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Quote of the Day
"David, my lad, if you ever get a shotgun that throws good patterns and puts them exactly where you point, you never, ever sell that gun. You shoot it until it falls apart in your hands." --Gene Hill, to the Gun Nut, 1985
Same goes for a rifle...
Posted by: Ralph the Rifleman | May 03, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Thanks for sharing this Dave. Mr. Hill was one of my favorite writers. I was not fortunate enough to know him; but, the way he wrote made me feel like I did.
Thanks again
Posted by: JasonB | May 03, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Truer words were never spoken. And it took trading off or selling several great-shooting guns before i learned that lesson.
Posted by: Peter C | May 03, 2007 at 03:35 PM
my granfather hunted in the 1920s i still use his side by side every rabbit season. lots of bunnys wish i had sold it!!
Posted by: dave s. | May 04, 2007 at 05:59 AM
Amen, this should be the sermon for the day instead of the quote.
Posted by: HGHunter | May 04, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Can I get another "Amen, brother" for good shooting rifles, too!
Posted by: Mtnhunter | May 04, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Gene Hill was a great writer but I cherish cassette tapes he made titled "Being There". He takes you with him!
Posted by: Brian M. | May 04, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Truer words were never spoke. I still have my original Citori. I either learned to shoot it, or I lucked out unbelievably. I use it for hunting pheasant, ducks and geese, and have also managed to win a few skeet and sporting clays shoots with it. It is covered with camo tape and has many scratches in the stock. I love this gun almost as much as my first good dog, Trapper. (OK mayby not that much). I have bought many O/U since, and still have most of them, but none compare with my beat up old Browning. Great quote.
Posted by: Jeff | May 05, 2007 at 01:51 PM
At the tender age of 10 my first shotgun was an H&R single barrel and the quail made me look like a fool. Then I got an Ithaca featherweight 20 ga. pump and I looked like a fool shooting twice on the covey rise with no effect. Winchester model 1912, Browning A-5, Franchi semi-auto same story. Then my new father in law traded me this old beat up 1960's Remington 1100 for a side by side. Suddenly the birds began to fall. Clay pigeons magically exploded every time I pulled the trigger... At the ripe old age of 24 I became one hell of a shot! 98 out of 100 the first time I shot trap... Same old me, but with a gun that shoots where I look. 23 years later I hunt with no other shotgun. I WILL keep it until it falls apart in my hands!
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | May 05, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Not only does this advise apply to shotgunners, but to large caliber rifles also. Once you get your hands on a firearm that hits where you wish for it to, better hang on to it. I learned the sad lesson the hard way. I finally found a shotgun and a rifle that shots perfect patterns if i do my part. They may look old, and they are, but in excellent condition. I can pratice several sessions prior to my annual Rocky Mtn hunt and the 0 is where i want it when i arrive, even after going thru the storm at all airports. Best you start off with good solid steel mounts and a quality scope. My last gun, has Leupold Dual Dovetail bases and rings and a Nikon 3 x 9 40 Monarch, zeroed for 200 yds. When I arrive at my hunt area, I do re-check teh 0 to make sure the airlines did not run over with a forklift. For the past 4 years the 0 has remained the same. I am a gun nut, but these last two (Shotgun, rifle) I bought, out-shoot any weapon I ever had to my shoulder, and I;ve shot many in my 50+ yrs of hunting. So guys, if you have a firearm that shoots to your liking, better hang on to it, if you plan to to continue to hunt.
Posted by: been thr-done -it | May 05, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Back to guns and hunting. Do any of you guys know when the licesses ( or Apps to apply) will be available for the 2 Elk Hunts that PA will hold this year. It;s my understanding, one hunt will be in Sept and the 2nd in Nov. Also, chances to draw a licenses is about like winning teh lottery. Been told chances are about l in 1000 or more. And now for N.C. will they have a limited hunt this year? Any info appreciated.
Posted by: Been there-Done that | May 06, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Brian M,
Can you tell me more about the cassette tapes you mentioned? I have looked for any audio/video of Gene Hill for years, and I haven't found anything.
thanks
Jason
Posted by: JasonB | May 07, 2007 at 09:07 AM
No one would know more about good shotguns than Gene Hill did, except Brister.
I once had the extreme good fortune to own a Winchester mod. 21 trap with 32" barrels and Briley chokes installed. Everyone at sporting clays tournaments made snide remarks about my competing with a side by side. "a side by side is a fine hunting gun, but it simply can't hold up to tournament shooting like an over under" was the most common comment I heard. No one was laughing (not even Brister) when I picked up trophies and money. That gun seemingly could not miss a clay target. I wish I still had it.
Posted by: Michael | May 07, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Jason, the Gene Hill tapes are a boxed 2 cassette collection. There is a signed letter from Gene. They were put out by Willow Creek Press. I don't remember when I bought them but it was through the mail,as in, before the internet.
Posted by: Brian M. | May 07, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Brian, thanks for the info.
Posted by: JasonB | May 08, 2007 at 07:36 AM
Brian-
I've looked all over the web and can't find those cassettes. Let me know if you want to sell yours or if you know anybody that has them for sale.
Thanks,
Jason
Posted by: JasonB | May 08, 2007 at 03:34 PM
Brian-
Since you used the word "cherished" to describe these, I guess I already know your answer about selling them.
Thanks,
Jason
Posted by: JasonB | May 08, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Jason, If you want to--post an email adress or phone number.
Brian
Posted by: Brian M. | May 09, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Brian-
[email protected]
Jason
Posted by: JasonB | May 10, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Hey Brian,
Where did you go? I posted my email address. I look forward to hearing from you
Jason
Posted by: JasonB | May 17, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Jason, did you ever get a copy of the tapes? Lots of folks are looking for copies, including me.
Posted by: Tim | November 12, 2007 at 10:40 PM