Character...hmmm, that would be the Ruger 10/22 that my Dad gave me about 30 years ago. I've probably put 10,000-plus rounds through it as a kid, trying to pop a squirrel, blackbird, whatever... it was a mean machine. I let it sit for about 15 years with no action then picked it up again when my own kids got to that age.
A couple of years ago I looked it over and thought it could benefit from a new stock. I bought one, it was delivered, and I looked it over. Nice new stock. But looking over the original there was no comparison.
All of those stock dings riding around in Dad's Ford through the fields. The burned up factory clips and the firing pin that misses about ever fifth round or so. That's what I got left and it's alright. Great memories of a youth growing up with a good pa that gave me more than a gun...but a lot of good advice and lessons along the way.
