This is interesting, the President of my Rod & Gun who has been a friend to all and has worked tirelessly over the last 20 years or so will be stepping done at the end of the year. Although he shoots (a lot) he does not own a Handi. He hunts in Maine about 50 miles from My camp and does like the traditional calibers. I am sure a nice 45-70, especially SS, and perhaps with a nice Walnut checkered stock ala BC would be a fine way to say thanks to him.
I like the idea of an Inscription such as has been given.."To xxxxxxxxxxx, for his freindship and service to all, from his friends at xxxxxxxxxxxx."
I also think a nice touch might be an inscribed plate or plaque affixed to the buttstock on the right side as was the custom many years ago for presentation rifles. IIRC they would say something to the effect of:
"This xxxxxx (name of rifle/manufacturer) presented to xxxxxxxxxxxx, by his friends and admirers at xxxxxxxx for his, "many good works", "fidelity", "service", friendship and devotion", or something similar.
I think a plate/plaque on the right side of the buttstock would be befitting of a fine single shot rifle and be reminisent of a bygone era when fine rifles were presented to brave, courageous, and outstanding men....<><....
A SS gun mave have an inscribed SS plate and perhaps a blued gun would have a brass plate...?
A SS Buff Clasic would be outstanding with a walnut stock. Do they even make them???