Mine was built in 1919, and shoots OK, but not all that accurately, though I don't think any of them were greatly accurate. The wood grips were installed by me, bought at a gun show, simply because one of the original plastic ones was cracked, and they are rather expen$ive to replace. The wood ones were cheaper and a bit more "hand filling."
I have my Great Grandfathers Rodda SxS that he apparently bought at the turn of last century to celebrate the birth of his first son. He fought in the New Zealand Wars ( about the same time as the US Civil War) And so the legend has it kept all his weapons from the conflict, Muskets and clubs. Alas his adopted son apparently sold them off to some random collector! And now all we have left is his shotgun. I also got a Remington Mod 4 rolling block in 32rf from my Dad that had been inlaid with Paua shell (abalone) and carved in Maori fashion. I grew up thinking this was one of GG fathers rifles but no. The old man bought it at a garage sale in the '50s. My Stepfather left me his Dads Savage Sporter 32-20 and some ammo as well as his BSA pump .22 I got the remains of his collection too but selling it off slowly for Mum.
I also have a Remington targetmaster from my grandfather, the story goes that in 1921 or thereabouts his dad (my great grandpa) bought the gun and when my grandpa turned 8 he got the rifle. Laid waste to the Arizona rabbit population and kept the family dinner pot full more often than not. When my grandpa was in his eighties he told my grandma that I was to have that rifle and his cast iron skillet(he taught me to cook in it). I was 16 when he passed and that old rifle has continued the tradition of knocking down small game. My son will get that one when he's an adult...
), so it will be passed to a third generation (and hopefully, many more).
My rifle in post #5 was rebuilt and put back in safe shooting condition pretty easily.
And an awesome story to go with it! Mine came from your neck of the woods too! Coulterville.
