doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Collector Guns for hunting?

The late Gene Hill once made the remark that if he owned a Rolls Royce he'd drive it. I guess I'd extend that line of thinking to your Purdey.


Bryan

Blasphemy !!!!

Safe door opens up: "That one's nice!" says the friend. "Taken any birds with it?"

"No, it just stays here locked up and unused..."

"Pity" says the friend...

Buzz-----if its any consolation I shot my 20 O/U Boss in pissing down rain at Vintagers Friday and Saturday. Worried about banging it against the stands more than anything. But in hindsight, could not imagine myself at Vintagers without it and my 20 bore SxS Purdey, giving it a go, as they both shoot for me like the Hand of God. Both cleaned up perfectly with nary a scatch or pit. Its what these things were MADE to do

I fully agree with NoDak Scotty's and Clif's posts that guns exist to be shot, but for me there is one nuance to be considered. While "best" guns were designed and built to be shot hard in those foul conditions the Brits call weather, shooting driven game (or even walk up game) in the UK is a far cry from thrashing around in the US grouse coverts or chasing chukars up and/or falling down scree slopes. Replacing a broken stock or dented barrels on one of those guns is the equivalent of a couple of good trips to Argentina.

So to Buzz's OP, if it were me (and sadly this is not yet my problem) I would take a best gun to chase dove, quail and phez, but I would leave it at home when headed into the woods or up the scree slopes.

Same here, would not subject a fine gun to hardscrabble either. Chukars are M12 fodder

I don't call that a nuanced situation, more like common sense, Doverham! I take the best gun for the mission regardless of its condition and value IF I can get to the blind by foot or boat.

Gunning on the offshore kelp-covered ledges where it hard to be safe on your feet is always a retreat to another double. The gun, however, is so much of the experience that I can't bring myself to use a beater, a tool. It's always a good gun

I inherited my father's guns. I sold his collectibles; some in the box, unassembled. The couple he hunted with are priceless, but I hunt with them, too.

King: I may have used the wrong term describing my Browning Superposed as a 'beater'. I have used this gun sooooo much it really is just an extension of me, sort of like a well-fitted pair of old gloves. Browning superposed are excellent guns in my opinion and real value for the money. The one I have is all beat up, the stock has numerous scratches and the bluing is well worn, esp on the receiver.....but the gun still functions perfectly and shoots exactly where I'm looking. I have killed 2 TRUE Ruffed Grouse doubles with this gun and lots of game in general. A Browning Superposed is a FINE gun in my opinion...and not a 'beater'. In fact they are made of demibloc or chopper lump construction which as you know is a characteristic of an excellent gun. I should have used another term for this fine, fine gun. I like side x side shotguns too, though. Cheers, Buzz