In 1969, at the tender age of 13 I bought my first gun... a brand new 20 gauge H&R Topper. For the sum of $39.95 (plus tax of course!). I shot grouse, bunnies, ducks and anything legal I could shoot. Loved that little gun. Even shot trap once a week through high school, against guys with tricked out guns and did pretty good (averaged 20 out of 25).
About 8-10 years ago I had a yard sale and in a lapse of judgement, sold it to a neighbor for $55.
He was gonna put it aside for the grandson to use.
Over the years I'd see him and would ask if he'd sell it back to me - no was always the reply, "saving it for the grandson".
This weekend we had another yard sale. My neighbor came by and asked if I'd take the 20 gauge and $20 for an item I was selling.
Seems the grandson (or his dad) bought a new semi-auto 20 gauge and wants nothing to do with a lowly "single-shot".
I have my H&R 20 gauge back! Now
I'm gonna save it for a grandchild! (But until they come along, I will take good care of it... and use it on weekends for quail!!!)
I'm a happy camper once again!
Mike