My first was a J.C. Higgins .22 that I got for Christmas, 1956. Semi Auto with a sling that retracted into the butt. Got stolen in the early 70s. Wish I had it back too.
“Got stolen in the early 70s.”
Thieves suck!
I have that very rifle that you describe. My grandpa bought it as an anniversary present for himself. He died in 1988. My dad dies in 1996 and I got that rifle from him.
In 2013 my then 85 year old grandmother saw that rifle while at my house for Thanksgiving. After returning home she mailed me the original receipt and owners manual from the day my grandpa purchased it.
That’s probably the same one I had. The retractable sling was red. I’ll never forget the first time I shot it. I spent the day shooting with my dad and grandpa on grandpa’s farm. One of the best days of my life.