's one of my favorite guns, a 26" tournament grade dt, ae, sf, 6" 7' made in 1936 I think.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

wow, in this game of "Grouse gun show and tell", I declare you the winner.
3 birds on opening day, my hat is off to you.
I used to be able to shoot my 3 bird limit in ohio on opening day, before the demise of the southern Appalachian grouse population.

[Ted Hicks]

That's off to a great start in New York! Congrats, good shooting and nice gun too. I'm going out tomorrow in the Newcomb area of the Adirondacks for the day to see if I can find any. I'll be taking a Browning Lightning and Parker GH with me. Both are 20 ga, 26" barrels choked IC and Mod. Not sure which one I'll use...probably the Parker.

[Garry L Gordon]

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

Thanks!!!! The gun is exceptional as described— the dogs are even better. “Thank God for a dog like that, and a gun like that...”. (Sorry for the butchered quotation, but I hope it communicates.)

[Harold Lee Pickens]

One of my favorite grouse guns, a real beater VHE 20 that someone cut the barrels from 28 to 26.5"(why?). The ejectors still work well, someday may have to clean the old girl up.
RIP, Shiner

[Bruce Day]

43 rain and wind in northern Minnesota. Rained out wet and cold, went to Reeds for the afternoon. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny then maybe snow this weekend.

[Brett Hoop]

Mr Day, Thanks for the report. Any news is good news. It will be a few more sleeps before I head that direction, but the fire that moves me is building and it requires little kindling. Hope the weather settles some for you and that the rain has cleared a few shooting lanes.

[Jay (deleted)]

I have a small group of grouse guns. I’m most effective with a VHE 20 bore but enjoy hunting most with a Peter Chapman 20 bore.