I had the choice of 1 rifle

[Big Mak]

...when I helped a non-relative liquidate her husbands' 110 rifles (mostly Savage 99s) with an FFL.
He was a family friend since I could walk. He passed away a few years ago at age 89.

I passed on many 1899's and 99's choices for that 1 rifle to assist in selling his rifles but I always remembered what rifle he always talked about when deer hunting. "The Ruger 44 Carbine is the best 100 yard brush rifle I ever hunted with" He was a writer for Sports Afield and many other publications including two books he wrote on deer hunting. His name was Norm Nelson. You can still find at least one of his deer hunting books on Amazon.

I chose the 1962 Ruger Carbine as my "payment". I ended up buying 6 other Savage 99s but that's a story for another website. (Savage owners)

My Godfather took excellent care of his 4-digit 1962 Ruger Carbine but the stock had definitely seen some "brush" time so I lightly refinished it.

Some before and after stock refinish photos. Yeah I know, refinishing a stock detracts in value but this rifle will stay in my son's bloodline for another 75 years hopefully.

Upper photo is before, lower after

Upper photo is before, lower after

Upper photo is before, lower after

Upper photo is before, lower after

This last photo shows the rifle completed after refinishing without a scope. I've since added a Weaver 4X an "Era- correct" scope . Also pictured is an unfired S&W 39-2 9mm pistol and my Godfather's hunting knife.

This 100 yard target shows the accuracy with my hand loads (240 gr cast and powder coated bullets with 23.5 gr of H110 and standard LP Primer)

 

[RC44Mag]

Sorry about your friend, congrats on the touchstone to him in your newly acquired Ruger. Looks like a beaut and older than mine by 4 years. Enjoy.

 

[Big Mak]

Thanks RC44, its been 6 years today he passed. But his stories he told around the campfires in Minnesota still resonate with me today. My dad is 93 and fortunately still remembers Norm's stories, thankfully. Dad still jokes "His bucks got bigger and more surroyal tines every year he told the same stories...."

 

[Snake45]

Ya done good. I'm sure your friend is very proud of you and pleased that you are preserving his legacy. God Bless you!

 

[dobegrant.45]

Very nice and a great connection with someone important in your past. Pretty sure I remember reading his deer hunting articles back in the 70's

 

[RC44Mag]

Thanks RC44, its been 6 years today he passed. But his stories he told around the campfires in Minnesota still resonate with me today. My dad is 93 and fortunately still remembers Norm's stories, thankfully. Dad still jokes "His bucks got bigger and more surroyal tines every year he told the same stories...."

The same applies to my fishing stories, The sizes of my fish are only limited by my outstretched arms. ;
Always nice to hear stories of firearms staying in the 'family'.

 

[contender]

Excellent story & info.

May I suggest you write down the history & info for YOUR family for their future? That way the stories will be accurate!

 

[hfcable]

outstanding story, and outstanding rifle. glad you have it and wonderful how you helped with his collection. that was a lot of work !

 

[WendyZXZ]

Looks like a good shot at the one choice!

 

[Ride1949]

Excellent reward for a very good deed. Kudos for your help and congratulations for the gift of a fine rifle.

 

[rugerguy]

nice story, sorry about his passing,,,, but in NO way did you detract from the value, for that is a fine job........He'd be pleased

 

[Big Mak]

Ruger guy, I didn't sand it down much, some of those dings and bruises carry history on the stock.

 

[carbonfibrebob]

I, for one, want to hear more about the 99s. Great looking Carbine by the way.

 

[gunman42782]

Nice work on refinishing the stock! And just because this is the Ruger forum it does not mean we don't like Savage 99s!

 

[convert1967]

Nice accurate rifle!

 

[Big Mak]

Okay, well, these are other Savage 99s I bought from my Godfather's widow.
I reload for all of these.

A 1941 pre-war Savage 99 in 300 savage.

A 1981 Savage 99C series A in .308

My entire den of Savage 99's (and one 1899, bottom) in .300 S 308 W, .250 Savage, 22 HP.

 

[Big Mak]

Hmm, not sure why that last photo didn't load, here is the attachment

 

[Ride1949]

Nice collection of 99's! You have some beautiful rifles there.

 

[Johnnu2]

Fabulous job refinishing that rifle...... you do great work in my humble opinion.

I have a Super Single Six that was willed to me when my buddy died many years ago. When I take it out to the range, I sorta feel that he's there with me. It's a good feeling.

J.

 

[Big Mak]

Fabulous job refinishing that rifle...... you do great work in my humble opinion.

I have a Super Single Six that was willed to me when my buddy died many years ago. When I take it out to the range, I sorta feel that he's there with me. It's a good feeling.

J.

Every time I shoot my Godfather's firearms whether hunting or range time, I also feel that God-ly connection. I can't explain it other than I feel he's right there with me saying "Take two breaths, and release the trigger half way down on the 3rd breath, squeeze it....)