Thanks for all the great comments. I don't look at firearms too much when I'm in a SGS. Usually when I'm in one, it's to buy reloading components that I run short on. The store I shop mostly is 35 miles from my Wyoming town, and when I visit there, they've strategically place their firearms on the wall you walk by to the reloading components, and at eye level. Good store strategy, and unless you have a question about something, they don't bother you in your purchase quest. Another good store strategy (IMO). Anyway, on my way to buy some powder and primers last week, I walked by the Wingmaster this thread's about. Nostalgia time, and here we are...still. Ha! And again, wouldn't even be here if the 870 wasn't in such nice shape. Can't go look at it today as there's a pretty good snowstorm happening right now, and out our living room window. Snow's all over as I understand it. Good day to stay in camp.
sbelk,
I'm not too far behind you in growth rings, as I'll be 66 next March. I'll keep after the big critters as long as I can, and I've been very fortunate to have been blessed with good lungs and legs. Won't go on forever though, and I realize that a little more every year. I think my wife's happy I'm slowing down a bit... I really need to check in about that license you have for birds, fish and small game, too (shotgun thoughts...). I bought a lifetime conservation stamp/card a long time ago, and I'm really glad I did that. I'm getting old enough now to reap a few benefits for making it this long. My wife and I both got our "get in free" cards from Uncle Sam for all the NPS stuff; Nat'l Parks and camping benefits in National Forest and whatever else we're entitled (EARNED!) to. Ha!
Best of luck to you in your field endeavors in the future for many more years to come! Old Guys rock! BTW, I grew up in MN, and was fortunate enough to have come from a family who ran a dairy farm. That farm had a great duck slough (a small lake, really) on it, and corn and soybean fields to pheasant hunt in, too. I never hunted big game back there until my senior hear in H.S. I got to go on a couple of deer hunts in Wyoming with my middle bro along with a great group of friends. After those deer hunts, it was my dream to move to Wyoming. My wife and I did it back in '79. My wife and I have never, ever, regretted the move. The magic of the place is still working. I bagged a nice 4X4 mulie this past October, and a cow elk just last week; both with M700 rifles, both in '06. Lately, Remington sure has taken a lot of hits, and probably rightly so, but the ones I own are older ones, and that Wingmaster falls into that category. I did buy a new ADL this year, a .223. No problems so far, and it sure it easy on the shoulder; a good thing.
Again, thanks TFL guys for all the great and helpful comments. The best to all of us in this new exciting year coming up!
To a Great America, and Merry Christmas to all.