Do you go afield with “hunting” or “nice” shotguns

[casey]

I use a Parker Reproduction 28ga for grouse and Remington and Browning 10 and 12ga for waterfowl. I dont abuse any gun but I use them.

 

[BAY]

16ga AYA #2 in the uplands. 12ga SBE2 and 28ga SBE3 in the marsh.

 

[Kdgj]

I try to use a vintage Brit shotgun when I go out. If it’s miserable weather I won’t go hunting for birds.

A 12 gauge Dickson.

A 16 gauge H&H.
Ken

 

[Old3Toe]

No room for safe queens

 

[steve white]

Funny how I don't mind putting normal wear on a nice shotgun, but find myself really babying the nicer rifles. (I cringe when I read of Sir Samuel Baker wearing 1/2 inch off his buttstock by beating back brush with it as he went through the Veld) Upshot is I will never hesitate to take a nice shotgun out, even in weather.

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

I go with the nicest I own. We only have this short time here. Not bothered with how they look after I hand them down, because I won't be here, and definitely won't be worried about it.
Plus, some honest wear adds character.
It's odd how, when I get a new rifle/shotgun, I'm scared to get the first little nick or scratch on the wood, but after some time with it in the field, the character grows and you no longer think of it. But those first few times are like walking on needles.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I go with the nicest I own. We only have this short time here. Not bothered with how they look after I hand them down, because I won't be here, and definitely won't be worried about it.
Plus, some honest wear adds character.
It's odd how, when I get a new rifle/shotgun, I'm scared to get the first little nick or scratch on the wood, but after some time with it in the field, the character grows and you no longer think of it. But those first few times are like walking on needles.

+1. Use it and protect it then after that first nick, scratch, etc suddenly the firearm becomes a work horse and not so much a safe queen.