Fine Shotguns: The History, Science, and Art of the Finest Shotguns from Around the World Book

First the rating is for the book...not the caliber.

As mentioned elsewhere I was 4 years old when my dad and grand-dad began teaching me safe and effective shooting and firearms handling. I grew up in a different time. it's not so long ago, yet sometimes it seems unimaginably distant. I read and hear things today that simply make me shake my head. Where I grew up pretty much everyone had at least a 12 gauge shotgun and a .22 rifle behind the front door, and usually some kind of hand gun in the bedroom. Many had a larger caliber rifle for deer etc. And in my entire youth I don't remember anyone being "shot" either on purpose or by accident. Guns were a part of life like cars, kitchen knives, hammers and fishing poles. When I was 16 I sold a guitar I'd lost interest in and bought a .22 Marlin. There's something about the .22 that has a special place for me and for others. In the years since at different times I've had a Winchester leaver action .22 and a small bolt action I can't remember the make of. I've owned two .22 revolvers, both single action.

Never killed anyone and so far as I can tell I'm not a threat to anyone....

This book sets out to mine that special feeling many of us have for what was usually our first "gun" (I still hesitate to use the word "gun", I had a sergeant who was "right sensitive" about it). He talks of his own experiences and the uses of the caliber, and I enjoyed that part of the book. I think his long discussion and comparison of the newer .17 caliber was over done. And his discussion of the manufacturers and components was a bit much. So, I enjoyed it, but I've read better outdoors books.

When I was young I hunted. I don't regret it nor do I have any problem with hunting. I never repeat never enjoyed the part of the hunt that is taking a life but it's part of the hunt and it's part of life. If I choose to eat meat, wear leather shoes, or use other animal products (other leather articles, bone articles, some pharmaceuticals...etc.) then I'm the recipient of someone taking an animal's life. To hunt (and I don't mean to "poach" or to "kill") but to hunt to be a part of nature gives an understanding of life and how it works that you don't get without it. A hunter is not someone who "likes to kill animals" he's much more.

I still target shoot. And now and then I still miss being out in the field during hunting season. We need to gain a new understanding of life, of the responsibilities we have. We are blessed with freedom here that you don't find anywhere else and we are trading it for the privilege of being cared for. My dad and grand-dad could not have taught me if they didn't understand and accept the responsibility of competence themselves.

Anyway...pretty good book...exceptional subject. :)