As I used to work(guiding) at Remington Farms occassionally I got to meet some of the writers of old. I also know quite a few of the Remington Reps...or did. Almost all the reps had firearm licenses so they could receive and transport guns to and from the factory. They would sell the guns to the writers for about 50% of cost if I remember right. Some of the writers just used the guns and gave 'em back. They were somewhat elitist in some ways. I doubt Ol Elmer Keith ever bought a gun from Remington as he liked the older guns. He really wasn't a bad shot on waterfowl. I even bought a few guns from a Remington Rep or two. Bought a really nice 1100 410 Skeet from a VP of Remington. Sight unseen too. Got the darn thing and opened the box and it had drop dead gorgeous D grade wood on it. He hadn't even opened the box. He tried to back out on the deal when he saw it...but it was too late!! Very seldom do the factories give a gun away. But the prices are giveaway prices. Shot at the World Skeet Shoot with a Remington Rep..We were both shooting 1100's. His died and I let him use mine. He ended up running a 100(I shot 98) using my gun. Gave me 3 cases of shells. He was somewhat embarrassed that his gun broke. But it happens to all kinds when ya shoot alot.
