Great Day at the Range!

[dak0ta]

So I went shooting with my uncle today, first time in a while.

I was determined to get good marksmanship skills, practicing with my Savage Mk2 FV 22lr. Going through the fundamentals etc. Paid off on the Rimfire tournament that's going on this quarter on THR, on my second attempt I was hitting bullseyes at 50 yards, it takes a lot of focus and energy, but you know you'll hit it when you let the trigger off.

Anyways, after I shot my 1911 and Rossi 92 in 357. Auto handguns aren't as easy as they look.

Then my uncle let me shoot and sight in his Ruger M77 (which he hasn't ever shot, and has been sitting in his safe). It's the very first generation model (doesn't even say Mark I), in .308 winchester. Mauser action, nice walnut, red recoil pad with a 3-9x40 scope on it.

Aiming at 100 yards, I shot it very well, getting just over an 1 inch group (2 shots were touching).

I have been talking about getting a hunting rifle to shoot, mainly a .270 Winchester or .308 Winchester, and we're hard out of luck trying to find a .270 Win. I want a vintage Remington 700 or Browning BBR, but not too many around where I am.

Afterwards, my uncle said ''Hey you shoot the Ruger pretty good, you can have it!''. I'm surprised and speechless, but jumping up and down inside!

Here I am with my new to me hunting rifle, and I shoot it very well with Federal 168 gr Gold Medals. I'm also starting off on reloading so I hope to find a great load for this rifle.

Great day and got to love having shooting/hunting mentors in the family

 

[Abel]

Don't be speechless. Tell him 'thank you'. And then spend $80 or $90 on a decent pocket knife and give it to him!

 

[MaterDei]

You seem like a fine young man. The best gift you can give him is you. Make a point of spending good quality time with your uncle. No better gift, in my opinion.

 

[PonyKiller]

Outstanding! Your uncle sounds like a very generous man, and both previous suggestions sound right on the money.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Lucky you! That is a fine rifle for sure. Enjoy it, and be sure to tell your uncle how much you enjoy it and how grateful you are. My bet is that would make his day.

 

[RFMan]

Lucky you! That is a fine rifle for sure. Enjoy it, and be sure to tell your uncle how much you enjoy it and how grateful you are. My bet is that would make his day.

There you go. Bring him back pictures. Bring him back deer sausage Most of all, bring him back conversation. He'll be well content.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

That's awesome. And that's a great rifle too.
I got my wife an original tang safety Ruger M77 in .243 and we love it. We have both killed deer with it (though when I take it with me, I remove the pink Mossy Oak sling )
Congrats. Post a pic.

And I agree with RFMan. Your uncle is definitely entitled to some venison from it's first kill. It'll make his day, trust me.
One more thing, don't ever let that rifle go, for any reason or any amount of money. The story and the generosity of someone who obviously cares a great deal about you is far more valuable.

 

[dak0ta]

Oh I did say Thank You like 10 times? And even offered to give him some money for it, but he refused.

Yes it a fine shooting rifle and I'm sure I'll have some stories to tell soon

Pocket knife is a great idea actually cause he collects them!

 

[dak0ta]

Just did a serial number search, rifle was made the same year I was born

 

[Arkansas Paul]

^ That is way cool.

 

[tahunua001]

I wish I had an uncle like that... one of these days I'm hoping my uncle will take me out and give me one of the beauties that he inherited from grampa... oh well.