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I thought I'd reached the age where I could hunt with a decent gun untill last Monday when due to my weak legs I fell down twice scratching the stock on both falls. When I was young, I dreamed of hunting with one of those expensive guns untill I slipped on a log and sunk the gun, barrel first, up to the stock in mud. After that it was cheap throw away guns.
Am I returning to my youth?
Just trying the posting and the dog did well on Pheasants. jas

Good for the dog.

Nothing stays pristine is my philosophy--mostly. I must say the huge scratches look pretty bad on the Italian gun stock finishes. And there are a couple scrapes on the black and white barrels Oscar Gaddy made beautiful for me. So far, nothing gun-wrecking though. So far.

Guns are meant to be used, and accidents among other things happen. The gun can be repaired and cleaned up, but I hope you are alright!

If it's an investment gun leave it in the safe. If it ain't use it for what it was intented...shoot stuff with it. My favorite 16ga hammer gun with knock out wood now has a big fat scratch in the pristine finish from a bent T-post hidden just below the switch grass. I walked right into it and the gun probably saved me from a good shot in the pills; every time I pick up the gun I remember the day it happened. Well worth the loss in condition and $$ IMO. I'm off to tote an obscenely valuable parker around the slick and rocky draws of the missouri breaks for some huns. Wish me (and the gun) luck.
Good Hunting
Michael

I have damaged two guns on hunting trips. Both happened in Maine. One was a near parfect Browning Lightning 20-ga. I tripped on a rock and smashed the forend and split it wide open. The other was my A & S 28-ga., also near perfect. I nocked the forend loose whild wipeing the barrels off after the days hunt and it droped to the floor. My foot cushioned the fall before the crash but I still managed to split the edge of the semi beavertail forend. Not really hunting but atleast it happened on a hunting trip. Both guns were repaired and are nearly undetectable. While I was quite bummed out at the time I do not regret using them as the thrill of using fine guns for hunting requires using them and assuming the possible risk of damage. These guns now have a story and battle scars that most he talk so reverantly about when talking about old Foxes and Lefevers and the like. You can never really appreciate a fine gun until you take it into the field and use it. Don't be afraid to scratch a gun. The gunsmiths need the work. BTW I am leaving for Maine again tomorrow and the A & S is comming with me.

Bill G.

I'm fine but it was I stock I just had done. I got into some rough country.
John

Oh, well then, now you know what you'll be doing next "off-season." At least you know how to do your own stocks.

BTW, absolutely nothing wrong with returning to one's youth...

My 1901 LC Smith 5E and my Chas Lancaster "Best" Model A both had stock scratches and dents when I bought them. The scratches I have added whilst using them have elevated me to become a peer of prior owners. I am proud of each and every one. Jim Haynes

Never from the school of wearning 'em out, things do happen.
I take care in the weather tho, leaving the betters ones at home.
There's always next time.
...and I hope, many days out still to come.
Btw, I'm not sure that all "A's" were Wristbreakers, but if so, say a little something tonite for our man Frederick Beesley!

Just finished cleaning up my Lefever after a walk in the pheasant fields this a.m., so I guess you know where my sentiments lie!