Speculation about a 50-year-old rifle shoots across Nelson

A 50-year-old Winchester rifle has been found in Kootenay Lake just west of Nelson’s big orange bridge. 

Diving enthusiast Bruce Morrison has been collecting items since 2008 from the lake’s depths and is familiar with every inch below the surface. 

“The rifle was found so far west of the bridge that I don’t think anyone could have thrown it off,” says Morrison. “My working theory is that someone dropped it in the lake to get rid of it.”

Morrison was interested in trying to establish some history to see if the weapon had any background attached to it.

“I did take it to the police to see if there was criminal history attached to it, but it was in such bad condition it could not be determined without an investigation.

“Any serial numbers are too far gone to establish any connection, so I just cleaned it up and mounted it for display.”

A photo of Morrison holding the  gun has been posted on social media through the Kootenay Lake Tourism Facebook page, along with a lot of speculation about its purpose. Some even go as far as saying it could be evidence from a crime 

“Whose it is, and what it was for will have to remain a mystery,” Morrison says. 

Morrison offers all of his artifacts that he believes could have historical value to any relevant organization.

“I have found what appears to be an aboriginal weight to hold their nets down. If any aboriginal groups want it or have a place to display it they’re welcome to it.”

To follow Morrison’s diving adventures visit the Nelson Kootenay Lake website.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

New protection measures in place for Great Bear Sea  

B.C. is introducing new protection measures for 14.5 square...

B.C. streamlines process for U.S. and international doctors to work in the province

U.S.-trained doctors can now become fully licensed in British Columbia without the need for further assessment if they hold certain U.S. certifications.

Nelson receives over $700k for emergency dispatch upgrades

The City of Nelson has secured $710,490 in provincial funding to strengthen its emergency response system. 

Bear-resistant bins coming to downtown Nelson

Hungry bears will have a harder time feasting in Nelson’s downtown core as the city rolls out 35 new bear-resistant garbage bins. 

B.C’s youth watchdog says more work needs to be done, one year after report on systemic failures

One year after a report by British Columbia's Child and Youth Representative on the horrific death of an Indigenous boy in care, the province is still working on an action plan for systemic changes to children and youth social services.
- Advertisement -