My dad bought this 1871 Mauser with a pristine bore in the late 50s. It was always in the gun rack growing up. But it's one of those family guns I'm talking about. It just sat in my safe for ten years since my dad died so I thought it was time to pass it on to a Mauser collector/shooter so I recently sold it. I'm 61 and all sentimental feelings about this particular gun ends with me since it hasn't connected with my kids. I not only feel completely guilt free, it's nice knowing someone who wanted it real bad now has a new heirloom of his own to pass on.