Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Why I bought my husband yet another rifle...

Let me just set the record straight. I'm no saint, no "let me sacrifice everything so that this man that I love can have yet another firerm" kind of girl. In fact, if you had told me that I would be buying my husband three NICE rifles in as many years, I guess my first thought would have been, "Why? Has the world run out of jewelry, lawn furniture, and other sensible things for me to buy?"

I'm not rich either. Ever ask a little kid how old he is? Chances are, the number of grubby little fingers he holds up is roughly the same number as my income, dollars per hour, after Uncle Sam has ravaged my paycheck. Oh, and I work just two half-days a week. The only time my banker is really excited to see me is when she accidently mistakes me for someone else.

So... why another rifle? Honestly... I had no choice! There was no financial windfall, no lonely spot in the rear corner of David's gun safe... there was just David. And a bone spur.

It was a big bone spur, and it looked like a fang on his shoulder bone. A little matching one was just a bit further in. Routine surgery was scheduled, and it was clear that he wouldn't be able to shoot for a while. When at last the doctor did allow it, word was, it would have to be something a bit easier on him than his current repertoire of rifles would be. David took all this in stride, because excuses to buy new firearms come in all shapes and sizes.

He began sort of casually researching this new gun purchase by asking questions of those of you who had similar surgeries, and got lots of input on lighter loads, what rounds are comfortable to shoot post-surgery, and so on. Finally, his attention came to rest on a Kimber. I don't remember which Kimber it was, but I do remember the price. It was a lot.

I think David knew it would be tough to swing it, but it sure was a pretty gun. I'd catch him tooking at it in the magazine late at night when he was supposed to be just "reading the articles" of that darn gun magazine. He looked at this thing like it was the Hoochie Mama from Heaven. He looked at it earnestly, lovingly, even reverently. He looked at it the way he used to look at me. Then he'd stare off into the distance, sigh, and go back to doing our taxes, or whatever it was he'd been doing before.

One day, I accompanied him to a gun show. I like to look at the antiques they sometimes have there, and I suppose I like to keep an eye on him a bit. He has a history of going to gun shows ostensibly to sell some old thing, and coming home with a new old thing. Anyway, as David is off and wandering, our friend Tom D. approaches me and asks if David is there, and says he's got the perfect gun for his recovery period. I asked a few questions, and the price was right. Tom is as honest as they come, so I bought the thing, sight unseen. I was so unfamiliar with the caliber (it's a something-something 250-3000) I had to write it down! I later found my note, thought it was a phone number I needed, and tried to call it! So much for being knowledgeable about guns!

I guess I bought the gun in self defense... self defense of our little budget... but also because the look on David's face is worth it every time. Now, Honey, if you're reading this, about that lawn furniture...

Huntress

Swedishgirl,

That's what has marriages flourish, and endure.
It's a two way street; he takes good care of you, and you take good care of him, or visa versa.

Great post.
Thoughtful and very well constructed.
You need a column........