Swamphunter Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Over the last couple of years I have wanted to either get a new deer rifle or at least change the stock on my "aged" Rem 700 30-06. As I sat in my treestand tonight with a buck chasing a few does around about 80 yards from me...I held that rifle with confidence knowing that the second that buck stopped, if he was a shooter, he was as good as dead. Well, as hunting goes, he never gave me a good enough look to decide whether to take him or not, and he never presented me with a good shot. On the ride home I reflected about the evenings hunt and the confidence I had with that rifle in my hand. I came to the conclusion that my rifle is not just a tool, it is not just the rifle I picked up, spur of the moment 10+ years ago when I had a deer rifle need repairs during that years rut...it is a companion that has walked countless miles through the woods picking up damage to its stock as I did to my skin as we tredged through brush and briars. It is in numerous photos with me, both with deer and without...it has been layed gently across the chests of a lot of deer as they lay still at the moment of gratitude that I have for the bounty that God and the rifle has provided for me. It is for all these reasons, I can't get rid of this old rifle, or even change the stock to synthetic. I look at those nicks and dings and chips and scratches, and although I don't know where they all came from, I know I am responsible for every single one of them as this rifle travels only with me. The only thing I will change over the years will be the sling as it is showing wear and I'm afraid of it failing at a critical moment...and that scope with the too short eye relief that kisses me between the eyes from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirkV Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Re: Can\'t do it Nice story swampy I would leave well enough alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HaDeRonDa Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Re: Can\'t do it I wouldn't be able to do it either. I just talked to my wife about refinishing my Ruger. She said, " Does it currently shoot well? Why do you care what it looks like on the outside as long as it shoots well? Those nicks and dings are not only history but some have real stories to learn by. Don't touch it!!" My Ruger stays "scratched and dinged" too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shockwave Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Re: Can\'t do it It`s like taking your old dog out for a walk, maybe it just seems that way to me. I take my .30-06 out for a walk every year. Many a doe should be thankful i quit shooting to fill a tag. Now i have the resolve to be able to pass up shots on Ms. Doeball, or maybe it could be i have matured as a hunter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Re: Can\'t do it Im in the same boat. I have my fathers 30+ old Rem 700 BDL 30-06 thats in need of a new stock. I hate to swap it out but its actually cracked and repaired with elmers wood glue. LOL Its time to give it a new set of clothes. It also needs a scope. I am currently into hunting with Encore handguns but I know one day I will have a need to pull it back out and getting it dressed back up for service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Re: Can\'t do it Ken, You've brought up some great memories from the past. I watched my Dad buy his 30.06 from my Uncle when I was maybe 5-6 years old(40yrs ago). A conservative estimate number of the deer he has killed with that rifle since it's purchase is 65-70(probably more)!!! A few years ago he asked me if I would take it apart and re-finish the stock because it looked so bad. I did but when I was sanding the wood it was like peeling the skin off a living being. You could almost feel the years of weather and the miles of brush it had gone through talk to you from the scratches and dings. It took over 3 weeks to finish after sanding, adding a Honey Oak stain, and 16 coats of Acrylic lacquer..adding a layer a day after each dried. He finally got the gun back...picked it up and said: "There's my old buddy....Looks better than it did when I bought it"! As it turns out my Father never knew I remembered him buying that gun from my Uncle and sat there amazed at the details I could recall from that night. My Dad told me when he passes on that I would get this gun...but he had a good number of deer to kill with it yet so dont hold my breath! He killed 2 deer with the gun later that year and he said "It still shoots the same...it just looked better doing it". I know this gun is only metal and wood...but it's earned it's place as a member of our family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 Re: Can\'t do it Scratches and nicks on a gun are like stickers and scares on an old bucks rack. It shows character, and in the case of a gun, memories also. Great post Ken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.