[TARNATION !!!]

That's one grouse season that never closes here. Whilst enjoying morning coffee, the doorbell rang, Charlie and Kyra immediately investigated and the postal service got a royal welcome. After all was settled down and Charlie remembered that she really likes this guy, I signed for the Trojan. Opened the package and found the old case to be in sad condition (not unexpected) and "locked". No key anywhere. Never having had success as a lock-picker, I called the seller and was told, it is only latched - push down on the top because of the bubble wrap inside and I could slide the lock cover to the right and find my gun. Did that and found a "decent" Trojan. By that, I mean a safe shooter and not a collector piece (not unexpected). The wood work is not a quality fit to the metal and there are some suspect screws in the floor plate. Barrels, trigger guard, floor plate, top lever, safety button all very blued. Frame looks like there might be some case color but there is a lot of black/grey smudging (is that an attempt at re-coloring??). The barrels are on face but without the forend in place, there is some wiggle room between lugs and frame. (suggests a lot of use???) The top lever sits slightly left of center again suggesting a lot of use The butt has a red rubber pad and black spacer. Assembled it and it feels totally tight. Had a look at my flying mount pheasant, shouldered this gun and I'm thinking, good to go for October. It will be the first Parker shot this year but the others will get there turns. Pictures will follow but right now mother reminded me that I should be setting up a dog kennel, so off to that project.

Cheers,
Jack