My neighbor got a last-minute phone call to join some friends heading up north to New Brunswick next week for a Black Bear hunting trip, so he asked me to take him to the local rifle club so he could sight it his rifle.
You'll like his selection -- it's an 1886 Winchester in .45-70. Per the serial #, it was produced in 1904. It was purchased by the original owner in 1906, and then somewhere along the line my buddy's great grandfather bought it for Maine Moose Medicine -- back when there was an open season in the 30's. It's been in his family ever since, and he was lucky to have this one passed along to him as his "big bore thumper" and he's really excited about making the trip.
I brought my camera along to the range, cause I figured all the guys & gals here would like an ON TOPIC post WITH PIX of a classic lever gun. So here she is.............................
Here's my attempt to duplicate some of the fine picture-taking we sometimes see on this site, with a profile of the action and 3 of his "bear medicine pills":
His rifle has what I would call a "shark fin" front sight, but I'm not a Winny expert by any means, so I have no idea if this is original -- but it sure is "cool":
Those of us with Swedish Mauser's in 6.5x55mm know all about the fine notches in their rear sights. Well, check out this one -- yikes! -- that is a really tiny notch:
And finally, here is Marvin taking a shot:
After sighting-in at 50 yards (he'll be hunting over bait, or possibly stalking, but the woods will be very thick...), he took one shot at 25 yards just to check where it hit at that range -- and he took the X right out! Good enough for bear!!!
You know, in all the excitement of helping him get ready for his hunt, I never asked to take a shot myself... Darn it...
Will let you know how he makes out.
Tight groups to all!
Old No7
