Very cool, thanks for posting.

I learned to shoot with a Marlin 39A and can't tell you how many tin cans were knocked off by that rifle.

Very cool. My first rifle was the exact same one, an old single-shot Savage (might have been marked Savage-Stevens, not sure). It’s definitely enough to learn on. I’m no Hathcock, though.

My first gun was a .22, a Marlin model 60. I was amazed at its accuracy. Im convinced that every shooter that starts off with a .22 will be a better shot in the end. 93 Confirmed Kills is one of my favorite books.

My father's first rifle, and the first rifle I ever shot. (the earlier version)


(I thought Hathcock's first rifle was a Mauser with the barrel plugged?)

I have one of those, but it's a Springfield 120 A. Older brother got one for his 13th Christmas in the '60s, picked mine up at a show much later. I let him borrow it for a little deja vu and quality time with his daughter.

Edit; many thanks Tac for the link, one commenter noted production codes for Savage Arms made before 12/1968...my little rifle was made in 1968.

J Stevens Arms Springfield Model 15. I had to replace the cocking "knob" so that it not original or correct for that model. They don't come much simpler.

I have a JC Higgins branded one. Bought via the sears catalog way before I was around. It was my father's and my first gun. If I had to get rid of my guns it would be the last to go. I still shoot it regularly.

Thanks for posting. Very interesting.