When my father-in-law died and his guns were distributed to son-in-laws and grandchildren I requested his Ruger .243 because it was my father-in-law's favorite gun. At the time, everyone agreed that such would be OK. However, about a year later (after I had spent hundreds of dollars on reloading supplies for it, and after developing some really great shooting rounds) one of the grandsons said that my father-in-law had promised him the gun (his mom verifying his claim), so, long story short, to maintain peace in the family, I gave the gun to the grandson. Needless to say, I was just sick--ending up with no gun from my beloved father-in-law and this grandson now having two of his guns (he hasn't offered the other one to me).

I communicated this situation to my best fishing and shooting buddy--then one day out of the blue, my buddy brings me a brand new Marlin .243 bolt action rifle. He and his wife decided they wanted to do something for me. I had read some decent reviews on the Marlin bolt action, but it wasn't my father-in-law's Ruger. So I went out last week to shoot some of the rounds I had reloaded for the Ruger .243 and guess what? It shoots them great--extremely tight groups with 70-85 grain bullets, and just like the Ruger, it doesn't like the 90 grain and above bullets.

How could I be so lucky that this new, much less expensive rifle, shoots so well? I wish the trigger was a little smoother--I've adjusted it down to its lowest setting, which is pretty good.

I just wanted to share this story, because I feel so blessed to have a friend like my shooting and fishing buddy. No, I don't have the nostalgia of having the gun from my father-in-law, but there's a new bit of nostalgia with the gun from my best friend.

Red C.

P.S. How does Marlin make such a good shooting rifle for so little? (I believe my friend said he bought it on clearance for around $280!)

Strange things happen when people pass away, my mom just went through hell when her mother passed. One sibling just felt that no matter what they weren't getting their fair share. I'd rather not get anything when my loved ones pass then to have to go through that.

I probably would have told the grandson that it was his grandfathers wish for everyone to have something of his. If he wanted the .243 you would happily give it to him in exchange for the other rifle. Again if this would have raised a big stink then you did the admirable thing by just giving up the rifle.

You have an awesome friend there. Plus you will make more memories with him now. You probably came out ahead in the whole deal.

I know nothing of the Marlin bolt actions, never held on. Sure look a lot like a Savage to me. I'm glad it shoots well.