[Bruce Day]

This is a gun with issues, yet in an important way, it is one I hold most dear, for it was given to me by a great man, Austin Hogan. He knew I liked C Bernards and surprised me with this gift at an annual meeting some years ago. The gun is originally from Portsmouth NH and was obtained by Austin "in terrible condition". He has spent time and money with it, so have I, and I treasure it because it came from him.

The 12ga Bernard barrels are cut by two inches to 28" and have about .008 of constriction. They are marked as 6lbs, so they are quite heavy for a 2 frame gun. The 10ga Damascus barrels are upland barrels, 26" uncut and cylinder chokes. With the 10's the gun weighs a little under 7 1/2 lbs, with the 12's , about 8 1/2. I have shot some heavy loads with the 12's including Remington Hevi-Shot on my occasional waterfowl hunts. It handles heavy loads the best of any of my guns including a Model 21 and a Browning Double Auto.

The stock has a visible crack repaired by Austin, maybe someday I'll send it to Dennis Smith. I'm in no hurry. The stock has normal drop , about 2 3/4" DAH so its very shootable. I could put a skeleton butt plate back on if I found an old Parker plate, but again, no hurry.

Its an 1889 gun, a very early C and an early Bernard, and an early two barrel set, kinda neat. Its missing the spare barrel forend, I'd like to find it someday. Look at the engraving if you please, look at the detail and the artistry. Some people say the Parker dogs are not well done, look at these if you will, because I can't see how they could be better. And some others don't like elk or deer engraving, well, I sure like this scene.

So, THANKS AUSTIN. This is a gift beyond value and I treasure it.