I've been checking the local WMAs that have sunflower fields. We have been in the throes of a 2-year drought, but it looks like between some sunflowers that made and the ragweed that did well without moisture...and the State mowing the fields recently, we may just have a decent first day in Missouri. It's a hard choice as to which gun to take, but I have narrowed it down to two new-to-me Parkers: a PH and CH. The PH is choked a little tighter, but the CH has one very open choke and another very tight (always a nice combo). I'm glad to see that others have been scheming for this opener. Summer lasts far too long! Soon after the dove opener we'll have our early teal season -- yet another chance to break in a new gun!!

DHE & VHE both 16's, 32", F/F. Might play with a VHE 20 some, 32" of course :)

The killer VH 12ga mod and full 26in.. Gh 12ga cyl and full 30in Damascus. Gh 12ga full and full 30in Parker Spec Steel if it arrives on time. I sure hope we don't have another hurricane come through next week and drive the birds out like it did last year. Going to a new place that looks very good with sunflowers and corn. Must be 250 acres.Lots of birds.Hope there are enough shooters to keep the birds flying. I can't wait. At what age does this quit making a fellow excited? Hope everyone has a great season. Gerald

PS Just ate my last 12 Sunday from last year. I cooked them on the grill with some streak o lean.Best streak o lean I ever ate.

I would love to do a hunt with that C 20 hammer! At least I got to handle it a couple of times in Vegas.

We've mandated 20's or 28's for opening day (9/01). I'll be packing my OO frame 30" VHE 28 with insanely tight chokes. The following days will still be with a smallbore 20, not in any particular order, a 30" Fox, 32"DHE, 30" Wm. Ford hammer, and so on and so on. Nothing bigger than a 20 though. Just would'nt be sporting. Good luck to all.

I believe that a 30" dhe 16 with a vent rib will get the first hunt this year over a friends seed corn field. This 16 will get the second hunt.

Hope to be able to hunt all weekend. Since right barrel on my VH20 ruptured last weekend (see WTB section), PHE16, VHE12 and GH10 will be in the truck. Hoping the birds show up.

What!. Your VH20 gun had a rupture.

4lb. Laminated steel belgian hammer .410, and my VH 16 28”ic-im 16 day one...Lindner Diamond Daly 20 and my DeHaan custom .410 day 2

GH 20, with 26 inch barrels, choked IM and Full.