After three years of trying I finally made it to the southern side by side classic a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time meeting and talking to so many of the LCSCA members that I have been reading about in the journal and getting advice from on this forum for such a long time.
At the tent I first met David Williamson who was so helpful with me and the three shotguns that I had brought to seek advice and direction on how to restore. He was especially insightful regarding my 1885 Syracuse E grade12 gauge with hammers, getting me introduced to several people who could help determine the shoot ability of my Damascus and twist barrels.
I was finally able to meet Tom Archer and John Stubbendieck and discuss a number of things. After months of talking over the phone with my neighbor in Charlottesville VA, Mike Harris, we finally met in person during the end of the Parker-Smith challenge.
But the cake goes to Jent Mitchell, who helped removed dents from 3 sets of barrels as well as determine the bore diameter and choke measurements of each. We both got sunburned and rained on, but I learned so very much while we worked together on on the tailgate of his new pickup truck.
Again, thank you for being so very welcoming and for sharing your time. I learned more in that one Saturday about SxS from all of you than in all the books and journals I've read this last year. Warmest regards, - Doug Precourt, Richmond VA