A discussion on selling guns to buy nicer ones

[Tom Hawkins]

I traded remington and browning semi automatics for doubles in the seventies and eighties as everyone wanted the firepower of more shells. Doubles were cheap and damascus was feared and cheaper. I would buy guns at garage sales, small shows, and wherever I could find them and trade up at big shows like Tulsa. Broken guns were bought that were attained cheap and repaired then traded. Friends knew that I was looking for doubles and would call me when they knew of one. Brian is right about the chase of a gun and then wanting something else better. If the gun fits and is a really good shooter it stays. I turn down guns now that I would have jumped on years ago. Charlie's statement about the internet hits home. I found parts that I had been looking for for years. Before the Parker information became public you would have to go on what you knew as far as condition and rarity, It has been a neat endeavor that has helped meet many fine people. The "IT" gun is always on the horizon, and probably always will be.

[Donald McQuade]

I was fortunate enough to come across and acquire my "IT" gun several years ago. I got the bug for hunting grouse and woodcock by reading the likes of Burton Spiller and thus, in my feeble mind, the ideal upland gun was a side by side, preferably in 16 ga. Well, I was able to add a DH 16ga to my gun case. It has Damascus barrels, 26 inches long, choked cyc and lt. mod with double triggers. To me the perfect combination for grouse and woodcock in the thick Minn woods. It is a 1903 vintage gun, un-molested with perfect screws and wood to metal fit. She is not the prettiest gun in my safe, nor the most expensive, but she is my "IT" gun. To top it off it fits me fairly well and I don't embarrass myself when hunting with it. I did need to sell a couple of little used guns to get it, but it was well worth it.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Excellent thread!! Some good replies and well thought out to boot. First and foremost I am a shooter. Second, hunter. I have a nice bunch of Parkers and Lefevers now for shooting clays. A few Fox guns for upland birds. I had quite a few London guns, LCS, Ithaca, etc. Even a nice early Winchester M21 that I moved to upgrade my Parkers and Lefevers. If I don't score well with a gun it goes. Won't even bat an eye. Thank you Mr. Gun, have a nice day. That all comes down to fit and feel. Just personal preferences, nothing against the gun or maker. Heck, I have hardware store sub-gauge hammer guns that I can shoot lights out with!! I suppose sometimes it's a combination of the arrow and the Indian?? Nothing wrong with sexy high grade guns, but I'll take a shooter any day. That said, if anyone wants to donate a C, B or A grade, I'm more than happy to accept that rather charitable gift.