Favorite Grade of the American Classic?? What say you?

[Kevin McCormack]

Damn the pay grade(s)! Buy what you want and if that means chummying up with the lady at the credit union, go for it!! The term "budget" is like a noose around your neck when the one you've always wanted comes up at auction. Bust a move and think like a businessman - finance and duration of terms (e.g., buyer's premium and line of credit extentions). Once you spend your first $10K on a gun, it starts you thinking......how did I do this??

[edgarspencer]

No argument from me, Garry. The grip cap treatment, beginning with the grade 5 were 'just right'. I also like finding them with engraved initials. Sometimes a letter sheds light on them, sometimes not, but that just adds a little mystique .

To Craigs point, I too find the earlier gun engravers put a little extra effort into their detail.

[Phil Yearout]

OK; I’ll re-phrase my “paygrade” statement. The fact is that shotguns are not my only hobby, nor the only thing I choose to spend my money on. And to that end, the guns I own. - plebeian as they may be - are exactly what I choose to own. I’d never spend $10k on a shotgun even though the lady at the credit union would approve the loan. Just not that important to me.

[B. Dudley]

I really like any Parker hammer gun grade 3 and above. The bolster sculpting that was done starting at grade 3 level is hands down some of the nicest styling that one could ask for on a gun. And a set of Bernard barrels would sweeten it even more. So I guess I would say a grade C (4) Parker hammer gun.

[Stan Hoover]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

I really like any Parker hammer gun grade 3 and above. The bolster sculpting that was done starting at grade 3 level is hands down some of the nicest styling that one could ask for on a gun. And a set of Bernard barrels would sweeten it even more. So I guess I would say a grade C (4) Parker hammer gun.

I would have to agree with Brian on the Parker hammer guns, not so much a fan of the low grade with round bolsters, but the grade 2 with sculpted breeches and then they just get better as the grade goes higher.
I haven’t owned nearly all the American hammer guns, but but in my opinion, Parker hammer guns are as good as it gets!
Ithaca NID’s grade 3 are one of my favorites, of course grade 5’s and 7’s are attractive also

[Stan Hoover]

Did someone say they’re not a fan of gold

[Mike of the Mountain]

Don't forget for that classic styling and overall solid construction, Crescent Arms hammer guns are hard to beat. Just sayin'.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Don't forget for that classic styling and overall solid construction, Crescent Arms hammer guns are hard to beat. Just sayin'.

Can't verify that without pictures, just saying.

[Daryl Hallquist]

Brian, I note you are moving forward from the Black Beauty . I, too, like the sculpting on the Parker hammer guns.

[Ronald A Moore]

Like the guy said when you spend 10,000.00 the first thing you think is why did I do that, It was the same as my first Rolex, 15000.00 but I wanted it and bought it some asked why I needed it, I said it had nothing to do with need only want.

Ron