well worn thread

[Spencer]

Some of the most beautiful examples of blued steel and leather are shown on this forum. Absolutely stunning to look at. But I really like the blued steel and leather that tells a story with it's wear. If you have any gun leather, blued steel or grips that show their age, post it here.
I went on a dry ground lion hunt. horseback with hounds. The guide had a single six. the leather was patched up with yellow electrical tape. The outside grip panel was rough from sun and abrasion from brush. The inside panel was smooth and deep in color from rubbing up against his clothing. The bluing was about gone. Well worn with stories to tell. If you have a gun, grips or leather such as this, throw a few pics up and tell us some stories!!! don't be shy!!

 

[AJGUNNER]

While elk hunting in the Blue Mountains of N.E. Oregon, I ran across a sheep herder with nearly 1000 sheep. He was upright and sleeping in the saddle on an old grey mare the first time I ran across him. He was wearing a long leather duster that was completly bleached out from days in the sun, rain and snow. He looked a lot like Willy Nelson---probably only 50-60 but looked 90ish. Strapped to the horse was an old leather rifle scabbard with some holes warn in it. After talking a bit I asked if he would pull the rifle out. It was a run of the mill model 94 in 30-30. Not a bit of blueing was left on it and every inch of wood was bleached almost white like drift wood from the beach. Boy if that old rifle could talk I bet it would have endless stories to tell.

This guy was only about 20 miles from the nearest town but had only his horse and a converted trailer/gypsy wagon that he lived in. He was a hired hand and said he had been a sheep herder for 40+ years. I talked with him a couple of times over 3 different deer/elk seasons. He begged us to bring him some beer since the boss man only came out every couple of weeks to bring him groceries and move his wagon. We made a point to drop him off a few cold ones when we passed by his trailer. In exchange he would give us the low down on what/when and where he had seen deer and elk in the last few weeks.

Of course I am now kicking myself for not thinking to take a few photos or him, his horse, or wagon. I am sure he would have made a picture perfect "cowboy" for some sort of advertisment.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Nothing special here. The top two have been in and out of that holster a few thousand times while doing CAS. Also probably a 100,000+ rounds through them. One I bought new in 1967.
Jim

 

[Spencer]

hittman, love that holster. Jim, great wear on your S.A.'s
AJgunner, Awesome story, those are the best. I agree, pics would have been awesome!!!

 

[Joe S.]

I got nothing. But am now subscribed.

 

[gramps]

Well WJ those top two are obviously trashed from your abuse ( 100,000+ rounds). So you can retire them to my stable Ha ha. I think I have seen you shoot them. Whoooeee you are fast!
gramps

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Well WJ those top two are obviously trashed from your abuse ( 100,000+ rounds). So you can retire them to my stable Ha ha. I think I have seen you shoot them. Whoooeee you are fast!
gramps

Gramps,
Those be the ones. I think they still have a few shots left in them :wink: :wink:
Jim

 

[BearBio]

While elk hunting in the Blue Mountains of N.E. Oregon, I ran across a sheep herder with nearly 1000 sheep. He was upright and sleeping in the saddle on an old grey mare the first time I ran across him. He was wearing a long leather duster that was completly bleached out from days in the sun, rain and snow. He looked a lot like Willy Nelson---probably only 50-60 but looked 90ish. Strapped to the horse was an old leather rifle scabbard with some holes warn in it. After talking a bit I asked if he would pull the rifle out. It was a run of the mill model 94 in 30-30. Not a bit of blueing was left on it and every inch of wood was bleached almost white like drift wood from the beach. Boy if that old rifle could talk I bet it would have endless stories to tell.

This guy was only about 20 miles from the nearest town but had only his horse and a converted trailer/gypsy wagon that he lived in. He was a hired hand and said he had been a sheep herder for 40+ years. I talked with him a couple of times over 3 different deer/elk seasons. He begged us to bring him some beer since the boss man only came out every couple of weeks to bring him groceries and move his wagon. We made a point to drop him off a few cold ones when we passed by his trailer. In exchange he would give us the low down on what/when and where he had seen deer and elk in the last few weeks.

Of course I am now kicking myself for not thinking to take a few photos or him, his horse, or wagon. I am sure he would have made a picture perfect "cowboy" for some sort of advertisment.

One year, when I was in my 20's I think, I got into one of my "bad moods" and went for a solo drive. I headed up HWY 395 on the east side of the Sierras past Mojave, etc. Got up by Bridgeport and saw the turnoff for the ghost town of Bodie. It was September and it was pretty deserted and COLD! It was Labor Day and the Rangers told me they had started carrying skis in case they were snowed in (this was about 40 years ago). Anyway, on the way out, I came across an old, dried up Basque sheepherder. I stopped to chat and have a smoke. I gave him one of mine and he rolled me one of his...................It was like smoking a sagebrush wildfire!

 

[Spencer]

Bearbio, Great story, keep them coming. well worn steel and leather or stories, post them here!!!

I hunt, and camp. Usually head up to the Adirondacks to camp. never camp until at least the middle of September. Usually October and November because summer is my busy time. WAY after the masses have left the woods but before the snow and snowmobilers so there is no one around. My daughter and I went up to Stillwater Reservoir, canoe out, set up camp, and head out to explore. We walked down a dirt road to this tiny ghost town. Mostly booms during snowmobile season. only saw one guy there. he was chopping wood. crusty old bearded dude. As we were walking down the dirt road he stopped, leaned on his axe and stared at us. never said a word, just stared. we went on down the road to a little tourist kind of shop. door open, half the lights were on, No one around. like everyone had disappeared. we decided to head out and again, the axe man stopped, and stared at us until we were out of sight around the bend. never said a word, never responded to my wave and good morning.........creepy. My .44 was a comforting weight on my belt that morning.