George; I actually enjoy the hunting and following leads as much as I enjoy the finding, at least with the hunting my cash is still in my pocket ! Its always a real treat to find one though isn't it ? I have a friend who collects Pre 64 ,Model 70's ,and hes so bad with the " Winchesteritis " , he starts shaking, and sweating ! I really get a kick out of him when he tells the story after hes found a keeper !

Haveing both Winchesteritus AND Parkeritus adds many a mile to the old buggy and keeps the checkbook in a state of needing a stimulus package. I'm drooling and coniving over a M70 in the upcoming Julia auction. I'll be in Wyoming but might place a bid anyway.

I was out shopping at a local gun show today, and the guy almost had me , a hammer ,top lever gun, a No. 2 Grade with extra nice engraving but the butt plate was cracked in half and about 1/2" chip off of the bottom of the stock was missing and also the same size piece missing off the plate, that wasn't too bad for the price ,but then I discovered the bulges in both barrels about 2 " down from the end of the muzzle,once I mentioned this to the seller he really lowered the price but I decided against it . I must have taken the right medication for the " Parkeritis " this morning before going to the show and kept it under control !

There's medicine?:shock:

Not for you Rich . . . :nono: . . . you're waaay beyond that stage.

Why, I'm surprised they even take your blood anymore :rotf:

I hope you're going to the Vintager's - you can get even with me then.

I'm giving the blood thing a rest for a while. Twice a week was lowering my protien levels to much. It's Grouse season and I'll need my strength to move the 00 frame 28 at lightening speeds through the thick brambel:rolleyes:

Actually I might start selling blood again this winter to help fund a sweet little Fox 20 I know the whereabouts of:)

I won't be at the Vintagers as I have Deer and Antelope tags for Wyoming and leave 10/1 for 12 days.

Dave, Eric and I head for the first Grouse Camp of the season tomorrow and its three and a half days of Parkers, Pointers, cold beer and other noteable elixers.

I'll be thinking of you guys all weekend. I wish you the best of times and good shooting to you all. Be safe . . . I know you will. Remember, they'll be close flushes and the leaves are still on.
I always shoot no. 8 shot for denser patterns in the early fall because of the thick foliage and then I go to 7 later in the season for better down range energy when flushes will be longer and I don't have to concern myself with foliage blowing up my patterns. You guys have been doing it long enough that you have your own method that works for you.
Remember, Maine next year!