LOL
Probate records? Probate records??
Pioneers and early settlers are going to leave a gun in a will? Oh come on. I don't think so.
If Dad dies suddenly, Mom keeps the rifle, which she will later give to one of the kids. If Dad lives to be 82 (rare until recently), Junior will take the gun long before he dies lest he do someone an accidental injury.
The probate records would reflect the behavior of wealthy gun owners, who had enough property, and enough nearby lawyers, to make probate worthwhile.
Still laughing--
Mary Anne