
An uncle of the wifeys, He and I had become quite close in the twelve or thirteen years We had known each other.
It was always heading out into the hills just to be scouting, to see what is out there, and possibly firing a few rounds from the fire arms We had packed along, Prairie Dogs was the most likely targets, an occasional Coyote`d show His/hers body and would sometimes be a target or a victim, depending on how long they`d stand and for how long they`d be within eyesight.
Old Gene and I had a lot of fun, but, He was getting up in years and had turned eighty five just before His passing into the Heavens.
The funeral went OK with a lot of people in attendance from all around Miles City.
After the funeral, and over the next week or so, a rummage sale of Genes things was going on. He has two daughters, one grandson and two soninlaws that have no interest in firearms.
The daughters and I were talking about Genes things and they asked if there was anything of His belongings that I would like to have, I replied that I would like to "Buy" His rifle, to which they both exclaimed, at the same time, Martin, We are going to give that to You, well, OK, but I could pay You something for it, nope, nothing doing.
And so, I inherited Uncle Genes 700 Remington, 30-06 and stamped that it was built in 1968.
I had already worked up the loads for this rifle and Gene, even as old and shakey as He was, at 50 yds, He could make tow or three booollit holes appear as almost one.
I am thinking that I will do some shooting with this rifle and get to know it very well, make it My long range shooter and keep sake.
Martin