Final answer:
Gary Paulsen's Remington, single-shot .22 rifle may be special to him due to personal achievements, a connection with traditional skills, a sense of independence, or the rifle's cultural and historical significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The details provided do not contain direct information about Gary Paulsen's unique connection with his Remington, single-shot .22 rifle, but they do offer a glimpse into the significance of firearms in history and literature. In the context of Gary Paulsen's work and the general connection people have with their firearms, we can surmise that his rifle could be special to him for numerous reasons.
One reason may be the sense of independence and skill that comes with owning and mastering a rifle. Just as in the excerpt where the narrator recounts the vivid memory of a first successful shot and the consequent desire for a peaceful retreat, there could be a strong personal memory or milestone attached to Paulsen's rifle. Additionally, the historical value and legacy of firearms, as described in the context of the US military equipping soldiers and the postwar surplus of .30-06 rifles affecting hunters and sportsmen, indicate that there could also be a sense of heritage or tradition that makes his single-shot rifle significant.
Furthermore, the Remington brand itself, being part of American history and closely associated with figures such as Fredrick Remington, who had direct ties to the military and the American West, could imbue Paulsen's rifle with a cultural and historical sentiment. The rifle, therefore, could represent a connection to the past, to the outdoors, and to a way of life that is cherished. This interplay of personal experience and historical background often renders such items of great personal value to their owners.