Recommendations from senior collectors to a novice wanted.

[Bill Murphy]

I don't understand all of Andy's post, but I understand his collecting of hunting guns. Over the years, I have accidentally come into a large covey of better than hunting guns. I will never dispose of my more than sufficient collection of hunting and shooting guns, but those "better than hunting" guns will be disposed of in the next few years. They are better appreciated by younger and richer collectors who can write the checks and end up trying to dispose of them when they reach my age.

[Mike of the Mountain]

James, welcome to the addiction!! Follow the advice of asking question and attending shows and shoots. Local auctions and classified sections of the newspaper are good sources to find a sleeper that won't break the bank. There's nothing wrong with higher grade guns but do not discount Trojan, V and G grades. They are solid guns and will break clays and take game with any other gun out there. They're easier on the wallet too. Just sayin'. I buy like Andy does, just more frequently!! Solid shooters that have honest wear. I don't care if a gun is refinished either as I shoot them. I shoot them a lot. I don't buy safe queens or collector pieces. I do prefer longer barrels for my clays guns so that's what I look for in a Parker. Not so much with my hunting guns. And yes, I buy guns for clays and different guns for hunting. As I said, welcome to the addiction!! If you invest in a PGCA membership, you'll find so much info on this site that it can make your head spin. You will also find some fine Parkers for sale in the members only sections. Once again, welcome to the addiction. Next thing you need are Hawaiian shirts. All the cool kids wear them on Friday during a shoot. Just sayin'.