Damn the pay grade(s)! Buy what you want and if that means chummying up with the lady at the credit union, go for it!! The term "budget" is like a noose around your neck when the one you've always wanted comes up at auction. Bust a move and think like a businessman - finance and duration of terms (e.g., buyer's premium and line of credit extentions). Once you spend your first $10K on a gun, it starts you thinking......how did I do this??

No argument from me, Garry. The grip cap treatment, beginning with the grade 5 were 'just right'. I also like finding them with engraved initials. Sometimes a letter sheds light on them, sometimes not, but that just adds a little mystique .

To Craigs point, I too find the earlier gun engravers put a little extra effort into their detail.

OK; I’ll re-phrase my “paygrade” statement. The fact is that shotguns are not my only hobby, nor the only thing I choose to spend my money on. And to that end, the guns I own. - plebeian as they may be - are exactly what I choose to own. I’d never spend $10k on a shotgun even though the lady at the credit union would approve the loan. Just not that important to me.

I really like any Parker hammer gun grade 3 and above. The bolster sculpting that was done starting at grade 3 level is hands down some of the nicest styling that one could ask for on a gun. And a set of Bernard barrels would sweeten it even more. So I guess I would say a grade C (4) Parker hammer gun.

I would have to agree with Brian on the Parker hammer guns, not so much a fan of the low grade with round bolsters, but the grade 2 with sculpted breeches and then they just get better as the grade goes higher.
I haven’t owned nearly all the American hammer guns, but but in my opinion, Parker hammer guns are as good as it gets!
Ithaca NID’s grade 3 are one of my favorites, of course grade 5’s and 7’s are attractive also:)

Did someone say they’re not a fan of gold:bigbye:

Don't forget for that classic styling and overall solid construction, Crescent Arms hammer guns are hard to beat. Just sayin'. :corn:

Can't verify that without pictures, just saying.

Brian, I note you are moving forward from the Black Beauty . I, too, like the sculpting on the Parker hammer guns.

https://i.imgur.com/9UgJcCn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/g2X1vUf.jpg

Gun Grades
 

Like the guy said when you spend 10,000.00 the first thing you think is why did I do that, It was the same as my first Rolex, 15000.00 but I wanted it and bought it some asked why I needed it, I said it had nothing to do with need only want.

Ron