Dean and Jay, I find it so interesting the path u guys have chosen to pursue. Thanks. I try to keep opened minded about likes in guns different than mine. Sometimes it leads you to an interest you never thought your would never investigate.

I have enough trouble getting the gun to my shoulder and getting the safety off without having to worry about pulling hammers back. I don't have anything about hammer guns they're just not my cup of tea

There is a lot more to Parker shooting than grouse hunting in heavy cover. Of course, a hammer gun may not be ideal for those conditions. I still like them. I shot Pennsylvania pheasants and quail for a season when I was a teenager with a Sauer side by side 16x9.3x72 hammer gun and had no trouble cocking and mounting and had even less trouble with the single shot situation.

I should also add to this that I am a composite barrel fanatic and love my 16s, 20s and one 28ga. in that category. That’s something that will always get me excited.

On hammer guns, I would suggest as fact not opinion, that Parker made the best American hammer guns. In addition, a lifter is just perfection within that realm. Hunting/shooting with hammer guns becomes second nature after a few outings.

A #2 frame 12 gauge lifter is a bargain in any grade in today's market. Plus, in my experience with those heavier lifters you can shoot any off the self 1oz. loads for clays and load up some hotter loads on your own for hunting if needed.

I still love the hammer guns Craig but they are not as practical for me with hunting without a dog. If I come across the right heavier 10 or 12 for water fowling could easily be lead down another rabbit hole.

Pulled a round of sporting clays yesterday for 3 friends all shooting hammer guns. Parker, Ithaca and LC Smith; all 3 works of art in elegance and style in their own way, each well over 100 yrs. old. All good shooters and a treat to watch the "grandpa guns" smash clays and leave black puffballs in the sky! Like watching and listening to vintage string instruments in play.

It was great shooting with you yesterday Kevin as it was with Rick and John. The weather was perfect, the lunch was good. And yeah, those 136 year old hammer guns in my case are just a blast to shoot. Although my left thumb is twice the size of ny right after cocking the hammers 250+ times. 1889 grade 2 with 32" beautiful damascus tubes.