When we decide to shoot a nice collectable gun it's always with some hesitation or concern, as even with the best of care things happen.
Just a few weeks ago I took an old 1892 Marlin out of the safe to give it a trip to the range. I've enjoyed occasionally shooting this gun over many years, even though it's in extremely nice condition, and sports many special order deluxe features.
All went well at the range, and I was as always careful, but when I got home and was cleaning it to return to the safe I noticed a major problem that made me feel pretty sick. There was a sliver of wood about 1/2" wide, and 1.5" long missing at the toe of the buttstock!
I knew I hadn't dropped it on the buttplate, or bumped into anything, so I guess it simply popped due to age. After a moment of silence and some disparaging words, I noticed something laying on the gun room floor. There at my feet was the missing piece!
Fortunately it was an easy fix, but it once again reminded me of the things that can and do happen when we decide to shoot something we really like.
