The amount of knowledge and talent on this board is incredible. Everyday I learn about a member of the board who wrote a book or an article for DGJ or another magazine. I feel like Lowell and I
are the only ones who aren't published!
Alex
You 'shoulda been here back when "old lightning" and "Klunkermeister" were both around. Klunk should have been published. He was pretty knowledgable on Yank guns. We lose more of these guys every year.
Best,
Ted
Yep, Old Lightning was very witty -- what happened?
My summer beach novel, "Lord Pompous of Snobhill House," has been put on hold for now!
Alex,
There's a bunch of us sponges here sopping up the information and the entertainment.
It is amusing/humbling to find out that the guy who provided you detailed information is THE EXPERT of the U.S., World, Solar System and Universe on the subject.
Quite the crew, eh? Generous as can be, and not condescending in the least!
LG, let's get you a new publisher - inquiring minds want to know!
Lowell I was hoping for a signed copy.
Russ was published at least twice in The Double Gun Journal -- one article on a Sneider and one on a Meriden. I was always hoping he'd get something out on the American Arms Co. Whitmores. He seemed to know more about them then anyone I've run across.
Russ was published at least twice in The Double Gun Journal -- one article on a Sneider and one on a Meriden. I was always hoping he'd get something out on the American Arms Co. Whitmores. He seemed to know more about them then anyone I've run across.
Coming from a man who seems to know everything, that means a lot. I wish I had gotten to speak with him.
Russ bailed more than one of us out on our projects with his huge collection of parts.
Russ, Oscar & Bill.
Vaya con Dios our friends.
Storm;
I was a Hillbilly Farmer/Factory Worker/Machinist. The only thing I ever wrote was my signature & that was normally on an "OutGoing" check. I am old enough to have noted though, that "Just" being an adept writer does not necessarily an "Expert" make. Russ had more knowledge than many who have written tomes.
Good point. You do, however, have 6913 posts here, which means you have written a helluva lot here!
Russ was a lifetime learner with a sharp eye for detail. He shared his knowledge freely and had a sense of humor. We are better for knowing him and lesser for his loss. Also in the same boat are the Late Dr. Gaddy and Bill Wise.
Others I am sure that I have missed were great contributors. So learn what you can and share it freely with others. This is the best tribute to their contributions and memory.
Now Yeti, you know Klunk could condescend with the best but he wasn't a sadistic lecturer; just a quick word put you out of your misery. And he did invent that useful short form: BICBW. Bill was a world-class networker and extrovert. Pipes, whatever the extent of his oeuvre, is a standup guy and a tough hombre at close quarters. Rocket is hands down the best I've ever seen at collating, assessing, categorizing and prioritizing. The table of contents of DGJ is filled with the names of those who'll talk to you here like your thinking half-way mattered (or at least needed a shove in the right direction).
jack
I enjoyed it when Klunk 'splained to somebody. I still giggle remembering his opinions on guns esthetics. Especially when somebody proudly put up a nice M21.
Soon I should be able to show off a fairly fresh NID (it's working it's way through local Customs) and I know that Mr. Russ would've had a butt-ugly in there somewhere.
The Winchester 21 must have been one of his favorite SxS's.
You make an excellent point, 2-piper: there are some very knowledgeable collectors and shooters about and some wonderful writers too; they are not necessarily the same people though, and I know in the Australian press I have seen myths and rubbish written by some very well known gun authors, just as some of the most knowledgeable types keep quiet, or stay within small circles like this one.
RG
I suppose that I can add a couple of thoughts, about now.
I have known of shotguns for a very long time. Shot my first one about 1946/7. Until about a half dozen years ago, I really did not have knowledge but for how to use one (still learning !!!!). It was on our old board that I came, hat in had willingly admitting ignorance, and deigned to ask and ask and ask. That old room full of rocking chairs, placed strategically around a huge pot bellied stove, is now very much a gentleman's club where the power of knowledge is imparted. Imparted so willingly and with charity toward us that are still learning.
I think of all the wonderful friends and teachers that I have met here and am so very grateful. Once again I thank all of you. I have, more than once, posted that you guys brought me home from a very dark place and shined the light on my life. Bless you.
As to sharing knowledge and writing of what we might have learned.
One of the greatest joys of my life has been the seeking of knowledge and imparting that to others. The ferreting out of history can be one of the most fun filled occupiers of time that one can indulge in. The writing of what you find can be a very up lifting challenge. I encourage every one to try it at least once.Pick a subject, worry it nearly to death and write about it. Knowledge acquired and not shared is of very little value. Never worry about style, spelling and syntax. Simply ask for help and an editor. It is the facts of a matter that need to be established and many will help with the prose!!!.
We have been blessed to have known men of the caliber afore mentioned and many not cited as yet. Men of knowledge, great character (some great characters !!) and a willingness to share.
Some had grand humor; some changed their spots and became friends.
I encourage you to learn, share, question, publish, help when able and simply continue to be the very finest group of people that I have ever been associated with.
Best to you all.
John
Don't laugh at ole' M21. Local shop just sold two with half worn checkering, 60-70% blue for 4000+USD each.
Joe, that's very reasonable price. Just check out 2nd hand copies of "The Hammerless Double Rifle" by Alexander Gray.
The original price for catalog #567.5 was $39.50.
Perhaps you should get a copy of Petrov's book.
And of course Mr. Mann of the "shepherds' tale" of April '03. Arthur, arthur!!
jack
I suppose that I can add a couple of thoughts, about now.
John, it is a pleasure to read your good words again.
Jay Gramith
As for this board, guns must be shown in the right landscape for me. If too techy, I just push ahead.
Duck guns need both, leaky jonboat and slough.
Field guns, a silo and barn.
I suppose that I can add a couple of thoughts, about now.
I have known of shotguns for a very long time. Shot my first one about 1946/7. Until about a half dozen years ago, I really did not have knowledge but for how to use one (still learning !!!!). It was on our old board that I came, hat in had willingly admitting ignorance, and deigned to ask and ask and ask. That old room full of rocking chairs, placed strategically around a huge pot bellied stove, is now very much a gentleman's club where the power of knowledge is imparted. Imparted so willingly and with charity toward us that are still learning.
I think of all the wonderful friends and teachers that I have met here and am so very grateful. Once again I thank all of you. I have, more than once, posted that you guys brought me home from a very dark place and shined the light on my life. Bless you.
As to sharing knowledge and writing of what we might have learned.
One of the greatest joys of my life has been the seeking of knowledge and imparting that to others. The ferreting out of history can be one of the most fun filled occupiers of time that one can indulge in. The writing of what you find can be a very up lifting challenge. I encourage every one to try it at least once.Pick a subject, worry it nearly to death and write about it. Knowledge acquired and not shared is of very little value. Never worry about style, spelling and syntax. Simply ask for help and an editor. It is the facts of a matter that need to be established and many will help with the prose!!!.
We have been blessed to have known men of the caliber afore mentioned and many not cited as yet. Men of knowledge, great character (some great characters !!) and a willingness to share.
Some had grand humor; some changed their spots and became friends.
I encourage you to learn, share, question, publish, help when able and simply continue to be the very finest group of people that I have ever been associated with.
Best to you all.
John
John I sent you a couple emails over the past 2 weeks. Did you get them?
Alex
PJ I stumbled across the book while searching for something else on ebay. I'm sure it's an interesting book well worth the asking price, I see it's sold now.
I snoozed I lost.
Joe, why do I get the impression that Mr. Petrov is the seller? Could it be the eBay handle "AKMike"? Could it be the mention of "Fine book by the seller . . ." in the feedback comments? Somehow, I think there might be more coming. Keep an eye out.
jack
I came on the original board here about post #500. Russ said he showed up around post #200. In any event, Russ was arguing with some NID lover when I got here about the "plainness" (my word, not his) of the Ithaca family. I swear remembering him describing them as butt-ugly but Russ later denied this, saying he would never say this. He blamed this phrase on me and my BUNID and BU-21 comments. I admit to these. I sure miss the ol curmudgeon.
The bottom line is that if you read this forum religiously for two years, you will become extremely well versed in the world of doubles. We have lost some great guys like Russ & Bill but ol David Trevallion is here and a few more of these new kids come here to play now and then. David has some promiss.
And of course Mr. Mann of the "shepherds' tale" of April '03. Arthur, arthur!!
jack
Mr Mann helps keep things civil!
Pete
Trivia;
What's the difference between an NID & A 21.
Answer;
With the NID you can own Butt Ugly for 20% of the cost.
The "shepherds" tale should be required reading for all BBS attendees!! It was like a mini series that kept you on the edge waiting for the next installment. A classic!
I do more reading and learning, than contributing on this forum. I have yet to reach a level where I can offer intelligent conversaton on Double Guns. I have enjoyed shooting them for some 50 years, but have never really studied them. Mr. Mann and I share some of the same collecting interests and have exchanged several pieces of information on such. I enjoy his candor and willingness to share his knowledged. My expertise lies in other disciplines and of late I have found myself mentoring younger folks. I truly believe knowledge not passed to the next generation is knowledge lost. For that reason, I will continue to read and listen to those on this forun who know their passion and are willing to pass it to me. Hopefully, I will absorb enough to pass a little to someone younger with a thirst for the same knowledge. Thank you for such a great place to learn.
Regards,
Charles
I do more reading and learning, than contributing on this forum. I have yet to reach a level where I can offer intelligent conversaton on Double Guns. I have enjoyed shooting them for some 50 years, but have never really studied them. Mr. Mann and I share some of the same collecting interests and have exchanged several pieces of information on such. I enjoy his candor and willingness to share his knowledged. My expertise lies in other disciplines and of late I have found myself mentoring younger folks. I truly believe knowledge not passed to the next generation is knowledge lost. For that reason, I will continue to read and listen to those on this forun who know their passion and are willing to pass it to me. Hopefully, I will absrob enough to pass a little to someone younger with a thirst for the same knowledge. Thank you for such a great place to learn.
Regards,
Charles
Good for you Mr. Willis. At 19, I am probably the youngest person on this forum, and whenever some of the gentlemen on here take time to help and educate me, I really appreciate it. You and Mr.Mann are indeed alike as Mr.Mann and I have met and exchange many emails. Keep up the good work!
Alex