Pheasant Fest Rendezvou
 

Hey folks, first and foremost I would like to say it was an honor meeting some of you from this organization at pheasant fest. Truly an outstanding group.

My story starts similar to a lot of yours or anyone reading this. GRANDPAS GUN. However that gun, a glossy catalog from a local gun dog supply store as kid, followed by an English Setter and itch to feel history and nostalgia have lead me on paths I could have never dreamt about.
As a young’n there was always that 1 gun that sat in grandpas gun case that had my attention. You guessed it, the Parker. It didn’t matter what else was in there at any time. That gun had a story and I needed to hear it and feel it. Grandpas story was, he spent a whole summer working in the early 30’s to buy that gun second hand for $13 just so he could rabbit hunt with his family. By the time I was around, the gun had made it to a safe place being to timid to shoot it with modern loads and Damascus barrels. There was that 1 time with a few cardboard shells he had,we took it out. The feel, the history, the smell of those shells. I was DOOMED! Being around folks with gun dogs didn’t help this looming disease. Later in life I ended up with my Setter. While he was just a pup, grandpa was in hospice care and we just spent hours upon hours talking about bird dogs and beagles…… and that old Parker. He left me with “Ryan, this fall, when I get out of this bed, I want to see that pup work. And I’m going to get the Parker out for it.” What I would give to have that opportunity. A few years later as grandma decided she needed to part with some things, I was awarded the honor of being the next generation. Unsure what to do I did some research. I ended up sending the gun away to have new springs put in it and have it tightened up. Turned out that glossy catalog sold RST. I was in business. When the gun smith asked if I wanted the gun refinished, I said no. When questioned about my choice, it was because how that gun looks and feels is how I’ve always known it and you can bet its going to get used. Before my kiddo is handed this gun it might be time for a face lift. Fast forward a decade of life and building a family and careers. That old Parker, that same Setter that pert near made grandpa stand up out of bed, are still in the PA woods. Theres now several business wrapped up around this disease and I get to handle several of these pieces of historical art a week. I genuinely feel blessed that life has taken the courses it has all while the roots grow deeper. Life is short. Hug a Setter, shoot a Parker, and chase everything you can from goals to nostalgia.

Welcome Ryan. Where in PA are you located? I’m up in Susquehanna County.

Thank you. Clearifeld county is home. But we are everywhere for business

Hey, Ryan,

Elaine and I really enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the folks at LCS. I'm so glad you followed up with your story of your Parker and your pup. As so many of us who are caretakers of "Old Reliable," we know the story behind the gun is what really matters and the gun is what condenses so many wonderful days into what is far from just an inanimate object.

I look forward to seeing your growing participation in our Association. Our best to you and your family (which, of course, includes dogs!).

Garry Gordon & Elaine De Jovin

PS The quotation from your post below expresses eloquently what so many of us who lead the sporting life feel -- thanks!

(The photo below is of Ryan and a couple of old codgers from our group at the Pheasant Fest.:))

Old Codgers!! I was the youngest of those two codgers! BWAHAHAHA!!

Ryan, now that I see the photo and know you’re from LCS, the synapses are firing. Memory jogged!! It was nice to meet you and I am sure we’ll cross paths again.

Sorry, Mike, you may have been the youngest, but…it’s all relative. :rotf:

So now I’m old through osmosis!! :rotf::rotf:

You’re only young once, but you can be immature forever.

Words to live by.

Or..... I may grow old but I refuse to grow up.

Let’s get a T-Shirt with that printed on it.

Truth. Be careful, we might scare Ryan off!

I’m in!

I don’t scare easily and after meeting you folks I don’t believe you hold that ability. I would like to throw a little plug out there if that’s ok
I’m sure some are familiar but doubleshotguns.com the gun room of Lion Country Supply consistently has some Parkers sitting on the shelf and willing to ship. There is a gorgeous reproduction that turnbull had, a 20 VHE, and a G currently. As well as many other vintage guns Thanks folks

Hey Ryan,

What a wonderful story. I am glad you took the time to share it with us, and I am glad that I had the chance to meet you and all the “Lion Country” family at the Pheasant Fest.

Elaine

Some men die of old age some of advanced boyhood.

I’ve been to LCS. Nice store with plenty of dogs to pet. Last time I was there no Parkers were on the racks but Sammy did buy a Benelli M2 in 20g.

Jimmy, I may be a bad influence but I’ll never lead you astray.

Ryan, it was nice meeting you at Pheasant Fest. I hope to see you at one of our events in NE Pa.