Literally thousands of crows roost along the Merrimack River in Haverhill every evening. Drove through them once again yesterday on our way to Freeport.

Thanks Russ, and no I must of caught him at a weak moment.


Dean, any place to hunt those birds in Haverhill?

I don't know if the "discharge of" is allowed in Haverhill. There is enough illegitimate gunfire going on there I should think the constabulary might become distracted by gunfire coming from a new quarter. :shock:

Early Top action
 

I obtained this top action from the late Eldon Owen a few years before his death. It is packed in a fitted shooting box, that includes loading tools, powder shot and wads. I have carefully disciplined myself against cleaning it up. It appears to be an example of a well used, but well cared for gun of the era. The pictures do not do it justce, as I just made them indoors with flash. The steel butt plate, locks, hammers and floorplate retain some original color. Notice the black powder fouling in all the recesses.

Best, Austin

Early Top Action
 

Hee is a look at surviving color on the lock.

Best, Austin

Austin, now that you mention "black powder fouling" I wonder if this fouling might account for what is sometimes believed to be "ink" or "paint" put on the engraving in order to enhance it . . . ?

Austin, I really like to see the gun and case with acutriments, I find the old cases and loading tools of the day interesting.
Thanks Bob

Here's one for ya Bob. Not my gun though...

That's some good stuff there, I'll keep my eye open and maybe some day.
Thanks Dave