Hunting with Hammers

[Bill Murphy]

A good grouse gun should include a full or near full left barrel. My grandfather's 1887 Lefever pigeon gun was bored cylinder and full. I always thought that someone had messed with the right barrel choke. Later study confirms that his left barrel was for one shot flyer shoots which were the standard of the day in late 1800s and early 1900s competition. His right barrel was for grouse, in the pre Pheasant days when the gun was made. Granddad was apparently a one gun man, although I have one 1910 photo of him holding another make of gun, not identified.

[Lloyd McKissick]

The Red Gods continue to smile upon me here. Sharpies yesterday, ruffies today.

[hugh rather]

The Lang reminds me of the 20 pinfire Lang from a Rodger Barlow article in an early 70's Gun Digest.I drooled over that gun even as a teen.

[Lloyd McKissick]

The Lang didn't make it this year, sadly. I didn't have room because of all the other guns I was bringing up (multiple hunts and States this year. A good problem to have, I know). Next year will hopefully be simpler and it will join the fray up here again.

[Lloyd McKissick]

Another good day here.

[Lloyd McKissick]

Yesterday's birds.

One of the mixed phase (both red & grey phase) variations here is what I call a "cinnamon" bird. Instead of a black ruff it is this almost red-amber color.

I've never seen that elsewhere, only up here. Even the black band on the tail is almost this color.