Best Gift ever?

[CJS3]

Well, maybe not the best, but it ranks up near to the top.
My Father in Law had a US Krag that he had gotten from a relative of his years ago. It had been sporterised in the 20s or 30s and my F in L had used it in the 50s and 60s to take numerous deer. I don't know that it was his favorite, but it, a Savage 99, and a Winchester 92 were the rifles he hung on to as he got older. It's one of those rifles that you just can't help but pick up and handle (fondle). The old stock had the checkering WELL worn, but was still visible and there was a slight crack just below the magazine box. It was a light weight, easy handling weapon and I always regretted not asking him If I could shoot it. After he passed away I lost track of it and just assumed that it was either sold or went to one of my Brother in Laws.
Well at the Christmas get together we hold at my house every year, my Brother in Law walked in with it and said, "here, this is for you". After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I was able to say thanks. My wife got that dreamy eyed look on her face, that she gets, when she remembers her childhood and talks about her dad. I know that this was an important link to my in laws family and I was very grateful to receive this gift. 

[tbug]

Very cool we also have one in the family stock and unmolested sling and all the  story passed down is that Grandfather leased it from the NRA
for 99 years @ a cost of $1.00 don't know if it is true or not now resides @ sons gun safe .

[PegLeg45]

Great story CJ.....and great rifle.....always better with a family history behind it.

[tombogan03884]

I usually hate the idea of "sporterizing" Military rifles, since it degrades their historical interest.
But in this case that Schnabel fore end, and the pistol grip of the stock just looks "right".

A question for both CJ and Tbug, have you done any research on the serial number of your rifle to determine its history ?

[CJS3]

I usually hate the idea of "sporterizing" Military rifles, since it degrades their historical interest.
But in this case that Schnabel fore end, and the pistol grip of the stock just looks "right".

A question for both CJ and Tbug, have you done any research on the serial number of your rifle to determine its history ?

Haven't had it long enough, but that's in the cards.

[Sponsor]

[tbug]

  Had not considered it where would you start ?

[tombogan03884]

Had not considered it where would you start ?

Try here,

http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/

[Teresa Heilevang]

CJ~~ Aren't those kinds of surprises just the best ever? Nice honor .. and also  great feeling knowing that your "other family" loves you enough to give you this family owned gift. 

[twyacht]

Something always very special about a family firearm. Regardless of caliber, brand or type. It's a great tradition to hand down to the next generation.

One day, I'll know my Grandfather's rifles, and the "assortment" acquired in my lifetime, will all go to my son, and so on, and so on..