Well... I got my gun back.
The price on the tag was $175 more than they gave me when I traded it in.
They must want my future business, because they knocked a hundred off of that.
I put a receiver rail and a 1-4x50 on it as soon as I got home.
I sent for low rings for a better cheek weld, but it sure looks good...
Out of of the various used guns in .35 Remington that were there last fall...
Mine was the only one left. Now there are a whole lot of used 30-30s in their place.
I guess you can really tell that someone started making the ammo again. Go figr'.
After not seeing my old gun for a while, I was surprised by how worn it actually is.
The wood is still good other than a very small chunk stylishly missing next to the tang...
And other than it being rather dark due to extensive use... sweat, weather, oil and all..
But the metal (though still holding the last bluing I did) is a little pitted here and there.
All that plus the inflated price they had on the tag probably kept it there for me.
I think the thing is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.
All in all, it feels damn good in my hand again.
The old marlin lever guns are built like tanks.
The action on this one is still like silk, and...
As the rifleman's creed goes...
"There are many like it, but this one is mine."