I'm a collector and a shooter. I own Colts SAAs, 1911's, and Pythons -- they don't take up a lot of space -- so they get to be my safe queens. I don't own a Parker but I want one. My first shotgun at age 16 was a Parker, a borrowed one that was returned after several hunting seasons. Some great memories were made with that gun .... maybe I don't "want" one -- maybe I "need" one. I need one I can hunt with and also enjoy looking at. It needs to be good looking but not pristine. I'm thinking damascus because I don't own one and they are beautiful but so are the steel ones, especially if they area little worn but not banged up. The gun needs to fit me -- standard modern dimensions -- not easy to find but they are out there. I'm thinking 20 or 16 gauge. I'm mostly an upland hunter--pheasants, grouse, woodcock and quail. And I also enjoy vintage/classic gun sporting clays. I pretty well know what I want. Now it's just a matter of finding it.
The good news is that I have learned to enjoy the hunt and know that when I finally pull out my wallet the hunt is over. I'm told the market is soft -- that's good if you're a buyer. I don't need a high return but I don't want to take an uneducated loss. This group is very helpful and I appreciate everyone sharing their hard earned knowledge. Thanks!
|