It’s fun to brag about how far a rifle can shoot. But things get really quiet when someone asks how far we can shoot—and still hit where we aim. They are two different numbers, and the gap between them can be the difference between filling a freezer and wounding an animal.

Unlike wild places, rifles don’t change with age. But hard use of either begs a healing touch.

“Can you make ‘em look better but not tampered with?”

“Yes, sir!” said the kid.