Michael, Terry and Daryl ought to be able to add perspective to this one, eh?
Welcome Brad, jump right in!
Brent, I appreciate your honesty about finances, I have difficulty with those that say, " I would never own that expensive gun, too pretty to take hunting." When they really mean, " There's no way in the world I could afford to own that gun so I could make the choice to shoot or not."
I'd figure that Ottmar rifle (shown above and below) at about $8000 give or take, being one of his high quality hunting rifles. As a 7x57 weighing about 7 lbs. and extremely well balanced, it begs to be shot at something running (which I never do). Maurice was extremely versitile and prolific of a span of some 30(+-) years in the trade. (He was also one of the nicest and well liked of any man I've known.) His quality had peaks and valleys, but this is a small ring commercial Mauser action that hasn't been drilled for a scope has nickel silver skeleton buttplate & grip cap, a great piece of possibly genuine French walnut, light engraving by Roger Kerr and very high quality workmanship. Probably made in the '80's so not an antique nor even very old, but deceased maker for what that's worth?!? Certainly a worthy collectable but it would be irresistable for me to shoot,
If I could afford to own it! Which I can't.
As for quantity, what I meant was that while I probably don't own many more guns than you, I own enough that I have several just because I like them with no real intension of ever shooting them. I work full-time in the shop so things like casting bullet, extensive handloading or case making are not hobbies for me, I'd rather get outdoors.
Ken, You've got a great perspective and I've a few of those guns.
(BTW, this topic may be used for my next Shooting Sportsman column, but if I quote I will either do it anonymously or ask permission.)
Thanks,
Steve
