Old guns never go bad

[joker8816]

Well, i was about 8 or 9, my dad told me to go dig the crap out from under my bed. I found it. My first Marlin .22 youth, 34'' in length, topped off with a 4x scope. I went looney toons. now ever since that rifle has been a good rifle, although all the squirrels and rabbits didn't think so. and now I am 17 goin on 18 and am still shooting that rifle and im 6'2, 200lbs. now we all shot broomsticks playin cops and robbers, thats what I feel like when i hold it. but thing is i know its my rifle because the eye relief is perfect, its an everyday 22, and still use it on a ranch. Now me not having a steady income yet, should I be embarassed about still shooting a youth around the ranch or not? i just painted it this morning, if you want the pic of it let me know. i just don't want to get laughed at at the range and show em up in the long run, it really is a beautiful gun. And when i got done with it this morning, i reallized its goin with me to my grave.

[jonhearn]

My dad has a Red Ryder that was made in about 1938, because of its action (quick one **** action) I still use it occationally for quick issues... I love the gun and I think that its neat that one day this gun will be mine. (its been my grandpa's, my dads, and someday; mine.) Who cares if sombody laughs at it? A gun's a gun! Just remember that, and hey, maybe make it an heirloom. Tell your son to go dig under his bed one day; don't forget, "the hero is the one who passes on the good feeling." -AGrant. Have fun and plink away!

-Jonathan

[Linethrower]

Been there done that Joker. I'm 54. You will have a long life as a great gun lover. Be safe.

[Buckbuster]

A lot of baggage comes with a gun, sometimes bad, but mostly good. Everytime I pick up one of my firearms I am reminded of every experience that I've had with them. Sitting in the woods, or walking the open fields, I'm alone with my thoughts and often drift back in time to the experiences I've had with each. The good shots bring a smile, while errant efforts bring a pang of regret.

I still have two antique guns that were my dads. Some day I'll pass them on to my two boys. They never had the opportunity to know him since he died a long time before they were born, but they can share in his legacy by remembering the stories I've told them about hunting with him. He was a hard man, with a heavy hand, but he taught me to hunt. Those days afield without conflict were cherished then and now.

My boys are almost grown now. It's a pecular process, this aging and passing of traditions. Lord willing, they'll remember the things I've done right and forget about the mistakes when they're holding the firearms that were once my fathers, before they were mine.

Buckbuster

[grayling]

I wouldn't care if they laughed at the gun. I think most of us have received a "hand me down" rifle or shotgun, and to me that makes it that much better.

It brings back memories of times spent with our family and friends when hunting and the outdoors was still very new to us.

My first was a a Ruger carbine in .22 and I can still remember the first time my dad let me and my brother go out for the first time and hunt squirrels and rabits. It was, in many cases, a right of passage.

I hope to give that rifle to my son/daughter some day and I hope that they give it to their child. Not be pass on the gun itself, but to pass on the love for the outdoors that my dad passed on to me.

Keep it. Don't worry about what others say and if it shoots straight, you can laugh at the others when you out shoot them at the range.

Good luck,

Grayling

[hunter1992]

Hey i would not mind seeing pic of your rifle. My email is gggunsss@yahoo.com

[the_tone_zone]

One of the cherished possessions in my gun safe is my grandpa's old Browning A-5 Light 12. A whole lot of pheasants and quail fell to that gun, and I can just feel his presence every time I pick it up. I take it out to shoot trap or sporting clays now and then, and it's not nearly as pretty as some of the fancy over-and-unders guys are shooting. But that's OK. Those guns they carry have never shot a target that isn't painted bright orange. Mine has. Don't be ashamed of the gun you're shooting or the wear and tear it has. One day, your grandchildren will take that gun out and feel your presence. And, to me, that's what it's all about.

[BULLSEYE]

i have a gun that was my gradpas in the ww1 its killed many things and still works good but make sure any old gun is in working condition

i had a buddy in highschool lose eye to and old .22