My Dad started me on the road of shooting and hunting, I wasn't allowed to hunt until I could prove my marksmanship to him.
Together, we hunted game animals and birds, had some of the best days of my life in the field.
Dad was a man of modest means, he would save up his money and buy the guns he wanted.
He also brought up me, my brother, and sister, bought a house, and put all of us through college with those modest paychecks.
When I started my working career, I'd ask him what he'd like to shoot and play with next.
My Brother and Sister were too into their friends and having a good time to bother with Dad.
I'd save up money I earned and bought the old man some nice guns for him to shoot, which he really enjoyed.
When he retired, I asked him what he'd like for his retirement, he said " I'd really like to own a 28 gauge O/U shotgun to shoot birds with, I'm getting too old to carry a heavy 12 gauge"
OK.
This was in 1980 when a Browning Superposed in 28 gauge was the gun to have but they were pricey in 1980 dollars.
Talked to my banker and took out a loan for a new Browning Superposed, Pigeon Grade, in 28 gauge, paid $3,300, in those days, a huge price for a shotgun.
My Dad was overjoyed when I handed him that gun, a dream come true after all the years he yearned for one.
He used that shotgun until he passed 6 years later, shot every upland bird with it, and he loved that shotgun.
After he passed on, my brother and sister showed up for their share of the estate, both were not happy when it was revealed all of dad's guns and the house were willed to me.
Now own all the good stuff I bought for him!
oceanwarrior