WB
From the gunsafe...
Thursday, February 11, 2021, 08:56

Just for conversation and thought on a cold winter morning.

This is a photo of my son shooting his inherited M1 Garand. He never got a chance to speak with old fellows sporting glassy blue eyes and gray stubble whiskers, old spice wafting about, who were actually participants of WWII. I heard the stories they would tell when their guard let down. (Korea Vets too) They didn't normally talk about it so when they did it was a treat. Very humbling though, it was a time to be quiet and just listen. This is a very fine mechanical device and a pleasure to work. Roman knows about Patton's view on it and maybe the role in "Call of Duty" video games. But he does really like it and seems to appreciate it on some levels I can only imagine. It is a cherished piece in HIS collection for him, and that makes me pleased.

This is my old Winchester 62A that was almost brand new but had signs of very heavy pitting from being forgotten in a closet. Someone attended to very well cleaning it up, did it right, you have to get closer to see the cosmetic damage. I didn't get it exactly cheap but well worth the money. There is just something about the mechanics shooting it, it takes you to make it work. Nice feel and the sounds of the action working. I remember at the County Fair you got three shots of CB Caps to make a red star completely disappear to win a prize. The 50 cents to try would have bought an entire box of shells back then but in the atmosphere it was nice to eat a greasy corn-dog and spend a dollar or two trying to win a Mini-bike (Grand Prize). It's my most fun gun I'd figure. I think it was made in 1957? I forget. Always a crowd pleaser at the range for all ages.

I'm a sucker for old dogs. This is a Winchester M43 from the post WWII days in .218 BEE. Somebody expertly shortened the barrel, from the rear (!) about 3-4". I can only guess the reason, probably a stuck bullet and bulge? Anyway they fixed it. I put a Marlin hood on it and fresh Weaver B6 scope in the side mount. The receiver has several extra holes resulting which ruins collectability but also lowers the price for utility. Price of admisssion to play with the BEE is usually pretty high. Huey helped me with dies and some brass to start and that was such a kind gesture and really endearing to me. The BEE components go through dry spells. So he really helped me get started. I'd like to figure the hole pattern on the Weaver side mount and try to upgrade to a 1" scope, I sure don't want to drill more holes. The little action is unique, sort of a scaled up version of their M75 .22 Rimfire. It is not super accurate but for a single lug utility rifle it will do 1.5 MOA easily, even with my home cast 45 gr. HPGC bullets. Lot cheaper for me to shoot than a .22 WMR. Sal introduced me to the Calhoon 30 gr. Double-HP plated bullets about the time I got it and boy did that pep it up! Ditto the .22 K-Hornet. I also installed a "trigger shoe" on it that Gary gave me. Who'd thought I'd have a perfect application for it. So many elements of fun and friends in it. I have to keep it and enjoy it for myself.