Parker

The Firing Line is minutes from my house. I have shot there since '93 when I had no place else to go. Then it was called Serious Sportsman. I have a FiringLine membership card now, but don't recall paying anything for it, but then again that was a few years ago. If you have concerns, call them and ask for Fred and he can explain how the process works or maybe allay any fears: 845-620-0500. There are as many New Jersey license plates in the parking lot as New York on some weeknights. It's up to you to decide whether to shoot there or not. Prior to 2004 and LEOSA/H.R. 218, some north Bergen County towns' police departments without a pistol range shot there. Hmm...... Another place that holds NRA-sanctioned matches is Master Class in Monroe, NY. And they have a good selection of reloading supplies as well as Dillon presses set up to try. They'll even give you a mini-reloading session if you're unsure what to do. They are about 35 minutes north of the N.J. line. The fellow to speak to there is: Dennis Serpi: 845-774-4867. Unfortunately, they have trimmed back the matches in the last couple years thanks to the economy. They used to have nice catered lunches for each match! PS - It's truly a shame that our laws are so convoluted that those who only want to go someplace to shoot feel perplexed by ridiculous laws.

Saturday morning the WMA's will be swamped with a sea of orange vests and hats. It's like Opening Day of trout season; only with shotguns. If I go anywhere it will be to Whittingham late morning with my Dad. He's 85 and still bird hunts. God bless him.

I suspect if you shoot your O/U now for skeet, you're pretty familiar with it and pretty good with it as well. Hunting upland game isn't fun if the gun doesn't fit right or feel familiar. Shotguns are the least forgiving and most difficult to hit with when improper gunfit comes into play. A shotgun that fits you in the areas of DAC, DAH & LOP is one you'll shoot better with all of the time. Unless you want a lighter gun or a different gauge, I would see no compelling reason to change. The only problem is all of us manage to find an excuse for another shotgun. It's a sickness; I know. As for a gun taking a beating, that's to be determined by how hard you hunt and where you take it. Unless you are using your shotgun to bat rocks into a creek, they are pretty durable to the elements and mars and nicks are prevented if the gun is carried properly and stays in your hands while trekking the woods. A neoprene buttstock sleeve can be added to minimize dents and scratches if you so desire. Oil-finished stocks are easier to refresh and made to look new again while an epoxy or varnished stock, while somewhat more durable; are tougher to refinish when nicked or gouged. For me, I just can't bring myself to like a plastic stocked shotgun. And I had one some time ago. When I got into turkey hunting in the early 90's, I picked up a new Rem. 870 SPS-T specifically for turkey hunting. I thought it was the ultimate rough and ready shotgun. A 12 ga. with a short 21" bbl., it weighed only 7 lbs. and it also made for a handy pheasant, crow, grouse and woodcock gun. I killed a lot of game with that gun but I just never could get to love it. And it kicked like a mule with 3" turkey loads. I eventually sold it in '97. I lucked into a pair of wood-stocked 11-87 SP's in the mid-90's which I found fit and recoiled better but all they get used for today are turkey and fox/coyote hunting. They are too heavy to hunt upland game with and neither has an ideal fit for me. But for stationary or slow-walking targets they are acceptable. I also admit that I have "fair weather" shotguns that see only nice days afield as well as shotguns that I don't mind hunting with in the pouring rain. I guess I'm lucky to have such alternatives. Every friend I hunt with today has at least one synthetic-stocked pump or semi-auto as a backup or primary arm. They are viable rugged additions to any collection but are not my personal first choice for heading afield. “Shotguns are the siren’s call. Like women, some shotguns are beautiful, some are not; some are slim, while others bulge; some are homegrown and cheap, while others are foreign, mysterious, and expensive. Holding some makes you feel twice the man; while just looking at others withers you to half of one.”

I can't speak for the Henry, but I have shot the 39A. It is a man-sized, full-size .22 rifle. Accurate, but I always thought it was a bit big for what it should be. I have the shorter carbine model, a 39M Golden Mountie. 20" barrel with a straight-gripped stock, I find it handier than the 39A yet it's still very accurate. Construction is top-notch and it is built to last a few lifetimes. Takedown is slick. But if you like the Henry, then get one. They seem nice and can be had for a good price over the Marlin. I am somewhat amazed at what older Marlin .22's are selling for today.

I think with O/U's, having the same length barrel as found on a pump or semi-auto, the O/U's overall length will be shorter and trimmer to carry when compared to the pump or semi-auto. In many instances, lighter too. Most good doubles (both SxS's or O/U's) are designed to balance at the hinge pin or just forward of it. The barrels are usually thinner and lighter to compensate for the pair of them so that this feature is possible. Otherwise, you have an ungainly proposition for the field. For upland use, I enjoy using a double early season when covers are thickest. The heaviest 20 ga. O/U I have is 6lbs. 4 oz. None of the doubles I have are heavy and not one scales more than 7 lbs. The lightest, is less than 6 lbs. With 26 1/2" bbls., all are trim in the field and easy to carry all day and are just the ticket when snap-shooting in heavy cover. I think a case can be made for a double's durabilty too. Some brands were legendary when it came to reliability and the fact that their actions are somewhat enclosed from the elements compared to a pump or semi-auto made them less prone to problems as well. I have been hitting the woodcock coverts these last three weeks. Most of the cover is thick and it's tough to swing any unwieldy shotgun in. I take my doubles in cover like this, and while I do think about nicks and scratches, I have learned to look at them as momentos of a good hunt and over the years I've learned to accept this. So far, I've been lucky and most of my guns have simply acquired added "character" over the years. Here are some pics of the covers I've been frequenting upstate starting back on Oct. 4th. Good reasons not to bring a shotgun that swings and feels like a leaden 2x6. My buddy and I hunt these covers, and he tends to use his M37 Ithaca Featherlight like a bullbar, pushing the brush and branches aside. The underside of his gun's finish on the receiver and stock is worn off. I tend to not use my shotgun as a method of moving brush aside: I call this area "Hell's Cover" - Fringe cover - My Setter pointing in typical cover today:

I have heard good things about the Benelli from others who own them. As for pumpguns, I like the old-school pumps like the M37, M12 and 870 better; but those are merely my preferences. They are all solid shotguns and have been around a long time for a very good reason; they are all very well made. However, they are not considered in-style today with all the new makes that abound. As for the Rem. 887, I have not heard good things about them, and it's no secret in the last ten years that Remington has struggled with quality control issues with their guns and slumping sales. And they really haven't come out with anything yet that has trumped their legendary 870. Their 11-87, while popular, was simply a re-dux of the 1100, and I've yet to see a CTI on the skeet range. While I believe only half what I read on the internet, I do value some writer's opinions. Randy Wakeman is one writer who is pretty opinionated and verbose when it comes to shotguns including what he likes and dislikes, and he thoroughly trashed the 887 last year. http://randywakeman.com/ClunkerOf2009Award.htm Early report on the 887: http://www.randywakeman.com/Preview_Remington_2009_887NitroMagPump.htm Not discounting anyones' choices, but if there is information available I like to absorb it when possible. Good luck when you make your decision.

Carries well in the front or back pocket of a pair of jeans. Not a great picture but a great little knife; A.G. Russell folder:

The lower left side of the receiver should say: "Remington 870 Police Magnum"

The 870 is a good pump shotgun but some models have cheapened slightly over the years in an effort for Remington to cut costs and stay competitive. For example, today the 870 Express is slightly different from an 870 Wingmaster built years ago. The 870 Express uses cheaper grade parts, such as powdered metal castings for extractors and ejectors, plastic parts, less internal finishing, etc. There are also differences between the Police 870 and 870 Express. Some of the same differences can be said of the old Wingmaster vs. today's Express. The attached document and comparison description originally was posted on the RemingtonMilitary.com website. I can't find the link there anymore, but it can be found on the internet elsewhere (i.e. THR) if you search for it. __________________ 870ExpressvsPolice.pdf

Here is the link: http://www.njfishandwildlife.org/hunted.htm

How the state implemented this and got away with it still galls me, yet this statement is so true. It is pretty amazing that these measures have been in place so long and yet have gone unchallenged in New Jersey. The culture of New Jersey reflects that unchallenged stance. How things will ever change here to a more pro-2A position still has me concerned. And I agree too, that it will take a L...O...N...G... time to affect change. God-willing, I'll be retired and moved in a few years and New Jersey will be a memory for me. From a big-picture perspective, New Jersey is not the state I will retire in.

Dave Petzal's commentary in Field & Stream in response to the CNBC report: http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/hunting/2010/10/petzal-different-look-remington-model-700-trigger?cmpid=enews102210

If you enjoy the outdoors, some solitude, matching your wits and skills to ethically take large or small game, then hunting may be for you. The three major disciplines with which to take game; shotgun, bow and muzzleloader/rifle are covered in three different courses. The intent is to promote and teach safety. Hunter education in N.J. has been in place at least a half-century, although I'm not sure as to when it actually started. Studies have shown that states that implemented a hunter education program or some type of mentoring program for youth hunters had lower incidents of accidents and fatalities. Keep in mind too that a hunting license, just like a driver's license, is considered a privilege in this state. In most neighboring states to N.J., you can't purchase a hunting license unless you produce a previous license or your Hunter Education Certificate. It's not just New Jersey who has implemented this process. There are a lot of laws, seasons and exceptions to know and understand when hunting in N.J., so it is good to become acquainted with them. Those who don't have their exploits highlighted on these pages and blogs: http://www.njcoa.com/highlights/highlights.html http://njcoa.blogspot.com/ Breaking those laws and statutes come with fines too. This is an older list, I suspect some of these fines may have increased with inflation, as this list is six years old: http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/mcs/svbs_6-04/pt2_b_1.pdf

Have you tagged along with anyone to see if you like it? What are your interests....big game or small game? Go to this NJDEP website link and it explains the process of how to get a license. The three basic courses are defined. The SHOTGUN course is usually the one most people start out with. All the requirements, etc. are defined on this page, including the self-study guides. Everything is defined on this link on what you need to do to at least become licensed: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/hunted.htm

M37's are great shotguns. Another J.M. Browning design.

Anyone who has removed the sealer on a 700's trigger housing to start tuning the adjustment screws knows that once you start fiddling with things, you venture into unknown territory and you're at risk. That little window to inspect sear engagement is obviously there for a reason, and so are those adjustment screws. But that is not always a reliable measure based upon the design, which has/had its flaws. I've seen out of the box Brown Precision custom rifles fire upon closing the bolt using a "tweaked" 700 trigger. Reduce tolerances and dance in the >2.5# trigger pull range, then you better be observant and cognizant of your muzzle. Savvy 700 shooters who tinker have been aware of this inherent weakness for years. I like my Win. M70 and Browning FN Supreme actions along with their triggers; bolt actions which I prefer and believe are also superior in safety design, but that has not prevented me from owning a 700. Remington's easier-to-bed round bottom action, accurate barrel, short lock-time and good factory trigger have made the 721/722/700 a sales phenomenon. And, they have been relatively inexpensive over the years making ownership within reach to anyone. Those who prefer a true firing pin lock might upgrade their 700's to something like this: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=314107 While the CNBC show profiled some tragic and heartbreaking cases, it also reinforced and exposed the obvious: Guns are dangerous and should always be treated with respect. I wonder how many inadvertent discharges were attributed to the old Winny M94, an old rifle design with no external safety other than the exposed hammer and half-cock notch? There are millions of those out there. Bet there's a story there but I won't give them any ideas.

+2 to what kenw said. But I seriously doubt any laws will change for the better. That hasn't been the trend in this state. There has been a slow push, a "death by a thousand cuts" movement to alter gun freedom in New Jersey. How this started, I don't know specifically, but things evolved over time along with our changing times. Having hunted for a half century starting with my dad in his old DeSoto, I recall how guns were transported back then compared to today. I recall gun racks in his 1962 Plymouth station wagon (the original hunting vehicle before SUV's were in vogue) attached to the rear of the front seat. There were no cased gun laws during daylight hours during hunting season back then. In 1970 my high school (Don Bosco Prep) started a gun club. We shot at Thunder Mountain one weeknight a week in the Fall. We took our cased shotguns to school on the school buses and turned them in to the football coach in the morning who kept them locked in his office during the day. This was in 1970! Imagine something like this today? Guns in school? I recall the first item I bought for my pickup truck in 1978 was a set of gun racks. And I lived in Bergen County, not Sussex or Hunterdon county. Times have changed. While these are not comparable to transporting a handgun, it's interesting to see how things have evolved. Unless you have been living in a bubble, it's your responsiblity to know the laws. To ignore them is to suffer the consequences. So much for my waxing about nostalgia and the good old days...............

Nothing could be more true than this statement. Compared to the total population in New Jersey, gun owners are a very small minority. And fractured is an understatement. As for Mr. Tommy J. Fry, he simply didn't exercise good judgement. You bring a gun to a gunfight, not an out-of-state custody hearing. A custody hearing that's NOT where you reside is a unique situation where I think you would want to be on your best behavior while you're away from home if you want things steered your way. My English grandmother would opine Mr. Fry as a "blithering idiot," not someone whose rights were violated.

Very nice! Great pics.

I read the book "You and the Target" probably three decades ago. I got a lot out of it then and I still pick it up and peruse through the pages every now and then. I saw him shoot at a seminar at a club many many years ago and he can certainly smoke targets. Search ShotgunWorld's forum or Trapshooters.com forum if you're dead-set on getting trap shooting instructions. Some guy on Trapshooters was selling all sort of books and videos a while ago. Kay is absolutely qualified however. Hands-on person-to-person is certainly the best thing.

This guy sounds like like he's from planet Not2Bright. He is needlessly pushing an envelope with an address destined for trouble and headache. Who travels out-of-state for a custody hearing, to all places like the socialist state of New Jersey; carrying a firearm as "company" in his motorcycle?? I wonder if he smokes while pumping gas at self-serve gas stations too?

I agree. The 700-design has been kicking around in various forms (M721/M722) since the late 40's. The advent of the M700 in 1962 in conjunction with the 7mm Rem. Mag. pretty much sealed the 700's legacy. There are plusses and minuses found in every rifle action design out there today, past and present. The M700 is a good design with its rigid round action combined with its simplicity and lower cost to manufacture. Any experience I've had with Remington's date back to the 60's moving forward to latter versions, and they have always been positive. They are some of the most accurate rifles I own. All have been solid performers. I have no experiences with any new versions however.

Ham-fisted tinkerers were sometimes at fault for inadvertent discharges. Anytime you brought the trigger pull on a 700 below 2.0-2.5 lbs., it was not uncommon for the gun to discharge if the butt was rapped on the floor or when the bolt closed on a live round if adjustments were not made properly. Remember early 700 triggers? When the safety was engaged, a tab on the safety switch locked the bolt in the closed position. In order to unload the weapon, one had to disengage the safety in order to lift the bolt. Hmmm, do you think this might have be an invitation for disaster? Remington wisely chose to change this design sometime in the late 80's or 90's, I don't seem to recall when but you can Google it. Now, the bolt can be opened to unload the weapon while the safety is engaged. Many 700 bolts post-change have on their underside the groove cut where this tab engaged to lock. Most 700 triggers today don't rival those that came out in the past. They've gotten heavier as lawsuits mounted. I don't think the 700 is unsafe, I think people are sometimes unsafe. This NBC story is a good testament as to why the muzzle should always be pointed in a safe direction at all times. *There are plenty of links out there on "how to" adjust the 700 trigger but unless you know what you are doing, best leave the work to someone who knows what they are doing. Remington certainly doesn't recommend it: http://remington.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/41 Savvy people who dare to go where others fear to tread can make do with the situation. Factory 700 triggers can be tuned to be wonderfully crisp too. To be frank, I believe Remington put those three adjustment screws there for an obvious reason. http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/Remingtontriggers.asp http://www.theoutdoorwriter.com/shooting/r700_trigger.htm http://varminthunters.com/tech/crisp.html

Some prelim: http://www.cnbc.com/id/39554936

I agree. Be it the 4" or the 6", both are nicely balanced. Durability issues aside, my nod is for the 6"; my first revolver purchased in the mid-70's and one I can't seem to part with.