Milton,
Thank you for starting this thread. I purchased my first side by side about a year and a half ago at 65 years old. I took about 40 years off from hunting because of my business responsibilities. I purchased a beautifully restored 12 gauge fox A grade from a guy that is a member here and in the fox forum. I have always wanted a 16 gauge, I was looking at a gun dealers ad last year and he had a 16 gauge and the ad said "it hits like a 12 and carries like a 20" for some reason that really stuck in my head. Now I own 3-16 gauge side by sides, I got a nice 16 gauge vh that was restored from a member in here. I really like that gun, I have 2 fox 16 gauge shotguns that are original, and I also understand the beauty of an unrestored gun now too. I cannot thank the members in here enough and in the fox forum for all of their help/advice. I have met some members in person, and they are really great guys. When I bought the parker, we met in Grayling, I was so excited I held that gun in my hands, shouldered it a few times I shook the sellers hand, went back and put the gun in my gun case and sat down in the car and it was one of the most satisfying feelings I have ever had. I looked down at my passenger seat to check to see if there was any calls or texts on my cell phone and there was my money still in the banks envelope still sitting there. I jumped out of the car, the seller was getting ready to pull out and I gave him his money. We both had a good laugh about that. I often feel like a "kid" again with these shotguns, and with our first bird dog my wife and I acquired a couple of years ago. Milton, I hope you continue your pursuits, its nice to see a younger man with your enthusiasm. Thanks, Ed Norman
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