Shot with a 92yr young shooter today.... was forced to switch from model 21 to a 410 citori because of weight and recoil.... god bless you sir and hope im shooting at your age.
Wow is right! What a priveledge to shoot with him that must have been. Damn I sure hope I can be doing the same if I make it that far down the road.
At the old Canandaigua, NY club years ago we had a member in his 90's who shot an old Browning A-5 on the skeet field. Old Tom Elwell used to say he couldn't see any more and when he shot the target (usually smoked them) he would look around at the guys and say : "Did I get that one, and grin" Sure does bring back a lot of good memories when I see an old timer out shooting and having fun.
Many years ago when I was in my twenties, an older gent in his 90's was shooting trap with his Model 12. I sat on the sidelines, and watched him for about an hour. Then he shot a round of 25, from his right hip. Broke every one except the last bird. Can't remember his name, but what a joy to watch. Some really cool things we have the opportunity to witness. I remember someone in the club house mentioning he was an avid duck hunter, all his life. Shot only one gun. That Model 12.
Rob, You bring up another memory I have in the back of my mind. In the '60's we used to have a fellow come down to our club from Rochester, his name was John Strong. He made the "John Strong Sights" that are found on many old Model 37 Ithacas. John was the first, and only one I ever saw shoot a complete round of skeet from the hip, and on that Sunday afternoon I witnessed him run the field for a 25 straight. I have no idea what gun he used though. Amazing how those old timers could show us youngsters how to shoot back then.
Back when I used to shoot skeet often ( maybe 8 years ago ), an old fella showed up one day who I'd never seen before. We talked a bit and he said he was a WW2 veteran ball turret gunner. Nicest guy. We shot a few rounds and it's one of those days I'll never forget.
I bought two coins that Herb Parson shot with his .22 during many of his exhibition shoots back in the day. I bought these from his son, Lynn, who was featured in the video you can still buy, that showed Herbs young son, Lynn, participating in some of the shooting skills they shared. Lynn also wrote the heavy book, "Showman Shooter" several years ago. If you can find a copy, its a really great book. Lots of pictures, copies of letters, etc. Truly a historic time during exhibition shooting era. I'll try to post a picture later. Its a really cool piece of history. ( Lynn Parsons was a doctor, who resided in Ohio I think. He lived there until his passing just a few years ago.)
Sounds like you knew Lynn. Actually my wife and I were very good friends of Lynn's. We do have both the first and second printings of his book also....his Daddy was an amazing man, and Doc (Lynn) told us many stories of the ventures with his dad. This is a display we have honoring the Parsons family. It has been added to since this picture was taken. Lynn at the old family homestead with a pillow my wife made for him out of Surgical gown cloth.
ONE MORE... Here we are shooting with Lynn in 2010 at the Cardinal Center... I'm on the left, that is History Buff in the blue on station 3, and Lynn is shooting on station 4. Dang Lynn hadn't shot in a long time, but he didn't miss either. Chip off the old block...
Lynn gave me a letter of authenticity along with the picture of Herb. I have had this for many years, and it hangs above my work desk at home.
I remember watching an old interview with James Stewart about Herb shooting the center out of the stamp on the set of "Winchester '73". James was utterly amazed at his shooting talents, and evidently Herb put on a shooting show for the cast and crew sometime during the filming of the movie.
Boy, It's always great to meet someone who knew Lynn, and the family history. History Buff got me involved with Lynn years ago, and we had a wonderful time right up 'til his death... Sure wish old Doc could call and chat once again...he was something else. Thanks Rob, it has been a pleasure ! Dave
Rob, We "were" from Upstate NY just below Rochester in the Finger Lakes, but now living in The Villages, Florida. If you are ever down our way, let me know ! You are my kind of guy ! IF you ever have questions pertaining to the history of Trap shooting, let me know and I'll hook you up with History Buff...he is a wealth of knowledge. Respectfully, Dave
