This single-shot has a 22-inch barrel, but because the receiver is so short the overall length is about the same as the Marlin's. And since the front sling swivel is sited far forward on the barrel, the Ruger rides very low on your shoulder. (If you think I'm making too much of carrying qualities, spend a week among the peckerpole pines and then we'll talk again.) It gives you only one shot at a time, but you aren't going to need more than one shot if it's a good one. ($950; 603-865-2442; www.ruger.com)

Jerry White, the "Dad" in Dad's Custom Box Calls, carves his boxes from a single block of wood, a style made famous by the late, legendary call maker Neil Cost. Customers can request almost any kind of wood. The Dad's Favorite in butternut and walnut won an honorable mention at the 2003 NWTF Grand Nationals. $100-$120; 912-375-3237; www.dadscalls.com

In addition to box and slate calls, Shawn Williams of Treat Mountain Callers makes a number of lesser-known styles that sound just as good. His scratch boxes are a true bargain at only $15, but it's his tube calls that really stand out. Each is hand turned on a lathe one at a time and can be made to order from a wide range of exotic woods. $30-$40; 770-748-2619; www.treatmountaincallers.net

A writer friend, facing a mountain of slugs to test and a looming deadline, hired a college student, promising to teach the eager young lad the secrets of successful gun writing. "Your first job is to shoot all these slugs and bring me the targets," he said, then poured himself some more whiskey.

That's the best way to beat slug recoil.

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