Hard to read it all and drive, but I agree with most of the sentiment but little of the suggestions. I don't think the specific gun matters so long as it fits the purpose or need and is clean enough to be proud of.
I got a 20 ga 1200 for Christmas at 13 yrs old and didn't wish for anything different. And I read every gun and outdoor mag cover to cover. The safety was worse than an 870 or moss 500 or Ithaca 37 for a lefty and the 28 in barrel made the whole thing a little long for a smaller kid but it was perfect in every way. No amount More money or prestige would have improved the situation. More practice could have helped. But none the less I remain a fanatic about hunting and the outdoors today.
On my only trip to South Dakota for pheasants I alternated days with that pump and my best sxs.
Does that make the 1200 perfect ? No. I'd say any gift from dad with good intent and the oppurtunity to use it is the key.
