Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/554642
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 1 0 2 at least shoot the rifle on the range a time or two before facing off with something capable of making him an entrée or stomping his carcass into hunterburger. Being a world-class outfitter with a growing reputation for both customer service and the unusual has made for some interesting situations. For example, the brothers wanted to stock a particularly beautiful, near-custom Beretta shotgun that retails in the $4,000 range. "Sure, we can supply you," said the folks at Beretta, "but you have to buy at least a hundred to make it worth our while." Done and done! Call Cove Creek if you'd like one of the hundred before they're all gone. With all their expertise and with nearly any firearm in the world at their elbows, you'd think Erik and Bob are globe-trotting hunters as well. Not so, laughs Erik. "This business takes up so much of our time we're barely able to squeeze in a few days chasing the local Pennsylvania whitetails." Not that chasing those big Keystone State bucks is anything to complain about. I forgot to ask while at the store, but I'd wager one could also arrange a private appointment with either Erik or Bob to discuss special outfitting needs. They're accommodating that way. As I put the finishing touches on this story, it is July 3, just one day before our nation's 239th birthday. For all the liberties we still enjoy, we can thank General Washington and all the brave men and women who've made and kept this magnificent country free. I think that even the descendants of those Pennsylvania moonshiners would agree. Note: Find Cove Creek Outfitters at 111 East Pitt Street in Bedford. The website—and it's one well worth seeing—can be found at www. covecreekoutfitters.com. The toll-free number is (888) 365-7030, and the local number is (814) 623-8400. Mail orders are shipped promptly, and the store takes most forms of plastic. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 to 6 and Sunday 11 to 4, but it might be good to check just to be sure the hours haven't changed. business online. "We've shipped orders to all fifty states," says Erik, who stresses that the shop can supply sportsmen with just about anything they need, no matter the timetable or where they're located, often as quickly as overnight. He says it isn't unusual to field a call from someone who is two or three days from leaving on safari or other trip and needs a particular rifle immediately. He chuckles when he says that he tries to diplomatically suggest that the customer actually become a destination for visitors from all over, especially guys with wives and girlfriends who are more interested in Bedford's antique shops, boutiques, coverlet and quilt displays, gourmet restaurants, and galleries. Of course, Cove Creek Outfitters offers women a good place to shop, even those not interested in hunting or fishing. E rik and Bob adopted the internet right from the beginning and now do a substantial portion of their