Dez did begin with a Browning SxS. He progressed to a Merkel when they became a sponsor.
Incidentally, I have several Ithaca Classic Doubles and you shoulc never close them the "polite" way. They have a rotary bolt and won't seat properly if babied. I assume this is true with other locking mechanisms and, although I don't slam guns shut, I do make sure they close firmly.
Dez is a very nice fellow, by the way. You can e-mail him about anything and he will respond. I suggest you not bring up his "rug", however.
