Roger, that is a wonderful story. My first Centerfire rifle was a 280. I remember when my dad bought it for me... the owner of the gun store said to the clerk something to the effect of.... "...now why did you sell him a 280! he'll never buy another rifle again." which if it wasnt for the fact we are gun nuts, that statement would be true.

With the exception of my first, a 1917 Enfield at age 16, I have never purchased a used rifle. And I have never owned a Remington. Shotguns yes, rifles no. Always Winchesters. That changed 2 weeks ago.

Last summer, my grandsons were up from Colorado for a visit. The oldest told me that he was 14 and old enough to hunt deer and elk in Colorado. That surprised me since neither his father or paternal grandfather hunt. His paternal great grandfather hunted, but he died when the kid was still crawling.

I put the kid off. Consultation with Mom and Dad was in order. When I hauled him home after the visit, I consulted after he went to bed one night. Mom through it a great idea. I should have known that she would approve. She is the daughter of a life long hunter. I told him at lunch the next day that he could go hunting, conditional on grades and behavior, grades because he would miss a weeks worth of school and if he was behind before the trip, he would never catch up. Grades improved and held. Behavior has been exceptional.

Two weeks ago I made a trip to the local gun emporium just to see what they had. I found a new Remington Model 7, in 308, light weight, 22” tube. That one jumped out at me. I took a walk through the used gun section to think it over. Out here, gun stores still trust people enough to have all new and used guns out and available to pick up. A “used” Remington Model 700 in 280 Remington, light weight, 22 inch tube caught my eye. I’m guessing it 15 to 20 years old. It has the round bolt. Don’t know when Remington went to the flat checkered bolt. I’m sure Remington experts can tell me. The rifle was in new condition. The one ding I found on the barrel washed off with a rubbing of spit. The salesman told me they bought a collection and that was one of the rifles. The rifle does not have sights and it never had a scope on it. They even had the box it came in. So I took it home.

Why a Remington and not a Winchester like I shoot? I figured the kid has to make his own mark with his own brand. Besides, everything came together in that rifle.

The grandson is probably wondering why no present under the tree Christmas day. Right now he thinks he will use one of my rifles. I’m going down to Colorado to take him through a hunter safety course in February. I’m going to mount a Leopold fixed power with Talley mounts and take it to him when I make the trip. I plan to sit through the safety course with him to show him how important I think safety is. Next summer, I’m going to bring him up here for a few weeks. I’ll develop a load for the 280 with him doing the shooting, then we’ll do some coyote hunting.

The 280 really is sweet, but what’s sweeter is introducing a new hunter to the sport.

I can still vividly remember my first gun - a Browning Auto 5 12 gauge shotgun from my dad. To this day, that's the last gun that I would part with. There's nothing like a firearm for a gift, particularly from someone that you look up to as much as a father or grandfather. Congratulations on helping to bring another hunter into the fold. I see way too many young people wasting their minds in front of the tube these days. It'll do him good to get out in the outdoors and burn some powder!

You almost make me wish I was a grandpa... But that day will be here soon enough. Thanks for the story, I hope it turns out to be all that you hope and expect.

Great story! What a treat for you, gaining a new hunting friend in the family, and having an excuse to buy a bunch of new toys! It would be a dream if my boy (11 months at present) would grow up and be interested in outdoor sports. Still a few years to wait...
- mike

That kid is going to be overjoyed with new rifle and the fact gramps bought it for him. The safety class that you are taking with him will no doubt have you guys bond even closer.

I truely envy you. All my kids and grand kids live in New Jersey. A number of years ago I bought my one son a mod 700 Rem 06 and a 12 gage 870 while he was visiting me here in California. He was arrested in the baggage area at the Newark Airport when he picked them up. He was fined ,sentenced to some time in prison(suspended) and the guns confiscated.He is prohibited by Law from ever handling a fire arm in that state. My grand kids may never even fire a gun unless someone sends them to the middle east. Roger

This young man is very lucky! I hope he appreciates it!!