I received the best Christmas present I could of asked for!!

[chris16371]

Every year for dinner all the family meets up at my grandma's for dinner and gifts. This year was like any other year until I presented a gift that brought tears to my eyes. This year my grandmother handed me down my great grandfather's (her father's) Winchester Model 53 Nickel Steel 44 WCF, something I would have never expected to receive, I'm a very sentimental person and I couldn't help but to tear up a little. Why it may be no big deal to anyone else I just had to share it, truly an exciting and meaningful moment for me!


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[TripleGGG]

Originally Posted by chris16371

Every year for dinner all the family meets up at my grandma's for dinner and gifts. This year was like any other year until I presented a gift that brought tears to my eyes. This year my grandmother handed me down my great grandfather's (her father's) Winchester Model 53 Nickel Steel 44 WCF, something I would have never expected to receive, I'm a very sentimental person and I couldn't help but to tear up a little. Why it may be no big deal to anyone else I just had to share it, truly an exciting and meaningful moment for me!

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Now that is priceless.

[Areoflyer09]

That is a fantastic gift! Even better that it has stayed within the family for so long and will remain so.

[kenny53]

Thank you for sharing.

[chris16371]

Thanks everyone!

It hasn't been fired in a long time but it was taken care of. I think I'm going to have it looked over by a gunsmith and make sure it's safe to fire and if it is I would really like to take a deer with it. I'm sure everything will check out, the lever is smooth and fast but there's obvious signs that it was used what it was meant for so I just feel safer making sure.

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[Fla_dogman]

Congratulations, it's something to be cherished with pride

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[Warman62]

Outstanding Sir! Merry Christmas!

[Model12Win]

Originally Posted by TripleGGG

Now that is priceless.

BEUT!!

[Nathan]

Very nice rifle and it was the right way to receive it! Congratulations!

[Cavitation]

that is a spectacular rifle. nice Christmas gift.

AL

[223 shooter]

Wow - what a priceless gift! An unforgettable Christmas!

[cw308]

Such a beautiful time and guift , it is a well cared for rifle for sure . Will be in the family forevey , much more then just a rifle , what a Treasure .

[Tallest]

Ralphy has nothing on you this Christmas! Just don't shoot your eye out! ;-)

In all seriousness though, that is a marvelous looking rifle, and I bet it could tell some stories!

[CarJunkieLS1]

Super Nice rifle I am so happy for you. You are very lucky to have it.

[aarondhgraham]

You said "Winchester Model 53 Nickel Steel 44 WCF"

What does nickel steel mean?

Aarond

.

[Dufus]

Not to distract from your wonderful heirloom, I had a similar experience with my Dad when he handed over his Springfield 1903.

We both teared up a little. I promised him good care and he knows where it is if he were to ever need another outing with it. It also signified his acknowledgement that he would never hunt again. His body just can't take it any longer.

Your prize is beautiful. Any great grand son would be proud to own it.

[chris16371]

Originally Posted by Tallest

Ralphy has nothing on you this Christmas! Just don't shoot your eye out! ;-)

In all seriousness though, that is a marvelous looking rifle, and I bet it could tell some stories!

Oh yes there's lots of stories and history with the rifle. If you come right down to it this rifle was a big contributor to the survival of my family during those hard times.

My family and also my mom and siblings were very happy for me that I received it. I was a little emotional and happy but I couldn't show my true level of emotion and excitement with all the jealous, angry eyes from uncles, aunts, and cousins. I mean sure I would of been jealous if someone else would of gotten it but I would of been happy for them. I'm the hunter in the family and my grandma knows I take care of my guns and that I would never get rid of it so I'm sure that had some to do with her decision.

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[chris16371]

Originally Posted by aarondhgraham

You said "Winchester Model 53 Nickel Steel 44 WCF"

What does nickel steel mean?

Aarond

.

Honestly I couldn't tell you, it's engraved on the barrel. My guess is the material used to make it but I'm not positive.

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[chris16371]

Originally Posted by Dufus

Not to distract from your wonderful heirloom, I had a similar experience with my Dad when he handed over his Springfield 1903.

We both teared up a little. I promised him good care and he knows where it is if he were to ever need another outing with it. It also signified his acknowledgement that he would never hunt again. His body just can't take it any longer.

Your prize is beautiful. Any great grand son would be proud to own it.

I'm sure it was a wonderful yet emotional moment for the both of you! I wish I could of shared the moment with my great grandfather himself but unfortunately he passed many years ago. Now it's like I have a piece of him, as you do with your father!

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[globemaster3]

I am so glad to hear stories of family heirloom weapons being passed down and cherished through the generations. That's the way it should be!

Its too sad the stories heard of these precious firearms being taken by uncaring family members to pawn shops to be converted to cash.

[joeb]

I've an older model 12 made of nickel steel. The material does not rust easily and was common when making steels properly and consistently in quantity wasn't possible. Bessemer Process, knowledge, etc.
It was a stop-gap measure brought on by higher pressure propellants.

[chris16371]

Originally Posted by globemaster3

Its too sad the stories heard of these precious firearms being taken by uncaring family members to pawn shops to be converted to cash.

That's one of the reasons I was the one to receive it. I would never even think about getting rid of it, even if I was dirt broke

I hate to say it but my moms brother and sister and their kids only come around when they need something. That's why they were jealous and angry that I received it, it would of been quick $ to them. You could just feel the tension in the room. My grandma gave it to me in front of everyone on purpose to prove a point. I actually felt a little guilty getting it but my grandma got that nonsense out of my head.



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[Wrought]

Wow just wow, congratulations thats a real beauty. And in nickel steel is basically a steel that has more nickel content than average and less carbon giving it corrosion resistant properties its almost like a lesser grade stainless alloy although its not actually ss.

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

Don't see many 53s. Dandy Christmas present OP.

http://homestead-service.com/apprais...53-History.htm

[chris16371]

Originally Posted by Sure Shot Mc Gee

Don't see many 53s. Dandy Christmas present OP.

http://homestead-service.com/apprais...53-History.htm

Thanks for the link! I am curious what it's worth but not enough to pay to find out. I've seen here and there online ones that have sold for around $5000 but idk how close that number comes to the book value.

Anyone have any 44-40 ammo recommendations for Whitetail? It's not going to be a rifle I carry around in the woods or in the truck all the time, just would like to take down 1 deer with it.

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