Did the right thing

I was scouting wood when I found this green metal box ditched in the woods and instantly knew what was inside. Pried it open and sure enough a revolver, a box of 22LR ammunition and a couple 12 gauge shells. Called the police, they came out and took it. I ended up having a nice chat with the officer and asked about legally acquiring it. He's going to have the serial number looked up and if it comes back clean, I can fill out some paperwork and eventually own it legally. Although it's in rough shape, I'm sure I can clean it up and get it to fire again.

 

What would make me happier than being able to own it would be to hear that it solves a crime and brings closure to someone. Any fingerprints were long gone though and the officer didn't seem too hopeful much evidence could be gleaned from it. I'm sure the gun has a story to tell.

 

That poor thing needs some TLC. You never know, maybe someone's kid borrowed it (without asking) to go plinking, got distracted and put it down, then forgot where he put it.

 

That's a scary thought! The area I found it in was right off a back road in a spot where people like to dump all sorts of garbage. There was a little stream nearby so I'm thinking maybe someone pitched it out their window aiming for the stream and missed. Looks like it's been out in the elements for at least a year. The rusty water on it makes it look worse than it is though. There's minimal pitting on the metal but it does need a good deep cleaning.

 

That is what I'm guessing. being a .22 I doubt it was used to do some serious crime. I'd like to follow this up to see what the story is.

 

That sure is odd! My guess is not crime related.

 

I’m hoping that’s the case. In my state its required by law to turn in any firearms you find. It’s very odd someone would ditch this thing in the first place, considering how hard it is to get guns and ammo right now. Maybe it’s been in the woods since before the madness ensued though.

 

I'd swear I saw a statistic on homicide in the US and the most lethal round on the list was .22 by quite a margin.

 

Perhaps it is the most used as opposed to most lethal? There are whole internet fights over which caliber is the most deadly - I am NOT trying to start one of those .

I just caught myself typing "caliper" instead of caliber - now that would have raised some interesting discussions

 

I’ll buy that. 22LR has to be at least one of the most common out there. Sure there’s a lot of 223, 556, 9mm, 308 etc but most people I know that own guns have at least one firearm chambered in 22 whether it’s a rifle or handgun.

 

Yup, there are just so many shot with 22 that the numbers are artificially skewed. The death per caliber per total it probably is the lowest. The death by 1000 paper cuts vs the death by guillotine.

 

I may be dreaming but I thought I heard the Israeli army snipers prefer 22 rifles.

 

My brother-in-law is 1 of those statistics.... death by .22..... self inflicted.

 

If it were crime (shooting) involved, makes zero sense to toss in the ammo can. If someone stole it and intended to come back for it...maybe. Not trying to get in the proverbial "caliber measuring contest", but many people don't give the .22 the credit and respect it deserves. It's all about where it goes..as in command central.

 

Didn't want to "like" that. It is sad when someone believes the only way for them is taking that route.

 

Three months have gone by and I remembered this revolver I found, so I contacted the police department. Unfortunately they couldn’t find a serial number and make a determination if it was stolen or not, so I won’t be able to take possession of it. Just as well I suppose, although a 22LR revolver for plinking would’ve been fun. I’m sure I’ll buy one at some point, which won’t be rusted from sitting in the woods.

 

Ruger makes a Roughrider 22 revolver. Pretty inexpensive. The one you found was likely stolen by a burglar. Too bad the owner won’t see it.

 

It's one of those "ghost guns" eh?

 

So........ there's no numbers on the gun and that makes it a "bad" gun?

I wonder just how long it'll be before the population is required to be registered and numbered.....