I understand why you broke it down that way BSA, but the thought of him parting out Grandpas rifle is just sad.
Following this thread, I could probably understand selling the .300 Win Mag because he really never used it. The two H&H's I couldn't see ever parting with. I would however have the crack in the .375s stock stabilized, and then use them both sparingly. The .458 I probably would keep also because it represents a dream he never got to realize......and it's just unbelievably cool! As to what to do with them when "the time comes". I'd be looking at other family members and/or close family friends who would be appreciative of not only the rifles themselves, but the history of them. Myself, I'd give them to someone who'd revere their connection to Gramps rather than peddle them for cash to someone who didn't give a darn. But here again, it's just my opinion.
I did not take it from the way that he did that, that he was suggesting I part it out. I just took it as an overall estimate of what I have.
To your part about finding someone who would value this gun with connections to my Grandfather, well, this is why I started this thread. There is not really anyone.
My kid got into trouble at 15 years old. He cannot be around firearms. He can fix that but he is too lazy to do so. Also, our relationship is not good and, if he got the rifle, it would be sold immediately, in my opinion.
My brother would value them greatly! When my Grandpa passed he got a couple Colt pistols. One of which was owned by and found on the dead body of Harry Tracy. This is debated as someone else claims that they own the pistol. We have written documentation on it, for what good that does a guy. I asked my brother about it, challenging it, but he don't care much about it, anymore. I offered to buy the two Colts, years ago for $10,000 but he would not sell. If you want some good reading, google Harry Tracy. Kind of interesting being he is Washington's biggest outlaw, ever (minus Washington D.C. of course, could never quantify that). Anyway, my brother is older than I am. Cannot see leaving it to him. Plus his kid is a two time felon. Man, our family is dysfunctional.
These two pistols were owned by my Grandfather in upstate N.Y. He was a gun collector with over 300 at one time. He sold off and that is how my Grandfather, here in Washington State got that gun. The N.Y. Grandfather's name was William (Bill) Massey and was a big time decoy carver back in the day. If anyone here is from upstate N.Y. and hunted ducks, maybe you have heard of Grandpa Bill.
My cousin would be the only other that would appreciate the gun/guns, seemingly, but he is the guy that started his ploy of ending up with my Grandparents estate as soon as my Grandpa died. He started doing my Grandma's books for her and, in failing health, got Grandma to change the will and nearly everything ended up being willed to him. I gave him some stuff, years ago, that my Grandpa left me that I did not have any use for, and thought he did, as he seemed excited to get it. He sold it. He is a work of art.
Anyway, my dilema is just this. Who do I leave it too? Do I sell? I, actually, have a few friends who would cherish them but they are all as old as me, or close.
I'm in no hurry. I don't even know what to do. So, I'll take your input, all of it from everyone, and ponder it some more.
Thanks again.
Oh, I can get some more pictures up here if you want?
