A great story, Zipper -
And, I believe you and your brothers have hit upon a winning solution to ownership. Hopefully, the rifle will be respected and passed from you to your sons and from them to their sons.
I have just the type rifle you describe, a pre-war Model 70 in "30GOVT06" caliber (so stamped on the barrel) that was made in 1939. Of all the firearms in the gun vaults, this is the one that I pick up first to admire and run a silicone cloth over. Have taken elk and deer with it - always with one shot each. Probably a lot of luck in that, but like you, I would like to think its the rifle that does it.
And, I believe you and your brothers have hit upon a winning solution to ownership. Hopefully, the rifle will be respected and passed from you to your sons and from them to their sons.
I have just the type rifle you describe, a pre-war Model 70 in "30GOVT06" caliber (so stamped on the barrel) that was made in 1939. Of all the firearms in the gun vaults, this is the one that I pick up first to admire and run a silicone cloth over. Have taken elk and deer with it - always with one shot each. Probably a lot of luck in that, but like you, I would like to think its the rifle that does it.
