Dave Beck

It seems like it was a long time ago when I bought a shotgun from Mike the Gun Guy at Gregerson Hardware in Baldwin. I’m not certain of the exact date so I’ll estimate that it was May 1, 1995. My point is that I’ve known the Gun Guy for a long time. 

To be honest, I’m not a huge gun person (sorry Mike) and everything I own is more or less for utilitarian purposes. I don’t have any collector models or anything that appreciates in value. Actually, what I own depreciates in value with every new scratch and gouge. The way I see it, those are badges of honor from trips to the mountains and the woods.  So there are no collector models in my humble assortment, only sentimental ones.

A bit of gun history: in 1860 Benjamin Tyler Henry designed the original Henry rifle which was a 16 shot, .44 caliber rimfire lever action model. That rifle found its way into the Battle of Little Bighorn used by both sides. It was also used by Union soldiers in the Civil War. The company that makes the Henry Rifle is still around today and thriving in Rice Lake, Wis.  

Next week, Monday through Friday, an interesting collaborative program will take place between the Henry Repeating Arms Company and Gregerson Hardware, at Gregerson Hardware.  You will be able to order a Henry firearm and choose your own personal and custom serial number to be engraved on the gun. For example, you can order a .22 caliber squirrel hunting rifle for your grandson or granddaughter and personalize it. The serial number is limited to 12 total characters of any combination of letters and numbers.

To assist you, a representative from the Henry Repeating Arms company will be at the store. Your order will be processed and shipped to Gregerson’s for pick up in June or possibly July, depending on the volume of orders. This exclusive offer applies to all of the over 90 models of firearms produced by the Henry Repeating Arms company. To get a complete list of firearms included in this program and to further personalize your choice visit the company’s website: henryusa.com

This offer can only be purchased through Gregerson Hardware. The engraving, about a $100 value, is free with your purchase of a Henry firearm. It’s a pretty neat way to start a family heirloom to pass on for generations to come. 

Now I just need to come up with a meaningful serial number. Maybe something like 5195M&D4EVR!

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