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This old Marlin

CJD3

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
14,630
201
NE Ohio
I have always wanted to take a deer with this old Marlin. With Ohio’s new rifle law for deer, I thought it would be cool to use the Model 1893. It’s chambered in the 38-55 caliber. The gun was Mf in 1902 and for a 112 year old gun, she still is solid and cycles like a dream. Ammo can sometimes be difficult to find but over the years, I have found a few boxes. It’s been in the family since before I was born. As a child I would see it hanging on the top rungs of the gun rack, un-used and wonder what it could possibly be for since it was never shot. Finally, in my 20’s I dug into the gun and did some research. From that point on, I have wanted to take a deer with it.

I have carried it in SW FL. A couple of times for deer but never fired a shot. Years later in the late 90’s I again took her to a PA. deer hunt for the day but that was a bust too.
This morning I carried her out to a spot on our property I have hunted all my life. Although it was a light drizzle off and on the first couple of hours, I stayed dry nestled 12 feet off the ground in a pine tree. Shortly after shooting light I watched a big bodied deer 80 yards down the hardwoods slowly enter a 2 year old logged off neighbors lot. He gone. By 10:30 the rain had stopped and the woods were wet and easy to still-hunt down. I headed the opposite way the deer had gone to an overgrown field the deer like to bed and socialize in. Slowly working my way down the edge of the field I was thinking how to work my way back home, eat then I would sneak in for the evening hunt where that deer was coming from (red oaks) and see what shows up. I was walking up to a grove of Sumac trees and standing there at about 20-25 yards was this 8 point just staring me down. Bordering on eye-fu*king me. The dense grove of 2-3 inch saplings offered some tight shooting lanes if you would move a little forward or back. Stepping back a step offered me a lane as I raised and cocked the hammer back, settled in on a spot. (I kept telling myself to remember the pizza box targets since she shoots high.)

(post # 1051)
http://www.theohiooutdoors.com/showthread.php?114-As-my-wife-says-Gun-Porn!/page53

Quartering at me, and still giving me the “squinky eye” I slowly put pressure on the trigger. The gun barked, breaking its years of silence and the buck crashed to the ground where he stood. “Holy Shit!!! He dropped right there!” I watched from a distance at the ready expecting him to get up and run on me but he didn’t. The 255 grain soft point went through his shoulder then glanced down and took out the heart.
As I walked back to the house to get the 4 wheeler and a kids sled to drag him out I reflected how cool it was to take a nice buck with my grandfather’s gun after all these years. I grabbed a small cigar and headed back out to recover what is probably the coolest deer I have ever taken.

As he lay




(I am smiling)
 
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Curran

Senior Member
Supporting Member
7,971
172
Central Ohio
Hell yeah Jim!!! I'm pumped up for you buddy!!

And that's the coolest selfie I've seen in a long time. Your smile says it all. :smiley_clap:

The gun barked, breaking its years of silence and the buck crashed to the ground where he stood. “Holy Shit!!! He dropped right there!”

 

ajupsman

*Supporting Member*
811
70
New Hampshire
Awesome story! I have a 30-30 Winchester that was my great grandfather's and my dad shot his first deer with it. I hope to do what you did today myself. Congrats.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
Brought a tear to my eye knowing what you have endured the last couple years. I am certain this was quite rewarding. Not a dollar amount can buy what you just accomplished. Couldn't be any happier for you Jim! Loved the write up, building of suspense, and pictures. This is awesome. Instant TOO Hall of Fame story in my opinion!
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
MY MAN! :pickle::smiley_champagne::smiley_champagne:

HELL YEAH! Family gun, family property, got to use your 4 wheeler.....awesome!