Myself I haven't had allot of interest in military rifles but I have had allot of interest in some of the custom rifles they have been turned into becoming. Most of the older folks I hunted with growing up never used a scope and were remarkable shots at remarkable distances. True markman in my book but it was also what it took to put food on the table and no different than having to take care of the cattle or horses and just another part of daily living. The only bolt gun I really wanted in life all though I don't believe it was a military rifle was a Orbendorf Mauser Model B 7X57 with Double set triggers. The only military rifle I should have bought was a M1 Garand through the CMP through the Club for $165.00. Some of our members actually received match rifles as new and unused wrapped in cosmoline and that one being a mistake on behalf. I do enjoy the 1903A3's but not quite enough to want to own one and the same holds true for the Enfields as well.

Vall if you don't mind it really interests me allot! How old where you when got it, how did you get it, how much game have you taken with it and if you don't mind I would love to see some pictures of it as is. And to finish your story did your nephew end up getting his deer that year?

No hurry on the picture at all just the next time you need to move it out of your way. Growl, River now that right there made me laugh and could dang near picture it taking place and thanks Vall.

I was at the range recently along with 20 other shooters. I looked down the line and noticed that most shooters where shooting the black guns so I walked down the line to see how many there were. Out of 21 shooters,18 were firing the black guns. This is of course my opinion and you are free to disagree. While I agree that we should encourage anyone who joins are ranks I don't see the enthusiasm in them for voting the way we do or that they are even aware of what is going on in politics. Many don't even bother to vote. I remember when the first of the black guns was being developed. I was a member of the old Santiago Rifle Club in Orange County Ca. A company in Costa Mesa,Ca was developing a new concept in rifles. They used our range to test fire it. You know the the story. Colt bought the rights to make the rifle and the rest is history. When these rifles were made available to the public I knew it meant trouble ahead. You don't have to tell me that these guns function just like other semi autos. The problem is in the way they look. I know it is stupid on the part of anti-gunners but it did give them even more to complain about with all these black assault weapons that anyone could buy. I do not want to see any firearm outlawed but it is happening all over the map.

If you sacrifice the Black rifle shooters and their guns, what will be next. The earliest ( Bath school)school attack in 1927 was a bombing, it killed 44 people. Sooner or later someone will disparage the availability black powder. German Pastor Niemoller said "

    First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

    Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

    Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

    Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Antigunners are only looking for a foot in the door. 

Not sure how the guys I know who own and shoot these "black rifles" compare to other areas. But most I know are very politically active, vote, and are staunch 2nd amendment supporters too. They are more politically active than many hunters, or casual shooters.

marlinguy wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2019 at 8:17pm:


They'd better be!  Their guns have replaced handguns at the top of the gun-haters hoped-for "ban list."