The Perfect Gun

[Gary Laudermilch]

Well, lets see, order a new Parker just for grouse. For me it would likely be a G grade 20 ga., 26 in. barrels, prince of whales grip and double triggers with upgraded wood. I might jump up to a D grade if the current engravers know what a setter on point and a grouse look like and can duplicate it on steel. It should weigh between 6-10 and 6-12. I would specify, not where it balances in relation to the pin but, rather, that 60% of its weight is between the hands. I would have it choked at .004 and .012. Also, because I am not sure where future regulations are going, I would specify that the barrels tolerate steel shot just in case the government takes full control of everything before I fire my last shot. Perhaps the barrels should be brazed together instead of soldered since I intend to practice alot at clays with it in the off season. Yes, I know it will probably cost in excess of $12,000.

Oh, I just awoke from my daydream and realized I already have just such a beast, or nearly so. A Parker repro at a fraction of the cost and as good a grouse gun as I have ever handled. Now where to spend the money I saved. Perhaps I'll take my setters down south for an old fashioned quail hunt - just to expand my horizons. My grouse gun should work just fine on southern gentleman bob!

[Harold Pickens]

I have often entertained the thought of the perfect grouse gun. I love the 16 ga( have 9 of them), but lately have been shooting 20 ga alot. I have never been bitten by the 28 gauge bug, but have a nice little Ugartechea (LCS) Grade 1, straight grip 28 ga, but dont shoot it much.
I have a lovely DHE 16 ga, O frame, straight grip, 26" cyl/mod, 6 lbs even, that on paper would be the perfect grouse gun, but doesnt fit me well without a slip on pad. I carry it only a couple of times per year. My GH 16 O frame damascus , I shoot better. I am thinking about opening up the right barrel to cyl, as it had its barrels cut to 27" before I bought it.
I bought an old VHE 20 last year with cut barrels cyl/cyl(26 1/2), loved it for grouse hunting, not afraid to beat it around the rugged, rocky hillsides of the Appalachians--would be even better if it had a st. grip. Newest addition, a little DS Lefever 20 shows great promise for the upcoming season. So for me, a 16 or 20, straight grip, 6 lb, and cyl bored is the perfect grouse gun.
The DHE 16 and VHE 20.

[C.O.B.]

First off there is no such thing as the perfect Grouse gun. I have found the perfect gun is the one you don't own...yet. I have tried the following
Gunner's gun about as perfect as I'll ever get
VHE 28 28 inch bbls choked skt/skt straight grip DT
AAHE 28 (up grade) 26 inch IC/M and 28's M/F for the late season
DHE 20 26 inch straight stock IC/IC
VHE 20 26 inch straight stock SSt choked skt/skt
CHE 20 26 inch Damascus PG IC/M
CHE 20 28 inch IC/M straight stock
DH 16 O frame 26 inch Damascus IC/F
GH 16 O frame 28 inch Damascus IC/M
GHE 20 26 inch Damascus IC/M
H&H 20ga 26 inch IC/M

BUT IF I could order one from Parker it would be an AHE 28 straight stock, splinter, DT 28 inch bbls choked .004 and .010 on a OO frame. But after one season I'd be looking for something else...it's just the way thing are