In all honesty, I wouldn't know what I would do with such a rifle other than place it on display....which is  not what I buy rifles for.  At this point it has slipped into being a piece of historic art more than a tool for shooting.  I've purchased a few minty anitque rifles in the past and frankly consider it a mistake.  Way to nice to go hauling around and risking a scratch/dent or otherwise assault on its well preserved finishes.  My favorite antique arms for shooting all show honest wear that I don't mind adding to.....and won't lose any sleep over if another blemish is created.   

I've got the same problem with my car collection....only far more expensive.  My 60 corvette probably looks better than when it came off the assembly line and I don't drive it to keep it that way.  Yes it wins trophies, but using these artifacts, whether firearms or cars, is where the fun is for me....and my concious gets in the way of using something so well preserved.

Joel, very nice rifle.  I'm envious.  I see yours has the long range rear sight were, as rustyrelx noted, the one in the original posting apparently has the mid range sight.  

By the way, if the cobwebs in the front sight are any indication,  you haven't fondled yours much lately.  

Wayne

texasmac wrote on Jul 20^th, 2010 at 4:49pm:


What looks like cobwebs are threads from the cloth I used to wipe it off. I actually shot it pretty often.