Are opinion changing on restoring a shotgun?

[Marc Retallack]

C.O.B., Mr. Reed and Mr. Spencer,

What age group do you consider the current generation of shooters? If you mean teens and 20's, then yes, most are enamored with synthetics and semis. That, to me, is just the generation responding to fads and marketing. The pumpgun and the semi-auto contributed to the downfall of the American doublegun industry when former generations flocked to those actions for increased firepower and lower cost.

Tastes mature. I'm 40 now. I was almost 30 when an interest in classic doubles was sparked for me. Fortunately, the desire started around the time when I started to have the income to afford nicer firearms. I think for many of my generation, with all the demands of young families and kids in college, the disposable income isn't available to buy higher end guns. Given time, that will change.

There are a few of the younger generation who appreciate these guns. Danny Suponski comes to mind. From what I've learned through reading these threads, a lot of that is thanks to his father but also the community here. Take someone younger in to the fields and coverts this autumn. Let him or her use one of your doubles. Maybe you'll light a fire...

Cheers,
Marcus