After a lengthy session with various meetings with the board of review the Elves decided that C.O.B. had been more nice (though not real warm and fuzzy) than naughty for 2015.
Many factors were considered especially his renewed penchant for Pre 64 M70's and custom built rifles. He was commended by the board for his ability to come to terms with his shotgun addiction and although no Parkers were added there were four Fox guns and an English hammer gun. This showed the board that COB was duly trying to control his impulses
C.O.B. had to account for his judicious spending of discretionary funds on his rifle acquisition's and his theory of "it is after all discretionary funds" really didn't hold up as the board wanted more evidence than just his word for it. His defense was that A) every bill was paid and on time, B) Mrs COB didn't lack for anything and a couple of nice pieces of antique furniture were added to the home décor and C) the new additions were after all investments. He added to the defense that his chores were always done in that the lawn was mowed, the snow removed an so on. He also pointed out that now that he's semi retired he did his best to help around the house by doing the dishes but when his efforts weren't being completed to the satisfaction of his life partner he abandoned the effort.
As another safe would be required to house these new treasures he decided to take the high road and come right up front with the needed vault rather than try to slide one in through some backdoor logic. This worked once but twice probably not.
All this was well and good but still the board wasn't convinced. They knew all to well of COB's methods of financial maneuvering and creative funding. Once again the high road was taken and discussed with the Chairman of his desire to collect all 18 std chambering of the Pre64 Winchester M70. When asked of the cost of this goal his only reply was "some will be expensive".
As the year came to a close COB had pretty much accomplished his goal. When asked about the expense he replied "they are there when you find them so grab them while you can". Such treasures as a 22 hornet carbine, 250-3000, 7MM both STD and Carbine, 35 Rem and 300 Savage, 338WM all found homes in the new safe. All that's left is a 300 WM and a 458.
In true COB fashion his penchant for custom rifles was never addressed and he wasn't forthcoming in the fact that another is currently under production BUT in all fairness he wasn't asked about these.
The rifle below is built on a 1909 Argentine Mauser action in 25-06. This will fit in nicely between the 257 Roberts and the 257 Weatherby. At least that's the story he's sticking to.
C.O.B.'s Christmass
Threaded Mode