Heritage

[Hodr]

I got back 2 days ago from a two week trip to see the kids.  Last 4 days were to check out a rumor of Dad's 30-30.  When he died in 1988 Mom sent his deer rifle to my brother who promptly loaned/gave it away.  I found out 3 years later and have been tracking it ever since, the internet has helped.  In Idaho I found it for sale, private party, sort of an estate sale by a guy who needed cash to meet expenses.  When I showed him original bill with serial number, he gave it to me.  I also looked at what else he was going to put up for sale.  I bought 3 each 1903 A3 CMP rifles with slings, bayonets, and service kit.  One has been fired at about 95% condition.  The other two look like they were never used after issue.  All are 1943 manufacture.  I also bought a gorgeous CMP Garand, along with a lot of reload material for 30-06.  On the way home I was talking to my wife and trying to justify expense.  She told me no sweat,  I should keep and shoot the M1 and a 1903, give one to our son and one to our brother in law for CHRISTmas.  She then fessed up and told me she left $400 taped to his refrigerator along with a note saying thank you.
I have Dad's rifle back and I guess I am just going to have to learn how to reload for it.  I am going to the range next week and show off just a little.
My wife is worth more than all the time and money I have ever had.

blindhari

[Dee]

WOW! Congrats of gettin you Dad's 3030 back. What is it, and are ya gonna hunt with it?

[williamlayton]

You have agood wife there---you must be very deserving.
I am very happy with the outcome of the whole shebang.
Keep us posted, please.
Blessings

[Old Fart]

That's great. Some things should stay in the family. Favorites rifles and fishing rods are both hierlooms.

[Hodr]

Winchester saddle ring carbine purchased 1953, same year as Dad's sweet 16 Browning.  Dad never shot a thing with it, it just gave him a reason to walk the high sierra without radio telephone, television, but the sweet 16 took a lot of delicious pheasant. 7 years looking for the rifle.  This trip went Arizona, California, Idaho, Arizona.  Married 30 years next January when we will all renew vows, probably in Vegas reunion.  One couple 40 yrs, one couple 20 years, three couples thirty years. The sisters don't know it yet but all the guys will be in uniform,  two Army, two Navy, one Air Force.  All of our fathers and uncles were in service.  Most of our mothers and aunts took war industry jobs.
Fantastic wife, kids full grown, clean and straight, surounded by family, kin to pass things on to, I can't think of anything better.

blindhari