Thanks for sharing! Beautiful rifle! I like the ram on the floor plate, great artwork.
I had a similar conundrum a few years back. I had inherited a Pre 64 in 300 WM from my dad. I had fired it at the range a few times, but was apprehensive to take it hunting.
I finally decided it was time to use it last year, developed a load, replaced the old recoil pad, and put a better scope on it. As I thought about it, my dad carried this rifle hunting ever since i was a kid. He would rather it be used and enjoyed. It's still in great shape other than a handful of small scuffs on the stock, but it was "dad's hunting rifle." It's heavy, but it shoots fantastic!
It's a tough choice to make, but thought I would share.
I am guessing yours was fired some. To my knowledge these had the old red, I think pachmeyer, recoil pads. Yours is black, but I am not 100% on that piece of it.
For myself……"pure function is beauty"! 
