J Browning Mountain Rifle Comes Back Home

[nit wit]

Back some 30 years ago I sold a .45 cal JBMR to a good friend. It has hung on his wall ever since. A month or two ago I saw him at the Post Office, the last thing he said to me was: Hey, why don't you come buy some of those muzzle loaders you sold me. I said I would. A few days later someone fell asleep at the wheel and killed my friend while he was riding his Harley. I went over today and bought a couple of rifles from his widow. I plan to hunt with the Mountain rifle this fall. There was some rust from hanging on the wall but the bore is still good and the rifle is as I sold it to him so many years ago. I'd forgotten how nice it was. These rifles were very well made. I wish I could have handed him the cash instead of his wife. As I get older my life long friends are dyeing in great numbers, I'm only 66! I miss my pals but I know we have to go when our name comes up. I hope I get a crack at a deer while I have that rifle in my hand.
Nit Wit

 

[ppg1949]

Back some 30 years ago I sold a .45 cal JBMR to a good friend. It has hung on his wall ever since. A month or two ago I saw him at the Post Office, the last thing he said to me was: Hey, why don't you come buy some of those muzzle loaders you sold me. I said I would. A few days later someone fell asleep at the wheel and killed my friend while he was riding his Harley. I went over today and bought a couple of rifles from his widow. I plan to hunt with the Mountain rifle this fall. There was some rust from hanging on the wall but the bore is still good and the rifle is as I sold it to him so many years ago. I'd forgotten how nice it was. These rifles were very well made. I wish I could have handed him the cash instead of his wife. As I get older my life long friends are dyeing in great numbers, I'm only 66! I miss my pals but I know we have to go when our name comes up. I hope I get a crack at a deer while I have that rifle in my hand.
Nit Wit

Nit Wit, that's a tragic story with a good outcome in the end. I hope you get to hunt with it. And think of the good you were able to do by helping his widow.

 

[SDSmlf]

Not the way you want to get a rifle, that’s for sure. Tough on everyone left. At least your buddy’s widow got a fair price. If there are other unique items in his collection you or maybe someone that everyone trusts could help her set values/prices. There are real scoundrels out there that will take advantage of a situation.

 

[Critter Getter]

Nit wit, that is indeed a tragic story. I too believe that when your numbers up, it's up. Doesn't matter what you are doing at the time. Glad you were able to buy the Browning and my condolences on the loss of your friend. Life is too short and good friends too few. Greg

 

[Thunder14]

Very sorry to hear about your friend,but at least he will be with you in some sense through the guns.I also just lost a dear friend and I acquired some of his guns and its nice to know he is still here in a way.

 

[nit wit]

It is comforting to make that connection. I hope someone does the same when my time comes!
Nit Wit

 

[1100 Remington Man]

Good luck with your old rifle and remember your Friend. Good Hunting.

I had a some what similar experience except after my Father bought the shotgun three days later he passed.

 

[lou puleff]

Sorry to hear that news unfortunately as we get older that's a all to common news friends and family are starting to pass making us wonder when our last day will be ! Well treasure that rifle and make some memories with it that will make him smile !

 

[Ethang]

Godspeed to your friend. Every second on this earth is a gift. Cherish that rifle.

 

[Stony Broke]

I had a friend in California that gave me a new Sharon barrel and a Hawken full stock to build a rifle with. I brought them back to Texas and had another friend do the build for me. The fella that gave it to me died before the rifle was finished....and I will never part with it as long as I live. I use it regularly in club shoots and it works very good for me. I even had a silver plate put on the rifle with me name on it ( the same as my son's), so he will keep it after I am gone. It's tough losing those good friends.

 

[nit wit]

I believe I sold it to him because it was a .45 caliber, I thought I needed bigger! I've been cleaning it and I took the nipple out and it's never been fired! It was so long ago I had forgotten and I guess my friend just put it on the wall without firing it either. That will change!
Nit Wit