Pards, I might be wrong on this, but it runs in my feeble brain that the folks that built the rifle used in the movie actually made 3 of them, 2 for 'shoot-&-go' and one for 'closeup to show', and Selleck got to keep one of the working models. Kinda-sorta remember reading that recently on another forum, BPCR.net maybe, not sure, anyway, it seemed that 3 were made for the movie.
Now, I can be wrong as ever on this but that is what I recall, of course its gettin' cold outside and the brain cells are startin' to clog up a bit...anyone else remember reading anything like that?
So, you might ask, WHICH of the 3 is the one that the NRA has? If its a working model and 'you' won it, you could always 'donate' it back to the NRA museum at the same value, thusly creating a 'wash' in the eyes if the IRS, potentially. You would have to declare the win then declare the donation, it would still appear as income on that years returns but it would also be a donation. Might talke some serious taxwork by a Pro, but it can be done. A benefit would be 'you' would have your name on it in the museum as the donator and could probably get your picture in an NRA mag, I dunno, anyway, it can be doable with a little effort. Might even be able to negotiate a yearly 'visit' for certain long range matches or gun shows...hmmm, sounds better already!
Best regards and never fret, it'll all work out jist fine!
'Ol Gabe
Addendum: Wednesday, 12/22/04 Well, boyos, the Ox cart jist got over the Mississippi River and the Post Rider dropped off my NRA mag today with the contest info and pic of Tom with the Big Baby on his shoulder. OH YEA BABY, I WANT YOU! My entry just went in so the rest of you can go ice fishin', or whatever it is you do this time of year! HAH! I'll tell you what I did IF I win it, yea, right, not in this lifetime! HAH!