http://www.rgj.com...er-rifle/22220623/

the comment the rifle is so valuable that nobody would leave it against the tree??


when that rifle was left there it wasn't all that valuable I bet that 132 year old rifle been there for 131 years

you gotta wonder though did a hunter just forget which tree he leaned it on?

bandits or renegades get the guy?

That would be a neat find! At least now my 1876 40-60 isn't the worst condition Winchester I've seen. lol

Posted by 2Xplorations the comment the rifle is so valuable that nobody would leave it against the tree?? when that rifle was left there it wasn't all that valuable I bet that 132 year old rifle been there for 131 years you gotta wonder though did a hunter just forget which tree he leaned it on? bandits or renegades get the guy?

"The rifles, which sold for $35 to $50 in the 1880s, now can fetch up to $15,000 in excellent condition."

in 1880, $35 was a months salary for hard working people.

the point being I doubt the guy was thinking:

geez this rifle could be worth thousands someday I better not leave it against that tree

Posted by 2Xplorations the point being I doubt the guy was thinking: geez this rifle could be worth thousands someday I better not leave it against that tree

or.... "let me just set this har rifle down while i lean over here and pinch a loa.... IS THAT A BEAR!?"

Ive only found one gun in such a manner, it was a bolt action .22 leaning against a tree in a creek near Caddo Mills. It had been there for years some of the steel like the trigger guard was encrusted in rust, the chrome bolt looked as good as new and the barrel and receiver just had rust "pimples".

Yes it was loaded with a single .22 short, probably a squirrel hunter.

One of my neighbors found a Remington cap and ball revolver near here, wood was gone, solid rust, charges visible in 4 chambers maybe all six.