Thought I would share this story.
My Uncle and I were close in years essentially raised together in rural southeastern Pennsylvania and so he became much as a brother. He was an avid sportsman and shooter including bow and arrow. He competed locally and had four arrows split by four second arrows to prove his skill. I would not have thought that possible had I not seen it with my own eyes.
My cousin, also a hunter and trapper, was one year younger than my uncle and lived within spitting distance. The three of us spent much time together until I joined the Navy in 1969 and left for points unknown. Points unknown turned into points known as I found myself in Italy in 1980 and was permitted to shop in the Nato Sports Store. It was there I purchased my first Ruger Old Army, identical to the one I have now. Also for my Uncle I bought a Hawken in .50 cal. flintlock. I carried it home whereupon my Uncle commenced using it during doe season until his death in July of 1996.
Owing to the long separation I had lost track of my cousin who nevertheless had remained close to my Uncle. I also lost track of the Hawken. My wife, knowing that family is important, took the trouble of arranging a visit with my cousin’s extended family in the spring of this year to get reconnected. After some tears and some beers I got around to telling my cousin that I was interested in shooting black powder revolvers. He took me into his den and over the fireplace was that Hawken.
In late 95 and early 96, my Uncle knew that the end was near and having time to plan his affairs had willed the rifle to my cousin. It was the only logical thing to do since he knew it would be used and appreciated. My cousin took an eleven point buck which he said weighed 240 pounds (A little heavy for southeastern PA but not unbelievable)and then retired the rifle to its place over the mantle. My cousin knew where the rifle came from and asked if I wanted it. I told him it looked pretty happy right where it was.
My Uncle and I were close in years essentially raised together in rural southeastern Pennsylvania and so he became much as a brother. He was an avid sportsman and shooter including bow and arrow. He competed locally and had four arrows split by four second arrows to prove his skill. I would not have thought that possible had I not seen it with my own eyes.
My cousin, also a hunter and trapper, was one year younger than my uncle and lived within spitting distance. The three of us spent much time together until I joined the Navy in 1969 and left for points unknown. Points unknown turned into points known as I found myself in Italy in 1980 and was permitted to shop in the Nato Sports Store. It was there I purchased my first Ruger Old Army, identical to the one I have now. Also for my Uncle I bought a Hawken in .50 cal. flintlock. I carried it home whereupon my Uncle commenced using it during doe season until his death in July of 1996.
Owing to the long separation I had lost track of my cousin who nevertheless had remained close to my Uncle. I also lost track of the Hawken. My wife, knowing that family is important, took the trouble of arranging a visit with my cousin’s extended family in the spring of this year to get reconnected. After some tears and some beers I got around to telling my cousin that I was interested in shooting black powder revolvers. He took me into his den and over the fireplace was that Hawken.
In late 95 and early 96, my Uncle knew that the end was near and having time to plan his affairs had willed the rifle to my cousin. It was the only logical thing to do since he knew it would be used and appreciated. My cousin took an eleven point buck which he said weighed 240 pounds (A little heavy for southeastern PA but not unbelievable)and then retired the rifle to its place over the mantle. My cousin knew where the rifle came from and asked if I wanted it. I told him it looked pretty happy right where it was.
