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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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In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, I dive into what a shotgun truly means beyond wood, steel, and craftsmanship. It’s not just a tool — it’s a reflection of who we are, how we were raised, and what we value. From the first time you shoulder one to the years you spend learning its character, a shotgun becomes something more than a firearm; it becomes a companion in the field, a teacher of patience, and a link between generations.

We’ll explore the emotional connection behind the gun, the lessons it carries, and why for many of us, it represents far more than sport — it represents belonging, tradition, and purpose.

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In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, Mike Burnett breaks down one of the most overlooked fundamentals in shotgunning — your stance, mount, and the physical mechanics behind a smooth, consistent shot.

Mike dives deep into how body position, balance, and muscle memory all work together to create a controlled, instinctive mount — the kind that makes every bird or target feel like second nature. Whether you’re shooting in the field or on the clays course, mastering your stance and mount can transform your consistency and confidence behind the gun.

This isn’t just theory — it’s practical advice from decades of experience fitting shooters and studying the way great gun handlers move.

Tune in, take notes, and learn why a proper mount is the foundation of every great shot.

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In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, Mike Burnett takes listeners deep into one of the most asked—and most misunderstood—questions in the shooting world: What gun should I buy?

This isn’t a typical buyer’s guide. It’s a conversation about purpose, fit, and craftsmanship—why the gun you choose should reflect not just your budget, but your values, your shooting style, and your long-term relationship with the sport.

From field guns to clays, bespoke builds to trusted workhorses, Mike breaks down what really separates a fine firearm from the rest. You’ll learn how balance, stock fit, and intended use all shape the experience behind the trigger—and why buying the right gun the first time can change everything about how you shoot.

Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter, a weekend clay breaker, or just stepping into the world of fine shotguns, this episode will help you see firearms the way craftsmen and true enthusiasts do: as lifelong companions, not just tools.

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Legacy. Precision. Purpose.

Step inside the world of Odin Arms — a legacy-born American shotgun brand where craftsmanship, heritage, and faith converge. Hosted by Michael Burnett, co-founder of Northern Wings & Clays and Odin Arms, this podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, philosophy, and spirit behind some of the most unique sporting shotguns ever built.

From deep dives into gunmaking tradition to honest conversations about legacy, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of excellence, this podcast is more than just about firearms — it’s about living with purpose, building something that matters, and honoring the craft in all we do.

Whether you’re a lifelong wingshooter, a collector, a gunmaker, or simply someone who believes that craftsmanship is a form of worship — you’re in the right place.

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In this episode of Northern Wings & Clays Field Notes, we explore the hidden pockets of the world where gunmaking has flourished — small towns, valleys, and regions where craftsmanship isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

From the famed workshops of Gardone Val Trompia to other lesser-known but equally remarkable centers of firearm artistry, I share the stories of places where steel and walnut come together in the hands of masters.

This is more than a history lesson — it’s a reflection on what these pockets of gunmakers mean for those of us who cherish sporting arms, heritage, and the values that endure through generations.

Thank you for listening, and for being part of the Field Notes journey.

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