Dad started me off with a little Winchester M37 single shot .410 when I was eight years old for our rabbit and squirrel hunting trips. We hunted nearly every weekend during the seasons along with Grandpa. Dad had a Browning A5 Lightweight 12 gauge that I thought was magic. When I got older dad would sometimes switch guns with me and I was in heaven when that happened. Sometime later our guns were stolen in a home burglary while we were gone on vacation. Dad replaced his A5 with an Ithaca SxS and my single shot .410 with a Wingmaster 12 gauge. I still lusted after a Browning A5 and eventually bought one. I appreciate it for what it is but today find myself taking lighter weight guns like my Benelli semi autos to the field hunting.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.