It really does seem that the older I get the more traditional I find myself becoming. I've never spent much time thinking about why one carries an auto, or a pump, O/U or a SxS. To me it was just what was pragmatic. If ducks was the quarry, than pumps or auto's was the tool. Drop'em quick while they are still in range and drop as many as you can. Grouse or Woodcock well I want a light fast swinging O/U with short barrels, and for Pheasant well, either auto loaders or O/U or side by side will do. BUT, as the years have gone by I find myself getting away from JUST the pragmatic influence of being in the "field" with the most modern and up to date models of the year. I've gone through all the stages I guess. From the single break as a kid, up to the auto's of Charles Daley and Humpbacks, to the O/U of Beretta, Weatherby, and Browning to finally coming back full circle to the double's. I don't think I'll be getting rid of my autos, break or O/U in my battery, but I sure I'll be having to think up a good excuse as to why I should not be taking a double each and every time I head for the field.

The lineup of my "HATEFUL EIGHT" battery.

I guess it's quite plain where my heart is now as I enter my seventh decade.