Update on Step son's lever gun quest

[Markbo]

I found the step son a lever gun at a local emporium and just texted him about it. Let him make up his own mind and make his own deal. He did. It is a Winchester 94 in .30-30.

He brought it home and was duly proud. Called me and was very excited to show me. Then all was quiet for a week or so... didn't hear from him. When we met at his GrandMother's for Mother's day, I found out why.

When he told his Dad what a neat Ranch Rifle he got, Dad got seriously PO'd at him and called him a dumbass because he had his own fathers 94 that was older than we was - marked .30 W.C.F. and in great condition.

His Dad is like that. Very hard on both of the boys. But I told him that the only choice was to accept his Grandfathers near 60 year old rifle and be happy with and proud of it. Now he doesn't want the one he bought. It is newer - maked .30-30. In good cosmetic shape with very nice wood. A little loose in the action, but the bore is very nice.

It is a little unusual in that it has a Williams peep sight installed (this old man likes it!) to what I can only describe as an antique copper finished receiver. Never seen a finish like this.

I reall don't have a clue what it's worth, but I told him I would be happy to buy it from him. I think we'll agree on a price we both can afford and he can save face with Dad and have a real family heirloom.

He'll be happy and I'll have my first .30-30. Already wondering what kind of more effective wildcat I can alter it to. ;D

[walkswithgun]

Your step son should carry the newer 94 behind the seat of his truck and hang on the older one to hunt with. Sounds like his dad is packin another 30-30 up his backside. I picked up a post 64 94 with a copper colored receiver about 20 years ago, it was a good looking gun but traded it off for something else I just had at the time.

[cdcash]

Hate to hear about how his Dad talks to him, but good to hear that you stepped up and made it right. Congrats on the new 30/30 Markbo!

[nonpcnrarn]

2 sons and 2 94s. Maybe his brother would want the newer 94?

[Markbo]

Nope. He's not interested. He just found a Garand that he wants me to help him with.

[nonpcnrarn]

I'd rather tote a 94 than a Garand. With peep sights my eyesight would limit my shots on deer and the Garand would be overkill. Even a SOCOM with a 16" barrel and a handy length is heavier than I want to carry all day. I have a 1917 era 94 with little or no bluing left, a Redfield peep sight missing most of its finish, and a stock that has the patina of a gun that has been carried many miles and used as a hunting tool. It has harvested more deer than all the other rifles in the 2 safes I have. Plus, if I want to hunt and feel that the spirits of my father and grandfather are with me, I take the 30-30 with 3 generations of memories. It has never seen handloaded ammo, shoots minute of deer but has never failed to do what was asked of it. Plus the last ammo bought for it was found in a combo gas station/ bait shop out in the boonies. It is not a sniper rifle but it doesn't care whether the ammo is 150 gr vs 170 gr or Win vs Rem. ;D On second though, every safe should have a Garand or M1A just to be well rounded.

[ohnomrbillk]

Your a good man to step up and help him out. I'd tell him to save the family heirloom, and take the newer one to hell and back learning the way of the hunter/shooter. Just my $0.02

[dtrain]

That's rough...I would hold on to it for him and see if he changes his mind..I think you are a great Dad though. I have my Father's 30-30..He wanted to by me a Marlin 336 when I was 16 along with another one for my younger brother. I really liked the way the 94 carried and shot..plus it was his..so I asked him if I could have his..He agreed and bought the two 336's.One for him and my brother..Someday I will pass it down to my Oldest with the same Caveat that my Father gave me.."Use it, Enjoy it,but don't sell it!.."

[brettov]

To bad the Dad is that way . Sounds like your the bigger man . I bought a 94 in 1973 . Gave it to my little brother in 1979 , he gave it to his oldest son in 1988 . Now my Nephew talks about giving it to his son when he has one .