When your new rifle is too beautiful to use for hunting!!

I have the same issue with a number of rifles I own. Problem is they are like a "Piece of Art" that you don't want to mark up. What I do is use them strictly for sitting out when I can relatively easily get to the spot I want to go to, and the weather is nice. I then have a couple other rifles I use for trudging through the woods that get numerous handling marks and scratches. Of course a lot of this will depend on the type of hunting you do, and where u go. I am able to boat to most of my sitting spots, so I keep my nice guns in a hard well protected case until i get there. You could no doubt achieve the same results if you can ATV most of the way to your spots, or walk along clear trails.
 
hunter-4-life said:
Im guilty of this…..

My main rifle was a Weatherby Lazerguard in 257 topped with a VX3. I carried it around last year and felt bad. They don’t make em anymore, and I didn’t wanna beat it up this year bush whacking. So I went and grabbed a plain jane X-Bolt in 7 PRC and it’ll be the go to if there’s a chance it’s gunna get beat. I know everyone says their tools and what not, but there’s a fine line. When you work hard and save up your penny to own your dream rifle, the last thing I wanna do is scratch it all up and beat it up, you busted your ass for it, try n keep it in tip top shape. And it ain’t always easy to do when you’re after a big buck or bull and you gotta get movin in a hurry, or take the rougher way to get a shot.
Click to expand...
The more you use the rifle. The more memories you create with it. The more it becomes apart of you. Someday if you keep using it, the plain x bolt might be more valuable to you than the Weatherby .
I see the same thing at car shows. Most of what is there are trailer queens. That or high dollar built by a professional for customer with deep pockets and never driven. I'm always more interested in the truck that was built and used by the owner. I can spot these really quick at a show even though few and far between.
 
It is possible to use things and take really good care of them while you are doing it. I am aware that this ability is completely lost on a lot of people today who treat even the most expensive items as disposable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DGY
I have a number of rifles that have very nice stocks that I don't want marked up even if they are "honest scratches" that occur during a normal course of hunting (Unlike my hunting buddy, guns for me are more than just tools, that's just my personality). I can be as careful as humanly possible yet somehow there they are after a season of hunting and they just piss me off.

Most of those stocks I have now refinished the scratches to the point where you can no longer see them.

I still like to get out and hike and hunt every fall but I can't stand my rifles getting marked so the way I've come to terms with it, is to take my most marked up rifle which happens to be a Rem Mountain 30/06 and cerakote it and designate that as my hunting rifle that I take out all the time.

The tough cerakote finish stands up very well to abrasion and the fact that THIS is my hunting rifle and the rest are just nice looking range rifles that I take out occasionally somehow does it for me. I now feel a lot better about scratches in general and am much more relaxed when hunting.
 
I have guns that are mechanical tools and they go to the range and the hunt. I love them.

I also have guns that are mechanical art. I love them. They, mostly, go to the range where I have more control of my surroundings.

The answer, to me, has always been to cover most bases "more guns" period! LOL
 
I hunt with my supergrade and a couple M 70 featherweight’s, but when conditions turn ugly I will switch over to one of my Tikka’s.
 
I have a really nice Marlin stainless Guide gun in 45-70, beautiful stocks, very accurate and hasn't seen the light of day in years. I'll probably never shoot it again so it may end up in the EE this year or in '25.
 
Brian46 said:
It is possible to use things and take really good care of them while you are doing it. I am aware that this ability is completely lost on a lot of people today who treat even the most expensive items as disposable.
Click to expand...
I agree. As Corb Lund says, some people are hard on equipment.
 
I’m all for using them. Nothing wrong with honest wear… Have a Supergrade in walnut. It’s seen its fair share of the elements. They hold up very well. Do your part in maintaining it and it will keep its luster. My go too shotgun is a BPS Medallion. It’s seen some awful conditions. I find it holds up as good if not better than friends matte plastic stuff. Just have to do your part is all. Renaissance Wax is your friend.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DGY
Last edited:
Years ago before I got some experience I would worry about beating up a stock as time went by and especially after getting into cowboy action shooting I worry less. I have a Marlin 1894 that I have used for 20 years shooting thousands of rounds a year and getting roughed up in stages. Mechanically it is great but finish wise I would probably rate it as fair to good. I keep it clean and rub the stock with a little fluid film. Its is a rifle I really treasure. I have enough guns that I sort of buy them for a purpose and have actually bought two of the same shotgun one with a beauty of a stock and glossy bluing for trap and skeet and then picked up a synthetic for the boat and bush.
6UE5Wyd.jpeg

This one is no show piece but it has a lot of character.
 
Last edited:
Rob said:
Sorry, but that's one ugly over-embellished rifle.
Click to expand...
It is not my style, nor do I have the money to pay for that kind of inlays etc. That said I think the details and engraving is pretty impressive! That the talent it takes to achieve that kind of craftsmanship is also impressive. But I agree the client wanted everything and it is not needed!
And really it was more to show that crazy expensive rifle with amazing engravings and stunning wood can be and are used in the field!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom