American Gun Culture: Be Rich, Be Frank

Above, several lever-action Winchesters on display at the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

In American gun culture, there are two kinds of people: plinkers (target range shooters) and hunter. I am in the former category.

Being an animal lover, I wouldn't go out and hunt for sport, but I understand the purpose of it and can't begrudge anyone who hunts.

I came across a story on one man's experience with his Winchester 94. It is a good read.

It was posted at AmmoLand yesterday and it begins with:

About 4 years ago, an online acquaintance I eventually knew In Real Life named “Rich” (last name withheld for his family’s anonymity) and I were chatting about firearms. He mentioned he had a Winchester Model 94 lever action in .30-30, octagonal barrel, takedown, open sights, that his Great Grandfather had bought new in Seattle in 1898. Rich had no heirs who would care to have it. So, we kinda agreed that if and when he ever considered disposing of it, that he would call me, as I live just 40 miles away.

Two years passed, and Rich called: “I have four kinds of cancer, and I’ll be out in about 3 months.” Tragic. He had had a fascinating and good life, a loving wife and daughter, a great place in the woods, a 1973 Ford F250 HiBoy in pristine condition … and a gun collection.

“How’d you like to come buy me out?” he said. “What all do you have?” I asked. He listed out about 22 firearms, including the Model 94. “That’s a few more than I can handle, but can I bring a relative and friend?”

To read more, go here.