Post by supersporter40 on Jul 29, 2008 19:17:36 GMT -5
It had been a mystery for around 18 years. Picture me, a 14 year old kid who is now old enough to hunt big game for the first time. My Gramma catches wind of this and I am not all sure she is crazy about the idea but she pulls out her photo album to show me some photos of her brothers escapades growing up with rifle in hand more often than not. I reminded her a lot of her older brother, with nothing but squirrel hunting on the brain or culling her blackbirds she likely knew I'd end up like him.
These pictures took hold of me and have not let go since. I had no idea what they were being very green to the world of firearms other than what I had used to that time. I eventually ended up getting these photos and studied them pretty close.
Here is Leif:
Obviousley a Remington 14 but what was it chambered for? I wanted one ever since seeing the picture but how would I ever figure out the caliber? Well, last June Dad turned the field where the homestead once stood and where Leif was standing in that pic. Mom happened to find a spent case in the field. She didn't think much of it but and threw it in the pail withh all the scrap metal they were picking up. She mentioned it to me and she instantly had my full attention! We dumped out the box and pail of rusty junk and sifted through until we found the two cases. I had no clue looking at it at first. Looking like a minature 30-06 case I actually doubted what I was seeing. Looking at the headstamp it was plain as day Note the primer also wears the early U stamp:
A great friend I was talking to about these cases even found a box of these cartridges with the proper U struck primers. How could I resist. I didn't! ;D
I also had one last chance to go through the attic of Gramma's house. Her brother spent the last year of his life in their house so little tidbits were there from his "traps". I found his notebook from 1930-35 and was just reading through it not expecting to find anything. Lo and behold he was buying "25 Rem shells" as noted with his coyote pelt money. It was confirmed for sure.
Anyone who has tried to just go out and buy a 25 Remington will find they need to buy some patience first. I ended up buying three rifles before finding one I wanted to keep. Most seem to have had rough treatment and the bores in rough shape froom early corrosive primers. Cracked stocks and even a action that would not reliably lock up. Things you should watch for if you're in the shopping mood.
This specific rifle is the standard A model, just like in the B/W picture. The gent who had it told how his Grandfather bought it new in Kansas before moving up to Alberta by Edmonton. It must have rode in a scabbard as there are some character beauty marks on the butt stock but I love it just the same. The fellows grandson who is in his mid 60's had never fired the rifle since getting it many years ago. It came with a box of ammo from the 40's, not long before they were discontinued. Bore is excellent. I have not shot it much yet. My first 100yd session was a bit frustrating but being in a rush did not help. I am going to try changing the loads as per recommendations from tbury and see how that goes.
It will be sitting with me in the back field on the homestead just waiting for a Buck to be fool enough to come out and chase a doe this fall. ;D
These pictures took hold of me and have not let go since. I had no idea what they were being very green to the world of firearms other than what I had used to that time. I eventually ended up getting these photos and studied them pretty close.
Here is Leif:
Obviousley a Remington 14 but what was it chambered for? I wanted one ever since seeing the picture but how would I ever figure out the caliber? Well, last June Dad turned the field where the homestead once stood and where Leif was standing in that pic. Mom happened to find a spent case in the field. She didn't think much of it but and threw it in the pail withh all the scrap metal they were picking up. She mentioned it to me and she instantly had my full attention! We dumped out the box and pail of rusty junk and sifted through until we found the two cases. I had no clue looking at it at first. Looking like a minature 30-06 case I actually doubted what I was seeing. Looking at the headstamp it was plain as day Note the primer also wears the early U stamp:
A great friend I was talking to about these cases even found a box of these cartridges with the proper U struck primers. How could I resist. I didn't! ;D
I also had one last chance to go through the attic of Gramma's house. Her brother spent the last year of his life in their house so little tidbits were there from his "traps". I found his notebook from 1930-35 and was just reading through it not expecting to find anything. Lo and behold he was buying "25 Rem shells" as noted with his coyote pelt money. It was confirmed for sure.
Anyone who has tried to just go out and buy a 25 Remington will find they need to buy some patience first. I ended up buying three rifles before finding one I wanted to keep. Most seem to have had rough treatment and the bores in rough shape froom early corrosive primers. Cracked stocks and even a action that would not reliably lock up. Things you should watch for if you're in the shopping mood.
This specific rifle is the standard A model, just like in the B/W picture. The gent who had it told how his Grandfather bought it new in Kansas before moving up to Alberta by Edmonton. It must have rode in a scabbard as there are some character beauty marks on the butt stock but I love it just the same. The fellows grandson who is in his mid 60's had never fired the rifle since getting it many years ago. It came with a box of ammo from the 40's, not long before they were discontinued. Bore is excellent. I have not shot it much yet. My first 100yd session was a bit frustrating but being in a rush did not help. I am going to try changing the loads as per recommendations from tbury and see how that goes.
It will be sitting with me in the back field on the homestead just waiting for a Buck to be fool enough to come out and chase a doe this fall. ;D