I am the oldest of three sons, along with brothers Gary and Richard. Being the oldest, I was the first that dad taught how to handle and shoot a gun. A few years later, Gary and Richard also received the same training. We were taught on a Savage Arms Corp. Stevens Model 15 single-shot bolt-action that chambered the .22 Short, .22 Long and .22 Long Rifle cartridges. It was manufactured as an inexpensive rifle with an initial cost of less than $4.
We lived in Sacramento, Calif., and about 30 miles north, in Loomis, was our grandparents’ ranch, which we visited as a family almost every other Sunday. Located next to the rear property line was a raised single-track railroad used by an occasional freight train. Of course, this was an area occupied by many burrowing ground squirrels and where the three of us practiced our shooting skills. The squirrels also invaded part of the ranch property where our Uncle Tony, who lived on and ran the ranch, had some cattle in the area. Needless to say, he was happy to have his three city nephews help in removing the squirrels that were causing damage to the land. We did fairly well in eradicating the squirrel population, but it seemed that there were always enough for the next time.
Weather permitting, I do not remember a time that the Stevens was not in the trunk of dad’s car when going to the ranch. Being the oldest and a teenager, I frequently took it when I went into the local countryside with other friends to target shoot. Considering its age and amount of usage, it is still in great condition, a testament to dad teaching us how to clean our guns after each day’s use.
I am now retired after 29 years in law enforcement, and, during that time, I acquired and used many firearms. When asked about them and their values, in the case of the Model 15 .22 rifle, the word is “priceless.” This piece of family history, 70-plus years old, now sits in my collection, but only until another family member wants to share in the possession and ownership.
—Robert Viegas
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