6 Generations

[Baticus]

We have a model 99 in 300 savage. It hasn't been handed down yet, but I've had the opportunity to pack it in the bush on several occasions. It'll be 4 generations once its in my possession.

This rifle was originally purchased and packed to deliver mail in northern Alberta/British Columbia. It has seen its fair share of use, harvesting moose, elk, grizzly, black bear, antelope, deer, coyotes and wolves over the years. Its not pristine, but it has a remarkable history to match the wear on the rifle.

I've had the pleasure of packing it looking for bears the past couple of years. Would love the 4th generations first kill to be a bear if at all possible.

 

[Europe]

We have a model 99 in 300 savage. It hasn't been handed down yet, but I've had the opportunity to pack it in the bush on several occasions. It'll be 4 generations once its in my possession.

This rifle was originally purchased and packed to deliver mail in northern Alberta/British Columbia. It has seen its fair share of use, harvesting moose, elk, grizzly, black bear, antelope, deer, coyotes and wolves over the years. Its not pristine, but it has a remarkable history to match the wear on the rifle.

I've had the pleasure of packing it looking for bears the past couple of years. Would love the 4th generations first kill to be a bear if at all possible.

another rifle with great history and purpose--to protect the mail deliverer --great story.

thanks to all who posted. Some interesting stories and posts.

VAspeedgoat, thank you of rthe invitation. very interesting history, thanks for sharing it with us

Brent. Would you buy a "replica" or only originals, even if they need help ?

Harley, thank you.

 

[BuzzH]

My Grandfather, Father, and I have all killed deer, elk, and pronghorn with this rifle in Montana...pre-64 in 30/06.

I killed an elk with it in the breaks several years ago.

 

[MTelkHuntress]

I've been getting into fly fishing this past year and my dad found my great grandfather's fishhook remover with a hook sharpener at one end. He gave it to me and it was so special because my great grandfather is part of the reason I wanted to get into fly fishing. He fished whenever he could and I always hear the most amazing stories about him. A lot of stories about the old days of Rock Creek. The hook sharpener is pretty worn down so you can tell he used it a lot! I dont know most family members from my dad's side so it's really special to have something from my great grandfather because my dad was so close to him.

Great thread, I love reading everyone's stories!

 

[Jape]

Stock is cracked but love having this old Stevens .410 shotgun that was my great-grandfathers.

I am especially fond of the cattle branding irons from our 5-generation farm. Sadly, this is the last generation.

Great thread!

 

[Panda Bear]

BuzzH, my first rifle was an old 30-06 that had been in the family for years . caribou, wolf, moose, muskox, bear ( black, white, brown ).

Baticus. what a great story

mtelkhutress, those are such great finds, glad your dad found it for you

 

[BrentD]

Mtnhuntr, it would be very easy to fix that crack on the .410 so it is good for another century or two.

Europe, replica vs. original all depends on the details. I have replica 1885s that will exchange parts with originals. I cannot tell them apart. For a fancy, high-end rifle, that works for me and I have MVA and Ballard Rifle Company 1885 Winchesters made into custom rifles. I also have an original 1885 action made into a custom gun as well (that .22 rifle I have posted). That was just a good source of the action. There are, however, many replicas I would not use for a basis of any rifle - the modern 1885 Winchester made by either Browning or Winchester for example. Good quality, but not correct. I have a replica Shiloh Sharps, but I would never have a replica Rossi 1890 Winchester.

But for a hunting shotgun or rifle, I definitely prefer old originals. I want them to have serviceable wood, which may be cracked or even broken, but I don't mind repairing them. And I prefer to keep the old barrel and reline if I must, but sometimes barrels have to be replaced. And sometimes the actions have to be filed out, welded up, and re-cased or blued. But I like to keep their "oldness" as much as I can. I view repairs and replacing parts as just part of the process of being a "working" gun. I don't like that term, but it suffices to make the point I think. I'm not a collector and my originals will get fixed as needed, not retired. A retired gun is a dead gun. Mine still live and breath. At least I think they do.

I cannot imagine handing down a modern, plastic and stainless, cerokoted (sp?), scoped rifle as a family treasure. Just don't see it.

But then I won't be handing down anything. I am the end of the line. Maybe I'll have wits enough to give a few more away though.