Isn't it something the way these things work on us. There's absolutely nothing quantifiable in what you posted Mike. It's all subjective. But... it's the way things go. I have a Remington 870 that I use just for deer hunting. As hunting goes, I much prefer bow hunting than gun hunting, but when shotgun and rifle season comes around I find myself anxious for it, and loving it when I head out into the woods with that 870. I just love the feel of that gun in my hands. Nothing quantifiable about it. The 870 stands on its own as a first rate firearm, but I'm talking about a love affair that goes way beyond the merits of a shotgun. Where I hunt one could make a good case for having a 30-06 in the gun cabinet, but I just use that
870. It's all about the way it feels in my hands. Well, that and the number of deer that have met their fate in front of that gun. My other guns are all nothing more than utilitarian devices to me. I could sell any one of them and never really miss them. There is indeed a certain irrational aspect to this stuff.