As usual, one of the great benefits of participating in these events is the "iron filings to magnets" effect: when people know you are there they bring in some really interesting stuff! My particular favorites this event were: a completely original Pin gun with 26" barrels choked .008 and .014. The owner described it as his "grandpa's quail and grouse gun." Almost every one I've ever seen was a 30" gun (only observed two 28" guns since I joined the Fox Nation). Next was a freshly-restored 32" HE with 3" chambers choked .049 and .051, work done by Doug Turnbull and it was a beauty! The owner was from Memphis and described himself as a "Beaver Dam Regular." But my absolute favorite was an absolutely stunning CE 20 ga. 26" straight grip with what looked to be an original A&F leather-covered pad (the gun lettered from A&F as having had one; this may have been a replacement). The gun had gorgeous engraving with bobwhites on either side and a right-facing English Setter on point just above the break over the floorplate. A gentleman approached us and told us he had agonized all night over this gun; he just really wanted a 28" gun in that exact configuration. After I went and looked at the gun, I came back and told him if he bought the gun he wouldn't need any more NyQuil and told him he'd better get down there; there were 3 other people looking at it. He took the plunge and bought it; came back by the booth smiling ear to ear.
Attached are some photos for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy, Kevin.
