What makes a great Parker Collection in your mind?

[Randy Roberts]

For me it's those long barrels. I really don't get too interested until we hit 32" in length. The exception would be the 410 and 28's if I would ever come across one of those, a 30-inch 28 would really be nice. I have accumulated a modest collection that suits my needs for the time being. As of now I am seeking long-barreled guns with condition that I might be able to obtain and possibly upgrade my collection. One thing about staying focused on a particular version or configuration is that it tends to keep me within my budgets. Most of the time. Quite a few of these are 12-gauge guns. Since I like to shoot that fits into my needs quite nicely. I don't mind shooting them and I am not afraid to shoot any of them without regard to their condition. I take care of them and I have found that I am able to maintain their condition. Bear in mind that I am talking about a round or two of Sporting Clays or skeet. I am not going to take any of my doubles out into the rain. I am admittedly a fair-weather shooter.

[mobirdhunter]

I'm probably like many others in that my tastes and desires have changed some over time and with my ability to acquire (afford) guns. However, I'm an upland hunter, and almost all of the guns I've collected have been with upland birds in mind (but I do have some waterfowl and turkey guns). I prefer 16s to any other gauge; love Damascus, twist (and especially Bernard steel) barrels. I prefer straight/splinter guns with two triggers. I do not own, and, at the risk of heresy, would not buy, a single trigger gun, one with a ventilated rib, or a beavertail forend (hey, it saves me a lot of money not to buy guns with those features that are "desirable" to many others!).

I've set some specific goals for my collecting, and have, I'm sure like many others, become more selective where in the past I used to buy good examples of a wider range of guns. But I like a gun that "speaks" to me. Generally, that would be a small bore, two trigger, straight/splinter gun on the lighter side (but well balanced). I own more 16s than any other gauge. A good collection to me would include guns with these features.

In the end, I'm a hunter(shooter)/collector. I like the nostalgia of guns from the past, and feel more connected to that past when I use them as they were intended to be used.