“Davy Crockett is sometimes recognized for his gun ‘Betsey’ as often as the frontiersman is remembered personally for heroic feats.”
When one such as Crockett depends on a firearm for livelihood and defense, it can almost become part of him.
Many people don’t and can’t realize how something so “dangerous” and “harmful” as a gun can become so meaningful.
Yet, “The 410,” first major firearm owned by a now old wannabe cowboy, has such sentimental value.
Writing about guns is perhaps “dangerous” in itself with all of the controversies concerning nationwide banning gun ownership. Still, this country’s forefathers realized the “right of people to keep and bear Arms” clarifying such in the Constitution.
It is true: “Guns don’t kill it’s the people shooting them who are killers.” Brief study of world history reveals how nations have fallen when governments cease all guns. Enough said about such political issues.
“The 410” must be at least 80-years-old, if not older. There’s no brand or model number on “The 410,” although gun collectors could likely figure that out.
Uncertain when Dad bought “The 410,” or actually where it really came from. Still, “The 410” has been in the family well beyond this memory.
Graduating from a toy rifle to a BB-gun to “The 410” was big deal for a 1950s school boy. “The 410” is a single shot 410 shotgun that will only hold 2½-inch shells versus some 410s that shoot 3-inch shells. “The 410” breaks open for loading and hammer must be cocked before firing.
Finding 2½-inch 410 shells was never easy and might be impossible nowadays as no attempt has been made.
While that then-young owner was often chided about “The 410,” his bag always had birds when the day’s hunt ended.
Dad’s gun became son’s gun passed to his son and then the next generation. “The 410” has had at least four owners in the family.
Stock on “The 410” was damaged when the fourth generation was hauling it under a pickup seat. Finding somebody to repair that wooden gunstock was a major and quite expensive ordeal.
However, sentimental value is high as “The 410” proudly hangs on the ranch office wall.
Yet, reminded of Psalm 42:5: “Despite my sentimentality I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XV–49–12-5-2021
