Oops, I Bought Another Rifle
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- čas přidán 20. 01. 2021
- A new hunting rifle followed me home from the store... yeah Mrs. River didn't believe that either. We'll just say she didn't understand so I needed to share this one with some people that would understand.
- Jak na to + styl
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I am going to start using that excuse. "These shoes just followed me home".
Best line ever!!
That's awesome
LOL, ya'll see what I have to deal with!!!!! 😄
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I can hear it now, lol!
These shoes were made for follerin' ... and that's just what they did. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@wahyasaquii7563 LOL!
Two years ago I accidentally found Tom River Simple Living (was watching Randy Newberg and Tom came up). Like everyone else, a new video has about 15 seconds for you to decide to change the channel or keep watching… I am so glad I kept watching. That first video I watched (and a couple more to assure my thoughts), I found Tom was dead on! Tom’s simple explanation of everything takes me back to reality and a time when hunting was not so complicated. If you are married, this video is as true as you can get! Great job Tom and please don’t change!
That is a great story. Funny how things work out sometimes. My father was a gun collector, mostly military weapons of ww2. His deer rifle was a winchester 70 in 270 made in 1965, same year I was born. I lost my dad a year ago and I now own all his guns. I have many rifles myself but I have started using the old 270 of his. None of my rifles make me smile like it does when I look at it sitting in my stands. Memories.
Nics steps into conversation. Say what? 😂
@@Yettiattack 11:49
I stumbled upon a Super Grade model 70 about a month ago that was "not for sale" and after speaking with the gentleman about the 2 year search I had been on looking for a nice used in field grade, it became available, and I just happen to have the asking price in my wallet. I honestly believe he only sold the rifle to me because he knew it would have a good home and be taken care of. He would be passing it on to someone that would truly appreciate it. He gave me such a great deal on it, with it being new in box, I could have almost doubled my money after walking out the door, but he knew I would own this gun until I reach a time where I needed to repeat what he had done and pass it on to someone that would truly appreciate it just like I will. Center cut maple Super Grade in blonde finish. 270W I am trying to set it up in a way that Jack O'Conner would appreciate.
This was an outstanding story in more than one way. Very touching. I’d bet that other than his son, Mr. Howard couldn’t have picked a better person to own that gun. I’m sure he was very pleased to hear it was you. Subscribed.
Why thank you, and just to add to that story my friend Joey bought a used model 70 Classic 2 weeks ago. After he bought it the clerk told him that one was also Mr. Howard's. I just thought that was interesting how we both came to own one of Mr. Howard's rifles.
Wow, what a fantastic story, comedy and tragedy combined. Keep then coming Tom! 👍🏻
I don't think I can handle many more days like this one!
What a great story! The fact that you prayed over it just proves that God does work in mysterious ways...
That is a beautiful rifle I wish you many years of building memories God bless you
Thanks Dan. The only problem with such a nice rifle is I'm hesitant to take it out into the field hunting. But I sure am proud to own it.
No doubt, this 'find' was a divine appointment. I'm always amazed at the back stories that give a bigger picture of life and relationships than just a transaction. Thanks for sharing your process of clearing the decision with both your wife and the Lord. Blessings!
That's an awesome and touching story, Tom. I just brought another gun home this weekend too, but it's no where near as interesting of a story. After my Grandparents passed away several years ago, my Dad had brought some things back from their house. One of the things was an old 22LR that belonged to a much older cousin of mine. A few years ago my Dad had informed my cousin that he was in possession of the rifle he learned to shoot with, but my cousin never claimed it. So after your video about 3 working guns, I have been thinking about getting a .22 (strangely, I have never owned one, even know I learned to shoot with one myself). And with 2 kids coming of age, I definitely wanted one to teach them the fundamentals of shooting, safety, and maintenance. So I ended up asking my Dad on a passing whim if he had ever given my cousin his rifle back. "Nope, still in my closet."
"Really?!", I said.
So I asked him to get it, and I took a look at it, and I was rather dumbstruck. First, was the fact that it had sat in a basement, then a closet for the last 40 some odd years, and was almost as pretty as the day it hit the shelf at Sears. In fact, it was a Sears 3T (which I believe is made by Winchester) .22LR. The gun was, other than 2 minor cosmetic blemishes, and a bit of dust and dirt, in fantastic condition. So I cleaned it up (majority of the time I spent trying to reinstall the recoil spring and bolt, ughh) and brought it home. It was amusing to tell my wife I was bringing another gun home. She was about to give me the business until I told her I spent no money. It was a cool little find, and one I'm excited to share with my kids... Now I just need to find a way to tell my cousin how I commandeered his rifle😂. He'll probably be cool with it, and if he wants it back, I'll be sure to return it in as good a shape as I found it. Anyway, that's an amazing find you got there, and I'll bet your friend is looking down with an approving knod.
I was just talking with some that reminded me that those firearms that bounce around in the family just like your 22 usually aren't worth the most money, they usually aren't the prettiest, and they usually aren't exactly collectable but they end up being the most valuable firearms of all. I'm glad it found a new home where it will get used and still be appreciated. And that is every bit as interesting of a story as mine!
That's a wonderful rifle. I bought my first Model 70 in 1978 and I still have it today and 9 more have followed me home. With that rifle I took my biggest whitetail and my biggest mule deer. It doesn't get any better than that. Enjoy your new rifle, it's the best ever! Sage
It's funny how great rifles tend to travel in packs! And thanks.
That sir, was a fine bit of story tellin' - so fine in fact, that having just stumbled upon your channel, I immediately subbed. Looking forward to going back through your older videos as well as anticipating future installments. Take care and God bless.
Why thank you very much, and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
One of the best stories I've heard in years laughs,tears,and hope that someday I rifle like that will find me too. Thanks for the video sir hope you and the misses stay safe and covid free!!! Bless you sir!!
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and so far no symptoms.
You were definitely meant to own that rifle! Congratulations and great story! Stay safe.
Thank you for that.
Nice rifle and great intro. A few years ago I bought an old mauser rifle with double set triggers made in Czechoslovakia chambered in 7x57.
Thanks, and those Czechs sure have made some fine rifles. And what better cartridge to chamber in a Mauser action than 7x57!
The Lord blessed you with that rifle. Knowing you wanted one he put the perfect one right in front of you. Congratulations!
Thank you for that. And I agree he certainly did. I was joking about him not saying no, but he has said no in the past. And if I had felt like he was saying no now I would have never bought it. I think as long as we put the Lord first he'll make sure everything else works out for the best.
Congradulations on a awesome purchase it's a real beauty! And it might have been a sort of Devine intervention that you ended up with it and it's a great story behind it ! Thank you for sharing this story
This is my favorite video you have done and I'm sure you will be thinking of your passing friend when you handle this rifle. Thanks for sharing the story.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Kevin. And that was probably my favorite video as well. I really enjoyed doing that one!
I bought another one, too. I had resolved not to increase the number of rifles I have but I think I have an addiction. I'm not a hunter, I'm merely an at-the-range shooter. I like rifles in wood stocks and I like to fiddle with the various aspects of the machine. I like to repair old British sports cars but - being an old coot now - I don't want to lay on a cold garage floor in the winter and firearms are a mechanical device I can fiddle with at my desk. Recently I bought a 30-06 in a synthetic stock just to see what it's like. Like is the wrong word, because I didn't like it. So I found an American walnut stock blank, finished the rough inletting and put it together. I have pillar bedded it and I'm now ready to shoot it for the first time. Unfortunately before I could do that a quality walnut-stocked 30-06 leaped into my car and insisted on going home with me. Now I've got to sight-in two 30-06 rifles. Maybe this weekend I can do it, after I finish a bunch of tax returns. By the way, I'm impressed that you use standard deviation as an analytic tool....and I enjoy your videos very much.
Tom, I honestly believe, that was meant to be. Everything clicked into place for you to have that rifle. The old vs new test will be a very interesting and fun video as well. Beautiful well took care of rifle. Its absolutely a work of art. Glad you got it.
Thanks I appreciate that, and I'm looking forward to the test also.
Excellent find. Pre 64 are a real gem. Love your show. When l bought my Excalibur crossbow, my wife 3 years later still gives me a hard time. God didn't tell me not to buy it.. 😁😄😄
They just don't understand do they! LOL
I enjoyed the story about your Model 70 Featherweight. I was at the University of Michigan in 1971 and was checking out a gun store in Ann Arbor. I spotted a used pre-war Winchester Model 70 30-06 rifle in very good shape. That rifle followed me back to my dorm room covered in wrapping paper and strapped to my bicycle. Imagine trying to do that today! They'd probably call out the SWAT team. Anyway, that rifle cost me $150 and it was a bargain. I still have it today and it is a keeper. That rifle has a great grandson, a 1991 Model 70 Super Grade in 270 Win. There's no comparison in the craftsmanship that Winchester put into the older rifle; integrally machined front sight base, hand checkered stock, etc.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for sharing your story about your pre-war model 70 (nice!). You're right that wouldn't go over very well today on a university campus. That reminded me of all the times I had to walk across my high school campus with rifles to load them up in a van for on the road rifle team matches. I suspect the reaction for that would be a lot different now as well?
And you're right, there's a lot of difference between the older rifles and the new ones. And I suspect there's a lot of subtle differences between your pre-war M70 and my 1960 m70? I always heard the pre-war m70's were the best ever made as far as fit and finish.
Absolutely awesome rifle sir! And great story behind it. Any day you find a fair deal on a model 70 is a great day. I had a rifle fallow me home this week as well! Not another model 70 but a good rifle that I have been wanting. Love the videos!
You would think they would put a leash on those things the way they just wonder off! LOL And I'm glad you enjoyed it.
That's a great story. I too, find myself praying over certain gun purchases. I also cherish those "certain" guns that touch your soul more than others.
What a story! That was the best thing I have heard all day. Congratulations on the new to you rifle. I have prayed about guns on quite a few occasions and have never heard any reply ...... Yes, minimalism is important - but so is sentimentalism, which means every so often you get something not because it's practical, but because it is special. That is allowed, and you can still be a minimalist. Two .270's are ok. Remember one is none and two is one.
Yeah, I miss spoke in the video. When I said I didn't need two .270's I was thinking for my 4 gun set. If you saw my video on the No1 and M77 with the Zytel stock I still have both of those. So I'm .270 poor right now and have ventured a long ways off the minimalism path. But how do you get rid of a No1 that shoots under 1/2 MOA or an all weather skeleton stock M77?
Sir, I'm sitting at the kitchen table in Arizona at 430 am sipping coffee and was scrolling when your video popped up! Made my day! Thank you sir for sharing your story! Kinda heart warming! I'm attached to my rifles also especially my lever rifles! Take care and looking forward to your future videos!
I'm really glad you enjoyed that!
I have just discovered your channel today and really enjoyed sharing the tale of your rifle purchase with my wife. My story involves a 1975 Remington 700 left-hand Custom Grade in .270 Win that we ran across at a gun show about twenty-five years ago. The problem was that my wife had just surprised me with a Browning BLR Lightning in .308 Win for Christmas a couple of months before. This was my first center-fire deer rifle and, with the collaboration of my hunting buddy, was presumed to be the ideal rifle for me. It probably was, but the real issue was that I am a southpaw and had never owned a bolt action rifle before. This one was perfect, BEAUTIFUL and was, in fact, my dream deer rifle. Without any prayer involved and my wife's consent, the purchase was made, a Leupold 3-9x40 scope was mounted and the deal was done. That rifle has served me very well ever since and accounted for quite a few deer over the years. The awkward situation of the extra rifle was solved by swapping the Browning for another Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special with a 6-18x40 Redfield scope in .22-250 Rem. This was a right-hand bolt action and so, of course, this was going to be "her" rifle. The major down-side of this story has been that I have had to buy my own presents for the last twenty-five years. My own experience with these types of purchases has been not whether you can afford the gun but whether you can afford to live with the consequences. God bless you.
Just to let you know I'm stealing that last line! That is so true on so many levels. Thank you for sharing it! And Mrs. River has sworn she's never buying me another present again so I know the feeling.
Hi Tom, I wouldn’t have passed up that featherweight either. Particularly as it belonged to a friend. You can still live a simple life and cherish the things that belonged to family and friends. I wish I knew the history of the rifles and shotguns I collect. Most of my hand tools for woodworking belonged to my grandfather. My Dad sent me some more planes and other tools over Christmas that belonged to my grandfather and although I don’t need them, I will never sell them. I think your comparison of old vs new 270’s will be interesting. For me, hunting and shooting an old gun is special. Modern manufacturing and metallurgy will make some difference but you can’t duplicate history of an old firearm. Looking forward to your future videos on this rifle. Sending prayers to you as you quarantine. Stay well.
Thanks Stephen. And it sounds like you got some really special Christmas presents! Old tools and firearms are special on their own but it truly makes them special when they're connected to friends and family. And thanks for the prayers. No symptoms yet so hopefully all is well.
I use to hate it when a rifle just followed you home...it happened a pretty good bit a few years ago. Im looking forward to a head to head match up between the two rifles. We are all just caretakers of stuff like that and its a good thing when something of value finds a good home. Now if ya can just get an old .35 Whelen to jump in the trunk you will be set. I gotta tell ya, today has not been all that special and when I saw a new post it kinda made my day...I hope ya skip the virus thing { and your friend also} I kinda believe if your in reasonable shape its not much worse than a bad cold anyway. Anyway, thanks for shining some light in what was otherwise a fairly dark afternoon....God Bless
I'm glad I was able to brighten your day a little bit Lee. As for the virus thing, no symptoms yet so hopefully I'm good. And I'm really not to worried about it. Whatever God's will is what will happen and there's no use in loosing sleep over it. And honestly I worry more about all of the idiots on the highway going to work in the mornings than I worry about the virus. They're way more dangerous!
And the Lord willing a .35 Whelen will follow me home one of these days! And Mrs. River probably isn't going to understand that one either but that is a great cartridge.
The lord works in mysterious ways , you brought Mr Howard some peace of mind knowing his rifle will be taken care of
I think it was worth it just to hear Mr. Howard's voice when I told him I knew is son. That meant more to him than knowing his rifle would be taken care of.
if you're like me, going into a gun store and thinking you can get out unscathed, is like me going into a bar and thinking i am going to order a soft drink.
LOL, and I'm suppose to go to a gun show tomorrow! Pray for me!
Beautiful rifle and a great story! Stay healthy and looking forward to the head to head comparison but I can already tell you to keep them both!
Thanks, and I probably will end up keeping them both? This one certainly isn't going anywhere and I'm doing the research on that Westerner now and the more I learn about it the more I realize what a find that one was. That Westerner has even gotten the folks at Winchester interested. They couldn't find anything on it other than it was part of a limited run made only in 2013 and they're trying to find out more about it.
Thank you for sharing this. Love the rifle. It is a classic. I would keep both .270's. One with iron sights for "brush hunting" and one that is scoped for longer range. I did that once when I had two .30-06's. One was a bolt action Savage and the other was the Remington 7400. Love the part of the story about the history of the rifle. In my family we had a Savage single shot that was passed around and down from my grandfather to various family members over a 70 year period. It was "re-gifted" several times. The stories that rifle could tell if it could speak.
It's looking more and more like I'm going to be keeping both. The more I learn about that Westerner the more interesting it's getting. I called Winchester to find out some things on it and it even got them interested.
And it is funny how some guns get passed around in the family. Those rifles and shotguns generally aren't worth much money and they're not really collectable and usually not that pretty, but they end up being the most valuable guns of all. Thanks for reminding me of that.
Your story is gold, much love from Tennessee
Thanks Devon
Congratulations on your new firearm. It is nice to see someone that appreciates a fine rifle for more than the fact that it goes "bang". Recognizing the history of the particular rifle and its significance, if you are like me, i bet you will be pulling that rifle out periodically and just fondling, contemplating, and appreciating it. You will probably enjoy it in such manner as much or more than you will shooting and hunting with it, and I'm sure you will hunting with it, it is made to be hunted. Hunting with a rifle like that just adds to, and makes the hunt better, like a fine wine adds to a wonderful meal. I wish you many enjoyable years and hunts with your new treasure.
Thank you for that, and you are correct in your thoughts. I will be admiring it more than using it, but I'll have to take it out once in awhile. It would be a crime not to.
I understand you perfectly. I have that model in 30 06. Also Voere, excellent Brno, FNs, Anschutz, Brownings. Some in 270W. Without a doubt, 70 is my favorite. And it was a similar story. There it was, on the shelf. And it is true. He told me something that I could not repeat to my beloved wife. I think she has understood or she has made me believe that she has.
Thanks for your words and for the channel.
Greetings from Spain
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and that someone else understands!
Thank you Mr.River for the Beautiful story ,I'm a new subscriber and look forward to catching up lol. Ps...I do love that new rifle also.
Hey Tom love the video’s, you need a box of western silver tips for that great rifle, I love vintage firearms and ammunition it takes me back to an era I never got to see, keep it up buddy!
Thanks. And I like your thinking on ammunition choices but sadly it might be some time before I can even get some Winchester power points. For the moment it's going to be Hornady Interlocks and Speer Hot Cores and hopefully it likes one of them?
Tom, Congratulations on your purchase of that classic, I know how you feel about those old Winchesters, I just acquired a 1957 Winchester model 70 featherweight in 3006 in pristine condition from an older friend and it came with a period-correct 4x Lyman all American scope. It's amazing the way things work out.
Thank you Ronald, and congrates on your aquasition! And yes it is something at how things work out.
Fine rifle, you done good! I'd probably have bought it too. It'll hold it's value, and will increase in value. It's nice that you got the rifle to take care of. and to honor the memory of a good friend too.
Thanks Kent, this is a special one.
Well Tom - great intro story and even better history details.I now know why this particular rifle followed you home.Tell your wife "Honey I didn't buy it I inherited it from an old friend. As we Aussie's would have said when this rifle was made - BONZA!
Thanks Michael
Close your eyes, and hes the Morgan Freeman of gunowners
I like your channel. I find it informative and soothing at the same time. With this video you almost reeled me in to wanting another bolt action, but I already own two of those. I would never part with my short stroke lever actions. (Savage 99, Winchester 88, Sako Finnwolf). All three are amazing rifles in their own way.
Tom isn’t it amazing how that happens. For me it was setting out a number of conditions for my budget and then I had to find the proverbial needle in the haystack. For me it was an FN 30 Mauser in 30.06.
Waited a few years for that one and then 2 showed up at the same time .
We will pray you don’t get sick and look forward to hearing more about this rifle.
Don’t neglect the .303
Thanks Charles, and I haven't forgot about sending you that email this week either. And so far no symptoms so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Really enjoyed this podcast. Great rifle and provenance to back up the story. Things happen for a reason and this 23:48 one should make anyone a believer . Look forward to seeing future segments. Thanks for sharing.
Really beautiful rifle and a even more wonderful story on its history. Thank You
The head to head challenge would be great content! Excited to see what’s ahead. Thanks Mr. Tom
I'm looking forward to this one myself.
Enjoy your newly found treasure, it's a keeper...Jack O'Connor would approve! :-)
Thanks, I like to think he would also.
Thanks for the story, that is a sweet rifle! God bless sir!
Thank you for your comment, and God bless you as well.
Great story. Touches your heart. Enjoyed it from start to finish for a lot of reasons (keep both of 'em, lol)
Thanks John, and as of right now I still have both so it looks like I'm going to be keeping them.
"God works in wonderous ways" comes to mind. Some folks have lost their reverence for history and I applaud you for yours.
Great purchase Tom. Love the rifle and the story. There comes a point, and I think,.what is the point if you can't buy something like that rifle. Want is good enough for me! Greetings from Ireland..
I have to agree, and this one purchase I don't think I'll ever regret.
Great video, I have the exact same rifle made in 62-63. It’s my favorite rifle. When I purchased it was in excellent condition. I intended to keep it as a collector, but I couldn’t.....I liked it too much, now I used the crap out of it hah, hunt with it all the time. I still try to keep it looking good, but as you know it’s hard to keep a hunting rifle looking perfect. It might be a sin, but I actually glass bedded it and now it’s shoots amazing. It loves a 140 Hornady sst going around 2950fps. I got an amazing deal on it, it had been sitting in a older gentleman’s closet for 30 years covered in dust. It’s true beauty was hidden by the layer of crud, took some work cleaning it but totally worth it. Congratulations, I’ll ask the good lord to keep you healthy.
Thank you very much Bob. And as for you using it, we'll that's what they we're made for! It would be just as much a sin to not use such a rifle. This one has just enough wear on it that I won't mind hunting with it. I'll be gentle with it but it will get used. And I'm curios as to how it's going to group as is? I guess we'll find out shortly.
🇦🇺😎👍Nice…..yep I’ve got 3 safes full of orphans that followed me home
Wow! Beautiful rifle. My dad bought one of those new when I was just a kid only in 308 and I can still remember it because it was the only rifle he owned besides a 22 and a 410 shot gun that he had bought as a kid. He was always wiping it down and treating it like it was something special and he had a coworker who who was a gun smith so they reloaded for it and the coworker had a running target range he had built and they would go out and shoot and try out the Partition bullets to try and get the perfect load.my grandfather owned an old Texaco gas station and had a soda machine that had the old tiny coke bottles and it was on the way to the coworker shop so we would stop by their on the way and my dad would let us get a coke and it was in one of those old icebox models that you had to slide to get the coke out until you got it Dow to the corner where the pullout was and this video just reminded me of all those great memories that I had almost forgotten all about until now! Enjoy your new rifle and may you have and make many fond memories with it!
Thank you very much and thanks for sharing that. It's funny how those old memories turn up some times. That's exactly how I felt when I answered the phone and it was Mr. Howard. So many memories.
I just absolutely love your attitude towards life and can relate in so many ways.
That is a great story !!! It brought back many memories! The older we get the old things we liked and wanted seem to show up . I have had many guns follow me home !!!
About 20 years ago (time flies) I purchased a model 70 featherweight 270 from a guy who was getting rid of most of his collection. The metal was in near excellent condition but the stock had been sanded and poorly finished with spar varnish. I put the rifle away and forgot about it. Then last year, I read an article about how Jack O'Conner had purchased his featherweight 270 in 1959. Out of curiosity I took another look at my rifle. It too had been manufactured in 1959. That was a slow year for model 70 production, so taking some liberty with published production information in Roger Rule's book, I realized that my rifle, as well as O'Conner's, may have been in a lot of less than 2000 featherweight 270 rifles made that year. Wow! Because my stock, under all that ugly varnish, had a lot of burl showing in it, I sent it to Dave Norin in Antioch Ill. The stock came back almost too magnificent to describe. This rifle is now a major showpiece in my collection. I do plan to take it on one more hunt with a vintage Weaver scope mounted on it. The rifle deserves to have this opportunity.
I can only image how that stock turned out! And that's the tragedy of something so nice. It was meant to hunt with but at the same time you know you wouldn't forgive yourself if you got it scratched up. Mine already has a few scratches and dings and I still don't want to carry it out often. I can only image how tough it would be with yours. But that is definitely one to have as the center piece of your collection. 👍
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Tom: There's always a quandary as to restoring a firearm. In this case the stock, even though it had wonderful figure, had such an abused re-finish job that the "collectability" was questionable. I decided to send it to an expert, Dave Norin, a custom rifle guild member, to have the stock restored. This was a good decision.
@@ralphlivingston762 I agree that it's always a tough decision and I also agree that you made the right one.
Beautiful gun and an awesome story! I know what you mean about not wanting to get rid of any guns. I have more rifles & shotguns then I will ever need and keep buying more. I don't have any two of the same caliber though, so that is my excuse and I am sticking to it! LOL My kids like to shoot and hunt, so that is an even more of a reason to not sell anything. I just need to get a bigger safe.
LOL, I tried telling Mrs. RIver that I needed a bigger safe to but that didn't go over very well.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving 🤣 I find doing layaways help take away the sting and the evil looks from the wife..
@@Dale37 LOL
Nice rifle. And a nice story on how you got it. I just got a new .270 Model 70 super grade with the AAA grade maple stock back in June. Can’t go wrong with a .270 Model 70.
We inherited a model 70 270 post 64 with a synthetic stock recently. Thinking about putting a wooden stock on it. Love your videos!
Awesome story! Priceless!👍🏽😀❤️🇺🇸
Amazing how small this big world is, beautiful rifle and wish you well and great story 👍
It really is.
A selling point to me is the history of a gun and a reasonable price. I have bought a few guns that I found out later that belonged to a friend. I just hope they don't ever want it back.
Thanks Tom...from New Zealand. Had a similar occasion myself recently... I replied to an online sale for a Ruger M77 Mk1...in .260. The old fella was 83 years old..and selling his collection of 30 rifles...only had 6 left...and this was one of them. We yarned away for ages...turned out he was an old friend of an elderly friend of mine...anyways it’s a beautiful old rifle...and it came home with me.
Great find. I think it found its' forever home. I love old guns. They have history and character. The oldest gun I own is a Winchester model 12. It was manufactured in 1940's. I looked up the serial number about 15 years ago. Beautiful shotgun that definitely has character.
And those are great shotguns!
Frst comment on You Tube but you bring back my childhood with your easygoing hunting and out doors talks.Reminds me of sitting around the old wood stove at camp and a young boy and I am 50.
It's funny you mention that Brian. I never setout to have any particular style but I've noticed over time I have developed a style with the videos. And I think it comes from all the times I sat around with friends and family just talking about all things hunting and life. And part of the reason I've come to enjoy making these videos is because so many of the friends that I once had such talks with are no longer here. The videos I enjoy making the most are the ones that remind me of those friends and family and how much I used to enjoy all the talks we had. And thanks for commenting!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving keep up the good work and I will keep eye out for more of you videos. Have good afternoon, Brian
Yessir…, I do believe it found you. Beautiful Model 70. Would love to see the comparison someday.
John
This guy is damn funny. A lot of rifles have followed me home too.
I’m the luckiest man alive, my wife gave me $900 to go with the $300 I had already saved for a new Model 70 Featherweight with SS barrel/ walnut stock in .270 Win. Question is: will it ever arrive at my mom pop sporting goods store? Man I’m finding it hard to wait for this beauty. Been about two weeks now. Apparently the new 70’s use the pre 64 design again in trigger and bolt design. I sure hope so. I was told they are assembled in Portugal now, and imported through Browning for Winchester. From what I understand they still are very nice quality regardless of the huge disappointment of the lost manufacturing jobs in America.
I always try to buy American whenever possible. Enjoy that beautiful pre-64 Featherweight Tom, I got drool stains on my shirt now from lookin’ at it...thanks buddy! 🤗
Yes, I would say you are a very lucky man. A great gun and an even better wife!
And everything you said about the new Winchesters is correct. And they are still extremely nice and I haven't seen an FN Winchester that won't shoot. Congrats on a very fine rifle!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving
Lol, yes Tom I totally agree “an even better wife!” If I ever receive my fine piece of machinery, I will be sure message some fine oil into her pores, and treat her with the utmost respect just like my fine wife. 🤗.
Enjoy, and best wishes from the Hoosier state down that way my friend.
✌️😎👍🇺🇸
A grand weapon-nice story- firearms and a good fishing rod can link us to old friends and happy days-enjoy!
Thanks
Congratulations, Tom. That’s a good-looking rifle.
Regarding covid19: My firstborn is 44 years old, and caught that germ recently. She said it felt like the flu. The big difference in her case was that she lost her senses of smell and taste for awhile. She’s beginning to get taste and smell back, and is feeling fine.
An older couple I know who live in Alaska have also had that bug and recovered from it. The man’s wife had a lingering cough for awhile.
Best wishes to you, friend. And congratulations again on getting that fine rifle.
Thanks, and on the Covid I think it's more dangerous driving to work every day, and I really don't think it would affect me that bad but I'm not in any hurry to find out!
Great video Tom, I love and appreciate the story
You are a great story teller!❤️
Also really looking forward to the comparison! And hope all is well with the Covid
So far no symptoms! I'll have a cleaning video up in a couple of days and after that it will be time to start that comparison, and I'm looking forward to it also.
I'm very sure you were meant to have that rifle. Beautiful story, beautiful rifle. Thanks for sharing 😊
And thank you Tim for your comments.
You have just about the best southern accent of all time.
Thanks Gunners Mate
Love the old guns, they don't cost anything sitting in you closet. Thanks for the story
My dad had a pre 64 model 70 featherweight in 22-250 he sold when I was little due to no longer being out at the family farm. If I ever see one at a gun shop it would probably follow me home too. Will enjoy seeing the head to head challenge.
It's funny how some rifles we just don't forget. And I'm looking forward to the challenge as well. It should be fun.
Wonderful story telling. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
It’s sort of funny you mentioned Jack O’Connor stock by al bieson I was in a gun shop about a year ago and was looking at rifles and they had a custom Winchester 270 with a stock by Al Bieson and it was absolutely beautiful and they were asking a ton of money for it and supposedly it was one of the last stocks he did. Kind of wish I had bought it now but at the time didn’t realize how special it was.
Those are the rifles we never forget! One thing I've been trying to work out is where the custom stock makers fit in the history of hunting rifles? They played an important role early on but not so much today. I guess factory stocks have gotten so much better now at least in functionality?
As you explained how the gun followed you home, I heard myself using each of your lines... And, no, they didn't work any better with my wife either!
But ya' know, sometimes you just gotta say, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"
Enjoy your "new" rifle... Winchester's not making those pre-64's anymore, LOL!
My thoughts exactly!
Just what a rifle should look like! Wooden stock and iron sights. Well done! From South Africa.
Just come across this and really enjoyed the great story.
Very funny beginning I can definitely relate with telling the wife. I think I even got it worse because my wife is chinese. I would love to have a classic like this and I would try to find a period correct redfield aperture sight. Thanks for sharing 👍
We might have to flip a coin on who has it worse. Mrs.River is half Polish! And I'm glad you enjoyed.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving LoL 👍
Thank you for the great story sir I really appreciate your vision of life we see things very much alike
I was at the gun store - minding my own business - and this rifle just leaped off the counter into my arms. Yeah. It's like a puppy, it's like a pet. I wish I had a wife to try that one on.
Ok, let's see it, g'dang it. Oh, its a pre'64 Winchester model 70 featherweight? Ok, I'll buy that one.
Fantastic story! It sounds like you were really meant to have this rifle.
I love your sense of humour!
It was meant to be , pray first it eliminates regret . Great story , thank you from a new subscriber 👍
Thanks Chuck, and isn't amazing how things just work out when we let God take the wheel.
Looking forward to the 70 vs 70 video. Make sure to include l.o.p., I'd be interested to know.
Will do!
Best intro in a gun video ever!! 😂
Thanks! I did have fun with that one, but it wasn't any fun explaining it to Mrs. River.
I am the proud owner of a pre 64 mod 70 30-06 built in 1957. Awesome condition great shooter. Weaver fixed 4X scope with tip over mount so the shooter can use the iron sights. The man I bought it from was the second owner.
Nice! I can't wait to see how this one shoots.
I have a somewhat similar story. Many years ago, shortly after I moved to north central British Columbia I was invited to go on a trip to fly fish for steelhead at a wonderful river a few hours west of town. I had a light weight fly rod for regular trout fishing but nothing powerful enough for the possibly ten to fifteen pound bruisers coming back from the ocean to spawn. So off to my local fishing and hunting store I did go.
They suggested an eight weight rod, nine feet in length, with a stiff action. It was matched with an appropriate fly reel, eight weight fly line and backing. The rod came with an aluminum rod tube and carry sleeve. I was sure that my wife would not be happy with the total bill. As I walked in the door, my wife asked, "What is that?" I replied, being somewhat honest, "Oh, it's an aluminum tube to carry my fly rod".
And that brings up the question, are lies of omission really lies? LOL
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Well, I certainly still have a few twinges of conscience thinking about it. Telling the truth but not the whole truth is not desirable in a marriage or life in general. I did 'fess up later. And after three days of standing in cold running water up to my thighs, I didn't get as much as a single touch from a steelhead. There is a definite learning curve to fly fishing for steelhead. But when I finally did hook into one, the rod performed flawlessly. I still refer to it as my 'aluminum tube'.
@@stephenland9361 Yes, that whole "No longer two but one" verse makes it tough to start leaving things out in a marriage.
And those steelhead do sound fun! I've caught some rainbows and browns on a flyrod but that's been years ago. We don't have to many cold water fish locally. But we do have some good bass fishing.
I agree with your living simple philosophy , I have cut down on everything , I own a Stevens model 200 243 , a Savage 25/06 , a 1928 Winchester single shot 22 , and a Winchester model 37 12 ga. All I will ever need .
And I would be happy with that set of working guns my self. You have everything you could ever need covered right there.
Q: "Should I get the car with the most power or the one with the better handling?"
A: "Get the car that gives you the most smiles-per-mile."
Enjoy your new rifle because smiles aren't always there when you need them.
I like that.
Great story! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad you enjoyed it Jay.
Heard of a fella who once said his greatest fear is that, when he dies, his wife will sell his guns for what he said he paid for them!
I hear ya though. I do believe " Boop" my .35 Remington Model 760, n.i.b condition made in May of 1979, called to me and winked as I walked by the rack at Cabelas in Hamburg Pa.
Siren song...
If you like it, buy it!
After i plunked down the coin, a dozen folk called about her over the next few days.
She's a GOOD rifle too!
I myself picked up a 1955 winchester model 70 featherweight in 270 from a friend of mine I was over at his house picking up a couple of browning auto 5s that I had been saving for a while to get when I get there he says he picked up something I just couldn't live without he pulls out a absolutely beautiful pre 64 model 70 long story short I came for two ended up going home with three I have been very blessed and fortunate to be able to have alot of things I want in life hopefully I will be able to pass them on for many years to come lord willing 🙏
You really did have a great day! 2 Auto 5's and a pre64. I would rank that right up there with winning the lottery. Congrats on all 3.
Yea guy i get alot of them from has a collection like nothing I've ever seen in one place so I generally bring some extra just in case seems like there's always something other than what I came for in the first place
@@clevelandlawson8672 I try to avoid such places like the plague. It makes minimalism to difficult! LOL
Keep em both and be sure to enjoy the windfall.
Eventually find a youngster who wants to become a hunter....teach him and when he/she proves to be safe, present the newer rifle and enjoy your new hunting partner.