My uncles Model 70

[hesse]

I am a big fan of the 264win . I have a few that when I hunt with them makes me. Nostalgic. As we get older we start to realize the memories and what is important change. Like taking someone to harvest there first deer that besides your kids and grandkids.

 

[milestown]

What a great story,thanks for sharing.
I hope you have many more successful hunts with it.

Hal

 

[Alibiiv]

I'll try to make a long story short. My favorite person on the planet was my uncle Larry. He worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife and took me to do all kinds of cool stuff as a kid. The only gun he ever hunted with was a Winchester Pre-64 model 70 .264 win mag featherweight that my grandad bought him for Christmas in 1962 (he was my blood aunt's husband and my Grandad skipped buying all his own kids presents that year to buy this) He had terrible heart genetics and passed 15 years ago then my aunt passed from cancer. My cousin ended up with his gun and her husband and son googled what it was and saw it was worth $$ so I figured I'd never have a chance to own it. A few years ago I mentioned to her I'd love to take it and clean it up good, build some ammo for it and shoot a deer, then I'd give it back with some ammo for them to shoot it. 8 months ago she brought it to me and I told her I'd get it back to her after deer season and she said, "oh no, I want you to have it." Could've knocked me over with a feather. I cleaned it up good, adjusted the trigger, floated the barrel, and put a correct looking for the gun swaro on it and shot it for the firsts time today. Got in the deer stand and 30 minutes later got this deer. I've shot much bigger but none mean as much as this one. The leather sling broke on way back to the truck and I was disappointed. His middle name was Alpheus and that is mine too, so I'm going to get a custom sling made with Alpheus on it. I know this is just stuff and I don't have to have it to have the memories, but I'm sure glad to have it.

Great story, thanks for sharing it. Handed down guns from love family members who made great memories with us isn't "just stuff". Many of us here in this site either have those memories or wish they did have that gun that made those memories with a loved one. I have a couple of those guns, however there is one that got away when my uncle died. It was a beat up, old J.C. Higgins 16 gauge side-by-side that my uncle Leonard let me shoot my first rabbit with when I was 12 years old. The shotgun was so old that when you pressed the action lock the barrel nearly fell on the ground. After he died it was promised to me, however he had a couple of sons and I suspect that one of them got it as they ought to have. Great story that brought back some great memories

 

[2Old2Care]

There was a Pre '64 in 257 Roberts that had been a long-time sidekick of an old rancher west of Goldthwaite that would have meant a lot to me, but was instead unfortunately sold to a gunshop in Brownwood for way less than I would have paid, so reading about your rifle having a happy ending is really special to me. Of course, most people don't understand the connection some of us have with the 'things' like an old rifle, but to me, it all boils down to respect. Respect for the original owner, and also like in your case, respect for the craftsmanship found in those old Winchesters. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and FWIW, I've already started passing down some of my 'things' to those who I know care, and will not only own, but continue to use those links to years long gone by. High tech is cool, but old has class.

 

[scrmblr1982cj8]

Great story! Congrats!

 

[AussieWriter]

Great story and a terrific rifle.
Let the journey continue.......

 

[dls guide]

Great story and nice keepsake.
Wonder what bullet and load you used in the 264 mag?

 

[Lowhighlander]

There was a Pre '64 in 257 Roberts that had been a long-time sidekick of an old rancher west of Goldthwaite that would have meant a lot to me, but was instead unfortunately sold to a gunshop in Brownwood for way less than I would have paid, so reading about your rifle having a happy ending is really special to me. Of course, most people don't understand the connection some of us have with the 'things' like an old rifle, but to me, it all boils down to respect. Respect for the original owner, and also like in your case, respect for the craftsmanship found in those old Winchesters. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and FWIW, I've already started passing down some of my 'things' to those who I know care, and will not only own, but continue to use those links to years long gone by. High tech is cool, but old has class.

First gun I bought myself was a Remington 700 LSS 7 mag, if that thing could talk. I told my son I wanted to be buried with it. I knew he always wanted it, so I gave it to him for Christmas last year. I'd rather see him enjoy it now instead of waiting until I'm gone.

 

[1raggedhole]

Kicks like a mule being a featherweight and the recoil pad being 50+ years old is hard as a rock but I'm gonna tough it out

I don't think your uncle would mind if you replaced that pad with a Limbsaver. I had an uncle like him once, also. We were both very lucky.

 

[Baker Alvin]

Congratulation's!

 

[nwhunter]

Great story.
I have my uncles 30-06 model 70 of 1952 production.
52 years ago, at the age of 17 I drove in the driveway and my dad met me and told me uncle wanted to sell me his model 70 for the price of $125, now mind you that was to me a lot of money to me at the time. But if dad was suggesting I buy it I knew I should, so I got back in my truck and drove to his house, gave him $125 and in return got his as new 1952 model 70 in 30-06. I still have that rifle and hunt with it on occasion.

 

[Jasbo]

Great sentimental family story! Agree with changing butt pad to Limbsaver or similar. You might consider having a saddle maker / leather artist rebuild that sling. The fittings will preserve the connection back.

 

[98s1lightning]

Great story!

I enjoy hearing about acts of kindness, especially when both parties are thankful. That's and good as it gets. And it revolves around friendships and a good rifle!!!! Again, excellent!!!

 

[pgothro]

Great memories and continuing them is what you grandfather and uncle would have wanted. I to have a pre 64. 264 that was my fathers (1959). I think of my dad every time I shoot it, and took my first deer with it 1969