I was gifted a treasure trove of ML rifles and accessories awhile back. I already owned a big box store unmentionable rifle package so I could participate in ML hunting season. I used it and was successful with it but stopped after a few years. I just used a bow after that but always wanted to get a Hawken type rifle. I was fortunate to meet a wise gentleman one day because I slid on the ice and hit his vehicle with mine, minimal damage. We talked for a bit and found we had much in common. Both veterans, avid hunters, fishermen, except he was a former moonshiner; but due to age had retired from much of it. We departed after exchanging information and both with a new friend. He called a few days later with the estimate for repairs. I drove over immediately and paid him in cash. I asked if he was going to get it fixed and he just laughed and said, No and thanks for the drinking money. I laughed also as I assumed that already. I was invited in for coffee and we talked for several hours discussing all sorts of topics. He showed me his guns and had many well used and well cared for weapons. His ML collection was impressive. He had several “original” rifles from the early 1800s or earlier that were family heirlooms. At the time I knew nothing about ML, modern (with the above exception) or antique but I knew they were old. He did have many modern reproductions in his collection. As time went on our friendship grew. I would help him with chores and projects he was unable to do and would bring him wild game and fish for his freezer. I gave him rides to the grocery store, gun shows and later to doctor appointments. His kids/family were mostly out of the picture except for his grandson that was in the Army. I met him a few times because he always came to visit while on leave. As time went on his health faded with age and he passed away. The absentee family members were talking at the wake about the division of property and who wanted what. I paid my respects and was about to depart when the grandson approached me. We talked about his grandfather and he thanked me for all that I had done and that he was lucky to have a friend like me. I told him that I was the lucky one as I’m a better person for having slid on the ice. We both laughed. He then told me that when he heard of his passing he called a neighbor that was a locksmith and had all the locks in his grandfather’s house changed to stop the family vultures and that he was the executor of the estate. He asked me to meet him at the house after the funeral as he had something for me. When I arrived, we sat and reminisced about the “Old Man” and that his grandfather told him to give me some items. He showed me a handwritten list that was given to him.
Morris Reynolds
WWII veteran
Avid outdoorsman
Moonshiner
And My Friend
RIP “MO”
Below is the list
Cabela’s
.58cal Hawken Left and Right hand models
.54cal Hawken with checkered stock
.50cal Hawken
Thompson Center
.45cal Seneca and Cherokee
New Englander 12ga single shot shotgun with the non-choke barrel
Traditions
.32cal Crockett
.36cal rifle don’t know the model and can’t find any, but the stock is about the size of a TC Seneca but the forearm is a lot shorter. And it also came with a drop in .50 barrel. Both are drilled and tapped for a scope.
Investarms spare barrels
.45 carbine length
.50 rifle length smooth bore
.54 rifle length smooth bore
Hawken stock
And a mountain of cleaning supplies, lead balls, conicals, and accouterments.
Now I need to research, learn, and practice.
Morris Reynolds
WWII veteran
Avid outdoorsman
Moonshiner
And My Friend
RIP “MO”
Below is the list
Cabela’s
.58cal Hawken Left and Right hand models
.54cal Hawken with checkered stock
.50cal Hawken
Thompson Center
.45cal Seneca and Cherokee
New Englander 12ga single shot shotgun with the non-choke barrel
Traditions
.32cal Crockett
.36cal rifle don’t know the model and can’t find any, but the stock is about the size of a TC Seneca but the forearm is a lot shorter. And it also came with a drop in .50 barrel. Both are drilled and tapped for a scope.
Investarms spare barrels
.45 carbine length
.50 rifle length smooth bore
.54 rifle length smooth bore
Hawken stock
And a mountain of cleaning supplies, lead balls, conicals, and accouterments.
Now I need to research, learn, and practice.
Continued blessings. Dale
