Am 74 in July 15th if I make it. Been sick last few years, seem to be on the mend now. Got my first double, a Marlin Elsie when I was 14. Been hooked on doubles ever since. Owned a score of them over the years but also like vintage pumps, M-97s, 12s, 37s, Remington M-17's (a hell of a fine pumper and dove killer). I like Hickok's reply when asked about whiskey: "It's all good" -- the way I feel about side by sides. And Elmer Keith's statement that O/U's "looked like poisoned pups that'd laid too long in the sun." The Merkels are the nicest I've seen in the O/U category. Chopperlump