Hello - I'm a New Member - IntroductionArchived Message
Posted by John Kuklinski on July 8, 2017, 11:38 am
Greeting Fellow Collectors, I’m a new club member and am anxious to network with those who share my passion for classic American made shotguns. Even though my favorite is the LC Smith I definitely appreciate the quality and features of Parkers, Ithacas, Foxes, Lefevers, and yes even the Harrington and Richardson. As a self-proclaimed collector, I’m always looking to uncover a never shot Premier or De Luxe. However, the highs one experiences when finding these little gems are too few and far between for me. So, to protract the elation I take great pleasure in finding and using and sometime restoring a shotgun that has been relegated to the dark hollows of someone’s closet or retired in favor of some mass produced, characterless, nondescript gun taunted as the next step in the evolution of a classic firearm. For me there’s nothing more exciting than finding a used Field or Ideal Grade, turning it over to a real gunsmith, waiting the year for him to work his magic, and finally seeing the Phoenix rise from the ashes. After all every classic shotgun is an engineering marvel married to an artistic masterpiece. Each should be conserved for future generations to enjoy. Well so much for me, let me close by saying I will be taking to the fields this fall with a 16-gauge Hunters Special, have a 16-gauge Ideal Grade being restored, and have a 20-gauge Field Grade on-deck for a restoration sometime in 2018. I also have a neglected and abused 16 gauge LeFever Nitro Special that needs new wood and a lot of TLC. Look forward to engaging further. John from Omaha