Layin on the table at a gunshow, surrounded by a group of bolt guns and a few pumps. It drew me in,,to my eye it seemed to shine, you know, that "glow" they seem to have?
A ser# NP SB2 NEF. But what's this? Open sights on it an no rail? Stamped on the barrel is;
Handi Rifle SB2
cal 45-70 GOV'T P
Price tag on it was 225. So I asked the guy if I could pull the forearm, he say's sure and steps off to get a screwdriver, I told him I have one
, when I lifted the barrel I said "Gee, that's too bad",,"What?" he says, "Well ya see how those 3 numbers match the ser#?, If those where stamped in the lug instead of scribed,,,".
Before he could question further, I dipped my finger too the lug and pulled up some oil,,"That ain't good either, I say's, "This thing could have pop open trouble,,but I like to tinker with these things,,I'll give ya 200 cash."
He made the face but we cut the deal.
So I gots me a 45-70 that is actually in great shape, bore and rifling looks to be new, blueing is great with 1 tiny mark by the front sight and not a ding in the wood at all! Nice trigger too.
It ain't a BC but I'm a Happy Camper!
HEE, HEE HEEEE!
I gotta go add one to the How many list up-top!