Future of Parker Collection and Double Gun Collecting

[Hammer Gun]

All of these post have truth to them, Double guns are addictive and will always be!I collected black guns early on and pistols, My first Parker was a P grade, I was 48 years old, had heard about Parkers, Smiths, etc but they did not interest me, Then 25 years ago my collecting world changed, I studied that P grade, I must have opened and closed it a hundred times shooting at the invisible bird going across my ceiling, I finally had discovered what I had been looking for in a gun, and only realized it when I held that Parker. Yes I finally could afford to buy one now and then, 25 years later, and yes I was late getting into the game, I am a fan! Young people educated the right way will keep the tradition of the old rabbit eared gun in vogue. I also have gifted my sons several Parkers and they now have modest collections. and they are now hooked on double guns,maybe we as the PGCA needs to present a Parker to the youth shooter of the year, each year? Gary

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Gary Carmichael Sr

...maybe we as the PGCA needs to present a Parker to the youth shooter of the year, each year? Gary

I couldn't agree more. Engage the young by connecting them with the charm and magic of double guns. And sure. Have a little shooting fun arranged.

But... why re-introduce "competition" into the equation? Double guns are the reward, not the score.

So... why not have a simple drawing for the gun amongst the young shooters? They have to shoot, but they all have an equal chance to own an enchanting double gun. And get hooked!

[William McClintock]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

I couldn't agree more. Engage the young by connecting them with the charm and magic of double guns. And sure. Have a little shooting fun arranged.

But... why re-introduce "competition" into the equation? Double guns are the reward, not the score.

So... why not have a simple drawing for the gun amongst the young shooters? They have to shoot, but they all have an equal chance to own an enchanting double gun. And get hooked!

I like the idea of a drawing and something for the winner and next 3 or 4 shooters.

What about starting a Parker or American classic SxS youth shooting/instruction/fun group?
There must be places where there enough Parker guys to sponsor such a thing.

[Autumn Daze]

This is a great discussion gents. My son Danny has been around the PGCA and double guns since he was around 9 years old. He is now a member and is 24 years old. I think Danny enjoy's the people as much as he enjoy's the guns themselves. He was given a Parker that he shoot's by a very gracious member and he cherishes it. He absolutly loves going to grouse camp and bird hunting. After the first hunt he was bitten....also he really enjoys shooting trap with our Parker SC.

All the above posts have very good points to ponder and I think its a combination of all that has been said previously. But the point I am trying to make in my above paragraph is the the great members this organiation has is a draw in itself. Danny enjoy's the life long friendships that have developed as a result of his exposure to the PGCA.

So take a young person under your wing and teach them the wonderful traditions that go along with shooting and hunting with a SxS.

[C grade]

In my opinion this thread is one of our best ever. Lets take this and turn it into some action. Dean, would you ask each BOD member to please read it.
I would also suggest we create a youth fund and I will seed it with $500. I would also suggest that we have three great candidates for the two open BOD seats and the runner up be asked to become our youth program director. In the Fall SXS shoot I created a team slot for a youth. It was a great hit-How about the Spring SXS? How about a Parker gun for that youth? This thread has shown the commitment of our fantastic membership for a youth program-Lets get it done NOW!
David