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In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, Mike explores what truly makes a gun a “legacy” piece — without naming brands, models, or chasing hype. Instead, he breaks down the deeper forces that shape long-term value: consistency, human judgment, production discipline, restraint, and trust.

Why do certain firearms that were once affordable tools now command many thousands of dollars?

Why do some designs remain relevant across generations?

And why does time — more than marketing or materials — become the ultimate judge?

This isn’t an investment episode. It’s a conversation about permanence. About what survives scrutiny. About why honesty in craftsmanship eventually earns recognition.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a temporary trend from a timeless firearm, this episode will change the way you look at what you own — and what you choose next.

As always, this isn’t about status.

It’s about standards.

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In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, I’m tackling one of the most misunderstood — and most important — topics in wingshooting and clays: shotgun fit. A perfectly tuned shotgun can feel like an extension of your body… but when it doesn’t fit, even the best shooter can struggle.

We’ll break down:

• What “fit” really means — and why it’s more than just length of pull
• The differences between field and sporting fit
• How proper mount and stance affect performance
• What measurements matter most (and which ones don’t)
• Why good gun fit can’t be separated from good shooting

Whether you’re a new bird hunter or a seasoned clays competitor, this episode will give you clarity — and a few simple things you can do today to shoot better tomorrow.

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What should you do when you inherit firearms?

For many families, the moment comes unexpectedly. A parent, a grandparent, or a loved one passes, and suddenly you’re left with guns you don’t fully understand—what they are, what they’re worth, whether they’re safe, or even what you’re legally allowed to do with them.

In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, Mike Burnett walks through the realities of inheriting firearms with clarity, honesty, and respect for both the emotional and practical sides of the situation.

This is not an episode about politics or fear. It’s about responsibility.

Mike explains why rushing to sell, store, or ignore inherited firearms is one of the most common—and costly—mistakes families make. He breaks down the importance of slowing down, taking inventory, documenting what you have, and understanding the difference between sentimental value, functional value, and true market value.

You’ll hear real-world perspective drawn from decades in the firearms industry, including a story that highlights how easily valuable history can be lost when guns are handled without proper knowledge or guidance.

Most importantly, this episode encourages listeners to seek out qualified, open-minded expertise—not to sell you something, but to help you understand what you actually have. Whether the collection is one shotgun in a closet or a full gun room, the principles are the same: respect the firearms, respect the history, and make informed decisions.

If you or someone you love may one day inherit firearms, this episode will give you a grounded, calm starting point—and potentially save you from irreversible mistakes.

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