It is that time of life where a guy has to start paring down belongings for a variety of reasons...none of them finanancial but pretty much all of them practical.

1. There is only so much room in our home. And my shop is definitely over-full.

2. My ability to hunt alone in the field has definitely pretty much disappeared through the evils of old age, and my interest in formal, competitive target shooting has long since passed.

3. I don't want my wife to get screwed out of many dollars by some shark totally lacking in scruples when my estate must be liquidated.

And so on....

So, with your help, it is my plan to post some lists of guns and ask which one of those you would keep, and why. I'll try to keep the guns with similar purposes tagether, but there may be a number of these lists posted, as I have a lot of rifles to sort through and mostly get rid of.

Question:
So, of the following list, which ONE would you keep?

Choices:
SAKO Safari-Grade .338WM, ANIB
1961 9.3x62 Husqvarna commercial sporter, fancy custom stock
Valmet DR, 9.3x74R, spare barrel sets in 12 ga/12 ga, .223/12, .308/308, 7x65R/7x65R
Steyr Professional, .376 Steyr
.38-70 Ruger No. 1
9.3x74R Ruger No. 1

 

Keep the one that holds the greatest memories..

It's a shame there's the Atlantic Ocean between us because I know where your Ruger #1 in 9.3x74R could find a home; like REAL quick .... but then again I just reduced my collection for the same reasons.

I voted you should keep the Ruger 9,3x74. Its a light rifle. Simpel of use, even as you get older. Can shoot it all in the US.

I voted to keep the Sako 338. Primarily because it would be the easiest for your wife to get a good price for.

SSR

Keep the Sako 338. It is the most generally useful and appealing piece for the US market out of that list.

The rest are more specialised or niche rifles.

Take your time and sell them off for the best price you can get.

None of the above.

So far the Husky only got my vote....

I like the 9.3x62. Awesome bushveld rifle for probably anywhere. A DG rifle which is legal is various places if you need one.

It's a little difficult not knowing what else you have to make good recommendations as there may still be some overlap.

If you're really angsting over selling any of them or if no candidates pops up in your mind, why not have a learned appraisal done of them all and include that information with your will?
In fact, a current list of what all you do have should be keep on hand. It seems, in some cases, that various heirlooms just sort of disappear, especially if not specifically noted in the will, once the principle passes.

You are asking the wrong audience. Only you can make those decisions. They are a bunch of fun guns and as far as what I would pick out of that list it would be:
Husky
Valmet
9.3 Ruger
Sako
in that order, but then I would have to buy another safe

You and I are almost in the same boat. The difference is your toys are more pricy than mine. Also touchy feelly is not my thing. If I can't take it out and enjoy shooting it OFTEN I don't want it.
If it is of a higher cal. and energy level than a .270 without a muzzle brake, shine it on.
Yesterday after 40 rounds through my POS. Mod. 200 Stevens .270 I had had enough.I than chronographed a friends 22 pound 6.5 X 47 Lapua. Even it moved back on me.
Point is and to answer your question I'd sell all you have listed. The answer would have been different 40 years ago. roger

Roger, thank you for your empathy. Always enjoy hearing from you, as we seem to have learned a lot of the same lessons in the last 70 years or so.

I admit to some touchy-feely feelings. Some of my previous wives claimed I had no feelings at all, but then what did they know? Hell, they couldn't have been too bright, they married me!

But seriously, I suspect you don't feel that emotion right now because you still CAN go shoot your guns often. When and if (God forbid) it comes to where you can't, I think the touchy-feelys may grow rapidly; certain guns will take you back to times of wonder, deep calm pleasures, and awesome places you used to enjoy.

Best to ya,

AC

AC,

Do you HAVE to sell any of them?

There's something to be said about collecting. I have guns that were handed down from my grandfather. I would never think of selling any of them unless I had to to eat. I will pass them down to someone in my family along with the ones I've accumulated.

I hope you have someone to pass them on to who may appreciate them and create memories of you for them.

As much as I hate to see anybody get rid of their rifles, if you feel the need to downsize, I would keep the Husky. Good useable caliber and I am sure the custom stock gives it class and hopefully it has made memories for you.

Very difficult decisions all the way around!

Thank heavens I have son's that believe diversity in the collection is a very good thing

As a fairly young fifty-three year old I'd keep...THE GUN WITH A SET OF SIGHTS THAT YOU CAN STILL USE!

In other words anything that has a sight that you can't now really properly see I'd sell.

About three to four years ago I sold my 303 Lee Enfield SMLE III* and my 22 SMLE Pattern 14 No2 for those reasons.

My 303 Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 held on for another year or so...but it too then got sold.

So I now have, excepting an iron sighted Belgian made 280 Remington on a Mauser 98K, ONLY rifles that have telescopic sights on them in addition to the factory iron sight!

And even that Belgian 280 I shall be looking at fitting a 'scope to this year when money allows...

So my advice?

Make the decision on practicality and first sell any rifle where the sights you now can't usefully use anymore.

That way the "getting rid" is always with less regret.

I regret "getting rid" of my SMLE but comfort myself knowing that my eyes no longer allowed me to shoot it with the precision I once could.

From what you are saying, ease of disposing once you are gone is a major consideration. I would assume none have any "special" meaning or you would not have asked the question you did.

The .338 is the one I would keep because all the rest are fairly specialized and ammo would be hard to find here in the US. Those are more niche pieces and you probably can take your time and get rid of them to deserving homes at your own pace.

On the other hand, you can't take anything with you, so worrying about getting value may well be pointless- I don't think you are leaving your family where they will need the money or you would not have the collection now in the first place.

Sell them all and buy a rifle that will bring more enjoyment than all of them put together. Make it easier for her to only have to sell one.

A.C.
Why don't you donate your excess to the N.R.A.?????
They are about the "only" organization I would still trust and they could use the money to promote "our" cause.

quote:

Originally posted by Alberta Canuck:
Roger, thank you for your empathy. Always enjoy hearing from you, as we seem to have learned a lot of the same lessons in the last 70 years or so.

I admit to some touchy-feely feelings. Some of my previous wives claimed I had no feelings at all, but then what did they know? Hell, they couldn't have been too bright, they married me!

But seriously, I suspect you don't feel that emotion right now because you still CAN go shoot your guns often. When and if (God forbid) it comes to where you can't, I think the touchy-feelys may grow rapidly; certain guns will take you back to times of wonder, deep calm pleasures, and awesome places you used to enjoy. Best to ya, AC

The wisdom in what you say comes through loud and clear. We shall see.
For many years I chased Tuna and Wahoo and such. Today I'm still happy catching bluegill. I've given away over 30 rods and reels and I built most of the rods. Don't yet miss a one.
You do pretty good on your almost new thing; the computer communication. Tell me this isn't fun time spent and a good bit educational to boot.
Revery is great at times ****anticipation can be greater even for old farts. roger

Voted for the Valmet.
There is nothing on this planet that you cannot take with it!

The Husky is a close call; I'd like to see the rifle.
A very useful caliber, indeed. All-purpose if there ever was one.

The Sako is also somewhat appealing due to good value at all times + a useful caliber.

- Lars/Finland

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:
A.C.
Why don't you donate your excess to the N.R.A.?????
They are about the "only" organization I would still trust and they could use the money to promote "our" cause.

I've been an NRA Life Member since 1962 and a DCRA (Dominion of Canada Rifle Asssociation) Life Member since 1978.

Having said that, I can't think of two other organizations I'd be less likely to voluntarily leave ANY of my assets to.

The internal politics and good-old-boy insider domination of both groups make me sick! The NRA executive level has enjoyed so much of being part of the Washington D.C. "fat cat" scene that it has long since been corrupted in my opinion.

The way it back-stabbed Neal Knox when he exposed the "sweetheart" deals the NRA has with professional money raisers (where the private concerns keep much of the money members pay to join) killed all the respect I had for the organization.

Likewise, the failure to build MANY strong bridges on BOTH sides of the aisle in Congress is still costing us dearly. Even Democrat flies are more attracted to honey than to vinegar. In many ways the NRA appears simply a branch of the GOP. Making demons out of ALL Democrats (or independent true Liberals) even the ones who could be swayed in our direction, is a dangerous tactic for the long haul. Each party has its 12 years or so in power at a stretch, then the other side gets in to do their own stealing from Americans. Payback from such powerful enemies WILL be a bitch!!

The NRA's own internal annual elections are a good example of why I feel the organization is deadly ill with a disease which will eventually kill both it and our gun rights.

I'll end this before I really get off on a rant, by saying the local NRA reps at the state levels have done and are still doing a lot of good, as have the States' own Shooters' Associations which work closely every day with the state legislatures at something other than the cocktail party level.

But the national Executive offices? As far as I am concerned, they are just about as honest and reliable as the Congress-people with whom they consort.

I hope someday we get a national organization which actually works to WIN the gun rights hearts and minds of ALL Americans (not just of gun owners). Right now I have to ask myself frequently if they just do enough to secure their jobs of having something to lobby about (and get fat checks and expense accounts for)?

But you HAVE given me a good idea....maybe I'll just donate my guns to the Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association for a giant auction when I croak.

Sorry if I have offended anyone with this, that is not my intent. But it IS my current view of both the NRA and the DCRA. Many of you may disagree and I can only hope that in the long run YOU turn out to be correct in your faith.

A.C.
I DID NOT mean to offend or upset you in any way,
but I do have to ask you this:
Do you honestly feel we would still be able to do what we are doing now, with regards to firearms, if the NRA was non-existant????
I can't comment on the Canadian organization, but in view of the Canadian gun laws I would have to say you are probably nailing them squarely on the head.

A.C.,I know the NRA is a bohemuth lobbying/money organization, hell who can't see that? I get at least 2 pieces of mail every week from them trying to mooch money from me and then a phone call every 4 weeks. But the simple fact of the matter is this, it takes politicians to fight off politicians and $$.

You can not get away from politics as long as there are humans involved.
Hell there is buddy-buddy "good ole boy" stuff going on here on the AR forum.
If you don't think so just make a factual but negative comment about a particular firearm, barrel or componant manufacturer or a outfitter and see what happens. Every swinging ying-yang who makes as much as a dime off that name or the ones who want to stay in good standing with that firm will come slithering out of the woodwork to it's defense....... despite any truth involved.
Then the PMs start flying around the inner circles. And low and behold you are branded as a trouble maker or shit stirrer.

With regards to the inner workings of the NRA and the Canadian version;
My dad once told me a story about when he was a MP in the army. A officer was explaining to some troops that when the order was given to "move out", on the ground it looked like total confusion - a real cluster f***k. Soldiers were scrambling to find things like socks and clothes, Jeeps and tanks were almost colliding. But from the air (God's view if you will) it looks like a army of ants moving very effeciently to attack someones pic-nic.

I still have faith in the core of the NRA organization and it's principals as the proof is in the puddin;
"I still have my guns and YOU have yours, I can still buy more if I choose to AND you are able to sell yours openly".

Again, sorry if I upset you.

P.S.
NRA not building bridges across the aisle?
A.C. A few months back I saw a picture and article in the American Rifleman with Harry Reid and
Wayne LaPierre cutting a ribbon at some shooting range. Quite frankly I am not sure that is a sturdy bridge that I would stand on.

Tough choice between the Sako .338 and Husky 9,3

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:
A.C.
I DID NOT mean to offend or upset you in any way,
.

You did not upset me. The very top leadership of the NRA upsets me when I have watched how little they accomplished in the 49 years I've been a Life Member, but you did not upset me, and I took no offense whatsoever from your comment or you. I know your intentions are good, and honorable, and I think you are a good man.

Having worked at very top levels of civil service, I understand politics well. That's why I spent the last 15-20 years of my work life doing something else for a living. I got away from politics because of disgust, pure and simple.

Anyway, the more I think about it, the more I think I will just leave my stuff (that I don't sell myself) to the AZ state organization.

Have a nice day. I hope we are still friendly acquaintances despite our different views.

In the meantime, I will try to stay on topic.

AC

quote:

.
I still have faith in the core of the NRA organization and it's principals as the proof is in the puddin;
"I still have my guns and YOU have yours, I can still buy more if I choose to AND you are able to sell yours openly".
P.S.
NRA not building bridges across the aisle?

Since 1964 there have been thousands of state and federal gun laws supposedly passed to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, minors and the ilk.The intent has been futile but the burden on the law abiding gun enth1usiast has been costly, time consuming and frustrating at best. To what degree has the NRA been action and cost effective here ?
Primarily I don't see how a leading group can be winners if they are always fighting a defensive battle. Most other lobbies have a definite offensive posture with a gain in mind.
If this group's primary focus is on there personal position, power and gain those that they represent will be only getting the dregs.
Without these dregs the the issue disappears as does the support of the group, their power and income along with the available emotional "EVIL" that the politicians can attack in order to get re-elected .
If dregs are your bag *** Great!! I for one do not see over rewarding self ambition serving 10 percenters with the sale of my personal treasures(TOYS if you will). I will now put my soap box away for another day.
TRULY no offense intended. Just my point of view.
roger

quote:

Originally posted by Alberta Canuck:
Anyway, the more I think about it, the more I think I will just leave my stuff (that I don't sell myself) to the AZ state organization.

Have a nice day. I hope we are still friendly acquaintances despite our different views.

AC

One rifle, lots of barrels! Keep the Valmet!

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
One rifle, lots of barrels! Keep the Valmet!

Yeh, I think that way a lot of the time too, Rusty.

I have
-the Valmet with its barrel sets,
-a TCR'83 with 7 barrels,
-a M722 with at least that many or more.
-Also a Contender with 6 different barrels.

I sorta got addicted to switch-barrel guns....

If you reload, keep the sako. And if not the valmet.

I go along with Rusty on the Valmet. If you are in to bird hunting at all, that can still be done when pursueing the four legged critters is too difficult.

At almost 61 I have began looking at the options of what to do with my guns so my wife does not have to deal with that.

Bird hunting is why I have had the Valmet all these years (since about 1977). The 12 gauge barrels are in Skeet 1 and Improved Cylinder shokes, which I consider perfect for grouse and Huns. Upland bird hunting was my main pleasure in life when I lived in Saskatchewan. The .223/12 gauge set has the 12 gauge barrel in Full Choke, as it is my "Turkey" set.