Stuff We Leave Behind.

Greetings All,
At the moment I am sorting out some handloads put together by a now departed gentleman. This is something I have done a couple of times in recent years and this time there are labels on most of it which the contents seem to match. As I was beavering my way through it I kept on thinking that we, as handloaders, have a duty to make the inevitable disposal of our handloads and rifles, tools and other kit as pain free as possible. Keeping decent records and labeling helps as does having a working quantity of ammo for current needs with reserves in component form. For rifles keep a list of who gets what and sell or gift the ones that have lost their gloss. Make sure that there is someone that can pick up the rifles if your spouse or significant other does not have a liscence.
Once we pass 70 most of us become more aware of our mortality assisted by a steady procession of out contemporaries to the cemetery. Don't leave it too late.
Regards Grandpamac.

having been handed pottle of gunpowder and told what it was...which it wasnt....... LABEL the plurry stuff early,while you still got ya marbles about you. better still leave it in origonal containers.

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Originally Posted by Micky Duck

having been handed pottle of gunpowder and told what it was...which it wasnt....... LABEL the plurry stuff early,while you still got ya marbles about you. better still leave it in origonal containers.

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What could possibly go wrong :o :roll::roll:

Sorting your shit as you get older, gives you something to do in your retirement. But all of us need to make a plan to have a trusted friend pick up your firearms on your illness or death to stop them ending up in police custody and all the shit that would go with that. I wouldn’t trust an AO with mine. As I have no one licenced or interested, my trusted person will also arrange the sale of them. It gets tricky with larger collections and finding someone with ALL the licences to handle them. Some firearms now require more than one licence to possess.
Thanks @grandpamac

A friend who lived alone recently got crook and went into care.
Another friend said he would pick up his guns and organize auctioning them.
Asked how many he said about 40. Turned out to be 126.
I'm lucky I have 2 keen hunter sons to sort mine.

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Originally Posted by Brian

A friend who lived alone recently got crook and went into care.
Another friend said he would pick up his guns and organize auctioning them.
Asked how many he said about 40. Turned out to be 126.
I'm lucky I have 2 keen hunter sons to sort mine.

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Wish I had someone to inherit them, but unless I live long enough to see one of my grandsons get an interest, they’ll be sold.

Great advice, as always GrandpaMac. I might add that this sort of forethought could also go beyond just shooty stuff. Every couple of years our family has a bit of an 'AGM'. A few years ago, my sister asked what everyone wanted for their funerals... a little bit morbid, but the last thing I would want to be doing at a time like that is trying to work out all the little details: How did they want to be buried? What did they want to get buried in? Where did they want to get buried? Did they even want to be buried? What was their favourite music? Religious/non-religious? And indeed, who gets the proceeds from selling your 126 (!!) guns? It was actually bloody interesting exercise, and I'd encourage anyone to do it, no matter what age.

Echoing GrandpaMac's not leaving it too late, about 2 years after the funeral chat, I had a very close encounter with a London bus, that according to a witness when I came to, was cm's from ending rather differently (rather thankful to the new buses designed with rounded corners, which bounced me off a few lifesaving degrees away from the wheels - parents definitely didn't hear about that one...). Long-winded way of saying you just never know when your time is up.

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Originally Posted by muzza

126 guns? Wow - who in their right might mind only has 126 guns?

Fortunately my wife has a firearms licence , my son has a firearms licence , and a good friend has the right type of licence to cater for the other items , as shall I for his .

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Yes indeed Mr. Muzza. You require a fare amount of catching-up to do.

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Originally Posted by dannyb

What could possibly go wrong :o :roll::roll:

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Not sure what @Micky Duck is complaining about he got a new rifle out of it. :D :( ( too soon mate? )

always will be too soon bud.......

Good reminder @grandpamac. I have been beavering away for a while now, labeling things in little plastic bags and original boxes etc. Over the last year I've been building a simple multi page Excel spreadsheet. I use permanent mailing labels bought by the roll, cut them to suitable sizes, and put an inventory sticker on stuff like powder and projectiles, reloading gear tools etc etc. Firearms are recorded with serial num and description. I record the assigned serial numbers, a description, value at a date, etc etc.

My files are kept in the cloud in Dropbox with a local copy on my PC. So I can access it from any device anywhere in the world with my password.

I use SafeInCloud Digital wallet to record passwords. Again, access from anywhere. My passwords are unique and complex for every use. SafeInCoud has a long memorable sentence as a password to get in to. It is the only password I need to remember and a mainframe would take several centuries to crack it. Wife & Son both know where to find that password in the event of my death or incapacity.

Make things easy for your family and successors.

Greetings @Jhon,
Thankyou for your imformative reply. My sorting and labeling is work in progress but the other thing that I am trying to organise is my load development for difficult but interesting cartridges. The .308, .223 and their kin are easy as there is plenty of pressure tested data that largely agrees over the scources. The cartridge that has taught me most is the 6.5x55. Load data is contradictory and complicated by the shift in speed of AR2209 around 20 years ago. I spent some time researching the available data and determining what should be possible before loading the first test series. This has been skimmed over in a couple of posts and articles on the NZ Guns and Hunting website but there is much more in my hand written notes, some of which are pretty cryptic. I really need to tidy these up while thinking of how they could be left in an accessible form for whoever might be interested. It is not just hard assets that we leave behind.
Regards Grandpamac.

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Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @Jhon,
Thankyou for your imformative reply. My sorting and labeling is work in progress but the other thing that I am trying to organise is my load development for difficult but interesting cartridges. The .308, .223 and their kin are easy as there is plenty of pressure tested data that largely agrees over the scources. The cartridge that has taught me most is the 6.5x55. Load data is contradictory and complicated by the shift in speed of AR2209 around 20 years ago. I spent some time researching the available data and determining what should be possible before loading the first test series. This has been skimmed over in a couple of posts and articles on the NZ Guns and Hunting website but there is much more in my hand written notes, some of which are pretty cryptic. I really need to tidy these up while thinking of how they could be left in an accessible form for whoever might be interested. It is not just hard assets that we leave behind.
Regards Grandpamac.

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I'm afraid I'm a glutton for reloading diff calibres. Can't pretend I'm up there with a bloke of your experience & knowledge but one thing I have decided to do is run a notebook on a per rifle basis. A ring binder actually. Not just for reloading notes but anything I collect relating to a particular rifle, its calibre, range and field records etc. I suspect the plan will keep me occupied for the rest of my days lol. In the meantime I'd be grateful to have your 6.5x55 notes to file :) :) :)

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Originally Posted by grandpamac

Once we pass 70 most of us become more aware of our mortality assisted by a steady procession of out contemporaries to the cemetery.
Regards Grandpamac.

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I'm beginning to feel that a bit after passing 59...... 60 is a scary one because I can't believe that I am nearly 60.... Until I do heavy physical work of course.... ;)

Try being nearly 70 ..

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Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I'm beginning to feel that a bit after passing 59...... 60 is a scary one because I can't believe that I am nearly 60.... Until I do heavy physical work of course.... ;)

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I rennet telling an old guy I WAS 60! He replied, oh your just a youngster. Remember you’ll never get younger and, with good genes, you still have 20-30 yrs in you, then think of what you’ve done in the last 20-30 years. Yep your still a youngster:D

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Originally Posted by Jhon

I'm afraid I'm a glutton for reloading diff calibres. Can't pretend I'm up there with a bloke of your experience & knowledge but one thing I have decided to do is run a notebook on a per rifle basis. A ring binder actually. Not just for reloading notes but anything I collect relating to a particular rifle, its calibre, range and field records etc. I suspect the plan will keep me occupied for the rest of my days lol. In the meantime I'd be grateful to have your 6.5x55 notes to file :) :) :)

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I will be glad to send them to you once tidied up.
gpm

Also a reminder for younger people. No day above ground is guaranteed. Just had a friend lose his wife of a few months in a car crash.

And if you told your parenter what they cost, and they are worth significantly more.. You should probably have that written down somewhere too

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Originally Posted by Maca49

I rennet telling an old guy I WAS 60! He replied, oh your just a youngster. Remember you’ll never get younger and, with good genes, you still have 20-30 yrs in you, then think of what you’ve done in the last 20-30 years. Yep your still a youngster:D

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I'm well aware that in 10 years I'll look back and wish I was as young again as today lol. Why I'm trying to pack it in...

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Originally Posted by small_caliber

Sometime the people left behind have no idea of the value of the items you left behind for them to deal with, and sometimes what you said you paid for them is quite different to what you actually paid for them.

I have to say I've seen it more than once where those left behind exhibit some quite nasty traits when dealing with a deceased estate.

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Yep. The Vultures suddenly come of nowhere

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Originally Posted by small_caliber

Sometime the people left behind have no idea of the value of the items you left behind for them to deal with, and sometimes what you said you paid for them is quite different to what you actually paid for them.

I have to say I've seen it more than once where those left behind exhibit some quite nasty traits when dealing with a deceased estate.

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Nearly always those nice trusting family member haha. First rule if you executor of a will, change the locks! I’m still trying to find an oil painting of The SS Wairarapa, removed from my Great Grandmothers house, while her funeral was in progress. All the furniture, including the stove, was gone from my dads house by the time I got there! Lucky I got his and my great grandfathers firearms before he passed:O_O:

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Originally Posted by Maca49

Nearly always those nice trusting family member haha. First rule if you executor of a will, change the locks! I’m still trying to find an oil painting of The SS Wairarapa, removed from my Great Grandmothers house, while her funeral was in progress. All the furniture, including the stove, was gone from my dads house by the time I got there! Lucky I got his and my great grandfathers firearms before he passed:O_O:

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Greetings @Maca49,
And there in that last sentance is the reason that we should pass on our treasures, to others (relatives or not), who appreciate them while we are still able.
Getting back to the pile of handloads, I'm having quite a bit of fun and learning heaps from the process. After some careful sorting I am getting a picture of what is there so decisions can be made on the next steps. At the start I was reasonably confident that I could recognise Hornady projectiles by the shape of their ogive but now am starting to notice subtle differences like some faint skive marks on some of the 55 grain projectiles. I am thinking of adding a line to my handle. See below.
Regards Grandpamac,
Handload Archeaologist.

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Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @Maca49,
And there in that last sentance is the reason that we should pass on our treasures, to others (relatives or not), who appreciate them while we are still able.
Getting back to the pile of handloads, I'm having quite a bit of fun and learning heaps from the process. After some careful sorting I am getting a picture of what is there so decisions can be made on the next steps. At the start I was reasonably confident that I could recognise Hornady projectiles by the shape of their ogive but now am starting to notice subtle differences like some faint skive marks on some of the 55 grain projectiles. I am thinking of adding a line to my handle. See below.
Regards Grandpamac,
Handload Archeaologist.

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Haha, we’ll another option is to make a time capsule and bury them where they’d be safe for another 100 yrs, then they will be an exciting find for another

Lots of truths here. I need to clearly list the best loads for each rifle. I understand my note books but no one else will be able too.
Also need to list what rifles have sentimental value that I would like the family to keep and what to get rid of.

And there is a shed with about 30 sets of enters in it. My 2 sons have already started arguing about which one of them doesn't inherent them :)

Then there is the knife collection - 30 Bark Rivers'. I should start thinning them out soon.

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Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I'm beginning to feel that a bit after passing 59...... 60 is a scary one because I can't believe that I am nearly 60.... Until I do heavy physical work of course.... ;)

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Harumph, it only gets worse, items get heavier, vision less crystal clear and all those bomb-ups without hearing protection (eh?) bites you in the bum (ears).

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Originally Posted by Tahr

Lots of truths here. I need to clearly list the best loads for each rifle. I understand my note books but no one else will be able too.
Also need to list what rifles have sentimental value that I would like the family to keep and what to get rid of.

And there is a shed with about 30 sets of enters in it. My 2 sons have already started arguing about which one of them doesn't inherent them :)

Then there is the knife collection - 30 Bark Rivers'. I should start thinning them out soon.

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* antlers

yep dead right, although im a younger fella ive still got endorsed firearms so i imagine it could get pretty complicated without clear instructions

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Originally Posted by Tahr

Lots of truths here. I need to clearly list the best loads for each rifle. I understand my note books but no one else will be able too.
Also need to list what rifles have sentimental value that I would like the family to keep and what to get rid of.

And there is a shed with about 30 sets of enters in it. My 2 sons have already started arguing about which one of them doesn't inherent them :)

Then there is the knife collection - 30 Bark Rivers'. I should start thinning them out soon.

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Think positive Bruce we're going to last forever.

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Originally Posted by Jhon

Try being nearly 70 ..

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Got very close last Wednsday:beer:

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Originally Posted by muzza

Yes - the merest sniff of free money turns relations into arseholes.....

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oh how true is that......... like circling vultures ready to pick the still twitching carcass

This also has been churning away in the back of my mind for awhile now. Still haven’t come up with a satisfactory solution yet. Maybe more feedback from members will clarify a few things.

Gonna be selling SOME of my .22s shortly, Mrs Finnwolf and I only really need one each (ok, two for me!), one son already has one and the others are overseas and not interested.

Greetings All,
Further to what @Thar has said above about rifles with sentimental value we need to remember that it is sentimental value to us that may not transfer to our descendants. A number 4 Lee Enfield .303 in my safe is a good example. It was owned by a friend who left us suddenly. I have the rifle plus his Lee Loader, cases and projectiles, all of which I still use. I think of him whenever I load for or use the rifle but my son and firearm heir never met him so the rifle has no sentimental value to him. Other of my rifles will and these are the ones he should keep. Something for us all to think about.
Regards Grandpamac.

Case in point: My 303 that I used for 30 years. Was my fathers and a good gun for most of that time. I gave it to a young fellow with only peripheral interest in hunting and to him its a basic reliable first rifle but if he ever takes it up seriously he'll soon replace it. I was getting a new rifle and asked myself "Would I rather keep the SMLE for a backup rifle or the Sako 85 ?"

I'm wondering how do you leave behind what little knowledge you've built up. Pity to waste it.

Write a book ? Pretty good if it ever sells. But of course once the first printing is gone, it might only be available from libraries and then the single copy will end up in a keen reader's home bookshelf.

Magazine articles ? Great for a month then gone. Different from scientific journals that are carefully curated and still available decades later.

Online forum posts ? Again, great for a few years even if diluted with ignorant or knowledgeable comments. But forums come and go. A lot was lost on the NZ Airgun forum when it failed. My beautifully illustrated pieces on the old forum rely on me paying monthly to keep the photos hosted in a bucket (will stop that soon).

Personal / commercial web site ? Again, hard to maintain after you're dead. I wonder if online e books might persist for a while.

Teaching new shooters / hunters ? Some of my mate's handloading and hunting knowledge lives on in me. I remember what I still use and forget or revise a lot of it too.

This thread is balm to my soul, was just looking at the whole U vs R war thread and some of the drivel on there, and seeing this normal, informed, helpful string of info reminds me why I love this forum.

I need to get on to labelling stuff as I hit the grand old age 40 in a couple of months :ORLY:
But in all seriousness this is a good reminder to talk to Dad about what he wants done with his gear... except for his exceptionally nice Mauser 7mm Rem Mag, he gave that to Uncle Bob years ago, right?? :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Finnwolf

Harumph, it only gets worse, items get heavier, vision less crystal clear and all those bomb-ups without hearing protection (eh?) bites you in the bum (ears).

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Were you in the Aussie Army by any chance? The last time i heard that 'bomb-up' expression i was at Kapooka doing basic training back in '96!

bomb up has been kiwi slang for ever and a decade....bombups on goats or deer was the norm and the old SMLE sure got a heck of a lot of use for that purpose....