My Favorite Rifle And How My Life Changed When It Was Given To Me

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jertex

jertex

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In 1975, when I was the ripe old age of 14, I was going through all the challenges of being a teenage boy, but probably worse than many. I was rebelling in every way possible against my parents, their faith (I say their faith, because at that time it wasn't my faith), and any other authority in my life. My rebelliousness took many turns including some that were violations of the law, not violent, but quite stupid. My dad was tough and firm, but I always knew he loved me. It was in this context at the end of the morning, on Christmas day, 1975, that my dad told me he forgot about one gift and that I should go look in his closet. My dad was an ex-marine, Tex/gunnery sergeant and his closet was the most organized place on earth so it was easy to spot the OD green, canvas, carbine rifle case in the corner. I'm convinced that the simple act of grace (undeserved favor) shown to me by my dad on that Christmas morning, was the beginning of the end of my rebellion and a catalyst for God to work in my life. Here is a picture of the Marlin Golden 39M Mountie that slid out of that canvas case on Christmas morning in 1975.
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jertex said:
In 1975, when I was the ripe old age of 14, I was going through all the challenges of being a teenage boy, but probably worse than many. I was rebelling in every way possible against my parents, their faith (I say their faith, because at that time it wasn't my faith), and any other authority in my life. My rebelliousness took many turns including some that were violations of the law, not violent, but quite stupid. My dad was tough and firm, but I always knew he loved me. It was in this context at the end of the morning, on Christmas day, 1975, that my dad told me he forgot about one gift and that I should go look in his closet. My dad was an ex-marine, Tex/gunnery sergeant and his closet was the most organized place on earth so it was easy to spot the OD green, canvas, carbine rifle case in the corner. I'm convinced that the simple act of grace (undeserved favor) shown to me by my dad on that Christmas morning, was the beginning of the end of my rebellion and a catalyst for God to work in my life. Here is a picture of the Marlin Golden 39M Mountie that slid out of that canvas case on Christmas morning in 1975.
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NIce rifle, great story! I'd have straightened up and flown right too, for one of those. Maybe someday I yet will. :rofl:
 
When I was a kid, I had two 22 rifles. One was a Marlin single shot and the other was a Ruger 10/22. For some reason, Somehow, I never got around to owning a lever action until I got a couple for my sons. Of course, I got myself a nice Marlin to shoot with my boys and I wish I'd gotten one many years earlier. The Marlin is may favorite lever action 22. Of course, my sons have rebelled against me- one chose a Winchester, the other a Henry.

That's a very nice 22 you've got there and the story behind it warms my heart.

(Just don't let your dad know you called him an EX-Marine)
 
MistWolf said:
When I was a kid, I had two 22 rifles. One was a Marlin single shot and the other was a Ruger 10/22. For some reason, Somehow, I never got around to owning a lever action until I got a couple for my sons. Of course, I got myself a nice Marlin to shoot with my boys and I wish I'd gotten one many years earlier. The Marlin is may favorite lever action 22. Of course, my sons have rebelled against me- one chose a Winchester, the other a Henry.

That's a very nice 22 you've got there and the story behind it warms my heart.

(Just don't let your dad know you called him an EX-Marine)
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I know not to say ex-Marine, it just slipped out not being part of that brotherhood myself. :uhoh:

He was tough as nails, a veteran of the Korean war and a member of the Brotherhood of the Frozen Chosin, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for valor. He's no longer on this earth so I'm sure he'll overlook that slip up.
 
jertex said:
I know not to say ex-Marine, it just slipped out not being part of that brotherhood myself. :uhoh:

He was tough as nails, a veteran of the Korean war and a member of the Brotherhood of the Frozen Chosin, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for valor. He's no longer on this earth so I'm sure he'll overlook that slip up.
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You hope he will, hate to see him demonstrate lightning marksmanship on ya just to prove a point ;)
 
Great story.

I had a Marlin 39 for a number of years; it had a great trigger and was quite accurate. Nice rifle; your personal attachment to yours transcends that of course, but nice rifle all the same.
 
I've never cared much for the standard 39A with longer barrel and pistol grip. But I've always liked the 39M. Great story, thanks for sharing.
 
It's nice when somebody can see through your troubles, and extend a gracious gesture to you.
It really can change things!

That's a sweet 39, they sure handle nice.

I've been lucky, too, that some people saw through me, and still thought I was worthy to take a risk on.
My dad gave me a Marlin 780, even though I didn't deserve it. She's a keeper!
 
"Teach your son to hunt and you won't have to hunt for your son" is a true statement.

Great post jertex. Mine (well my grandmothers) gun was a Winchester '08 .22 pump. I was the terror of the woods back in those days.

But it kept me from bad company and my young friends were all hunters and campers.

Yes just a bit of guidance in the right direction can mean so much.

Deaf
 
I liked your story. I like that rifle as well! I'm glad it helped you find a better path most of all. My favorite rifle was my dad's Marlin "golden"39 A. Sweet rifle!

Mark
 
Well-played on his part. Thanks for sharing. That's a lot of responsibility to have trusted you with, and it apparently worked (and you didn't even shoot your eye out!) Nice story.
 
Jertex, I was glad to see you write the part about your patents' faith not being your faith - at least at that time. I am of the belief that when we merely accept what somone else does or believes, it is not a valuable to us as a belief we come to on our own.
 
Nice; thanks for sharing the story. My Dad wasn't a shooter, so it was my FIL that really got me into hunting and all that goes with it. My Dad helped me learn about grace in other ways.
 
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