Upon today's date, I surrendered to a long-standing desire, and purchased your Henery Lever Action .22, designed for long rifle ammunition. The ache had become too great to bear, the longing had become too much, the compulsion overwhelming; and thus I gave into my heart and paid forth the currency.
The salesman was a classic old-timer, who will forget more about rifles than I could ever hope to know. His careworn eyes gathered on the firearm, and he stated most firmly: "smooth action, great accuracy, fine value", or words to that effect. He quickly educated me on proper loading, how to protect the firing pin, and tempted me to work the lever; which of course I did with gratitude.
It will be added to my trusty .270 deer hunting rifle, after I return home upon the day's end, with some justification in mind for the wife. Perhaps I will tell her that the .22 ammunition is simply cheaper than the .270 ammunition, when used for target practice; perhaps I will explain the fine history that this weapon had in the Civil War, perhaps I will tell her that this will be the firearm that I teach my daughters on; and perhaps I will beg her indulgence in yet another project and whim. It is no great matter, but the approach with the wife must be gradual and delicate...
It was the walnut stock, the lightweight stature, and the rapid fire lever that really rocked my world. My trusty .270 deer hunting rifle, could not dance at that level; "that dog just wouldn't hunt"...
Tomorrow it all comes together at the local firing range. With "eyes and ears" in hand, with the Henry .22 in tow, and with enough ammunition to defend a nation, I will rain down upon the targets, with great fury and passion, a volley of shots, unending in nature, and keen with accuracy.
As this firearm enters my proud family, which lives by the motto "Don't Tread On Me", I welcome it into our quirky clan, and embrace it warmly, walnut stock to my cheek, gunpowder in the air...
Your Obedient Servant,